The Bureau of Labor Statistic's Occupational Outlook Handbook lists the qualifications you will need if you are interested in employment as a truck driver.
Truck Driver Job Qualifications
All drivers must comply with Federal regulations and any State regulations that are stricter than Federal requirements.
Truck drivers must have a driver's license issued by the State in which they live, and most employers require a clean driving record.
Drivers of trucks designed to carry at least 26,000 pounds—including most tractor-trailers, as well as bigger straight trucks—must obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) from the State in which they live. All truck drivers who operate trucks transporting hazardous materials must obtain a CDL, regardless of truck size. In many States, a regular driver's license is sufficient for driving light trucks and vans.
To qualify for a commercial driver's license, applicants must pass a written test on rules and regulations, and then demonstrate that they can operate a commercial truck safely. A national databank permanently records all driving violations incurred by persons who hold commercial licenses. A State will check these records and deny a commercial driver's license to a driver who already has a license suspended or revoked in another State. Information on how to apply for a commercial driver's license may be obtained from State motor vehicle administrations.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require drivers to be at least 21 years old and to pass a physical examination once every 2 years. The main physical requirements include good hearing, at least 20/40 vision with glasses or corrective lenses, and a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers can not be colorblind.
In addition, a driver must not have been convicted of a felony involving the use of a motor vehicle; a crime using drugs; driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or hit-and-run driving that resulted in injury or death. All drivers must be able to read and speak English well enough to read road signs, prepare reports, and communicate with law enforcement officers and the public. Also, drivers must take a written examination on the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Many trucking operations have higher standards than those described. Many firms require that drivers be at least 22 years old, be able to lift heavy objects, and have driven trucks for 3 to 5 years. Many prefer to hire high school graduates and require annual physical examinations. Companies have an economic incentive to hire less-risky drivers because good drivers can increase fuel economy with their driving skills and decrease liability costs for the company.
More Resources
Careers in Trucking
America moves by truck! In fact, at this very moment, trucks are at work for you!
Around the clock, coast-to-coast, trucks are on the road carrying everything the nation needs: food, furniture, books, clothing, automobiles and medical supplies.
But a serious shortage exists in some segments of the industry that could disrupt our fine-tuned distribution system. It's not a shortage of freight or equipment; surprisingly, it's a shortage of men and women qualified to drive trucks.
To solve this problem, trucking companies are offering better wages and benefits to attract and retain good drivers. In fact, the trucking industry expects to hire about 450,000 new drivers -men, women, and minorities - each year until the year 2000. The prospects for an exciting and rewarding career as a professional truck driver have never been better!
Trucking -- Is It a Job for You?
Qualifications
To qualify for a truck driving job with a company operating in interstate commerce, a driver must meet the minimum requirements prescribed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations guide. In addition to Federal regulations, most companies have other rules and guidelines which a driver must follow.
AGE: While many states allow those 18 and older to drive trucks within state borders, federal regulations require drivers operating across state lines to be at least 21 years of age. (Note, however, that most interstate fleets do require over-the-road drivers to be at least 25 years of age.)
LICENSE: Every truck driver must have a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) issued by a state. A commercial driver can hold a license from only one state.
PHYSICAL CONDITION: The U.S. Department of Transportation requires a driver to have a complete physical examination at least every two years. A driver must not have suffered any loss of hand, arm, foot or leg movement, nor have any physical defect or disease likely to interfere with safe driving. A driver must not have a medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes that requires insulin for control.
VISION: A driver must have a minimum of 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, and have a 70 degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers may not be color blind.
HEARING: A driver must be capable of perceiving a forced whisper in the better ear at not less than five feet, with or without the use of a hearing aid.
EDUCATION: All drivers must be able to read and speak English well enough to understand traffic signs, prepare required reports, and speak with law enforcement authorities and the public. (Note: Some companies may have additional educational requirements.)
SAFETY: The U.S. Department of Transportation sets safety rules for interstate truck drivers (vehicle inspection, hours of service, etc.), and drivers must learn these rules and comply with them. Most states have adopted similar rules for intrastate drivers.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Strict regulations forbid the use of alcohol or drugs prior to or while operating commercial vehicles. Drivers are subject to drug and alcohol testing by their employers and by law enforcement officials. All drivers must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to random, reasonable-suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty and follow-up alcohol and drug testing. A driver must have no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism, and must not use any drugs which could affect his or her ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
CRIMINAL/DRIVING RECORD: A driver must not have been convicted of a felony involving the use of a commercial motor vehicle; using a truck in the commission of a crime involving drugs; driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or leaving the scene of an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle.
Types of Truck Drivers
Long-distance or over-the-road drivers operate heavy trucks and drive for long periods of time, either interstate (between states) or intrastate (within one state). Some long-haul drivers travel a few hundred miles and return the same day; others are away from home overnight, or for several days or weeks at a time.
Local drivers operate light, medium or heavy trucks, and work in route-sales or pick-up-and-delivery operations. These drivers have more contact with customers than do long-haul drivers, and usually make many more stops each day. Those in route-sales often need sales skills as well as driving skills.
Specialized trucking involves operating specialized trucks that handle unusual, oversized or sensitive loads. Drivers cover local and long-distance routes, and need extra training to operate their equipment. Examples of specialized trucking include auto carriers, dry bulk carriers, tank trucks, (permitted) oversized and overweight loads, or double and triple trailers.
Drivers who transport hazardous materials also need more extensive training, usually provided by their employers. These drivers must know the content of the loads they haul, how to handle the load safely, and what to do in an emergency. Drivers who transport hazardous materials are required to take additional testing on hazmat regulations and safety precautions when applying for the CDL.
An owner-operator or independent driver owns his or her own equipment - anything from a straight truck to a flatbed tractor-trailer - and hauls freight on a contractual basis. Husband-and-wife owner-operator teams are very common, especially in the household moving industry.
It's possible to make a good living as an owner-operator but, like most small businesses, the competition is tough and there are many overhead expenses involved - equipment purchases, maintenance, fuel and insurance, to name just a few. Most owner-operators begin their careers as salaried drivers with a motor carrier before starting their own business.
Rates of pay and potential earnings vary considerably within the industry. Most city pick-up-and-delivery drivers are paid by the hour. In long-haul operations, drivers are usually paid a specified rate per mile or, in some cases, a percentage of the revenue the motor carrier receives for the load hauled.
Choosing a Truck Driver Training School
A good way to get started on a career in driving is by enrolling in a truck driver training program. Driver training schools can be found in most parts of the country, often in community colleges, vocational-technical schools, and through private, proprietary schools. Many trucking companies also operate their own training facilities.
Choosing a good driver training school takes careful research and a lot of comparison shopping. To find the program that's right for you, visit as many schools as you can and consider the following guidelines:
The school should have adequate facilities for in-class instruction, comparable to the average public school classroom. Classroom instruction should include lectures and training videos, and should adequately prepare you to pass the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) exam. Contact your state division of motor vehicles for a copy of the CDL study manual.
The school should provide a variety of well-maintained trucks, tractors, and semi-trailers to prepare you for local, long-haul, and city pick-up-and-delivery driving. The school should have an off-street area for initial, behind-the-wheel instruction in vehicle handling and maneuvering.
Instructors should have a solid background in truck driver training, combining education and actual driving experience. Preferably, instructors should be accredited by a university or college driver-trainer program.
Be wary of schools that claim to be endorsed by the federal government, trucking associations or specific truck fleets. Contact organizations for which such endorsement is noted and verify the claims.
Check with the local board of education or business licensing agency to see which certificates or licenses the school is required to have. Then, check to see that the licenses are displayed and are valid. (Telephone numbers for these agencies usually can be found in the state and local government section of the telephone directory.)
One of the best ways to verify the reputation of a training school is to ask local trucking companies if they hire graduates from that school. Talk with recent graduates about the content and quality of training received, and ask if they have been successful finding a driving job.
Once you have decided on the program that's right for you, pay close attention to the following details before signing the contract:
* Read and understand the contract, and know exactly what your obligations are. Verify the tuition and other costs and terms governing refund or forfeiture of the down payment, should you fail to complete the program. If necessary, make arrangements (and be sure you clearly understand the terms) for financing the remainder of the tuition.
* If the school is far from your home, check into the availability of room and board at the school. Be sure to investigate adequacy and costs of those facilities. If you have dependents, be sure you have made arrangements to support them while you complete training.
* Research the availability of truck driving jobs where you live and realize that you may need to relocate in order to find a job.
* For a national listing of truck driver training programs, call the ATA Information Center, (703) 838-1880.
Getting Hired and Advancing
Most people learn of truck driving jobs by checking newspaper advertisements, contacting trucking companies in the area or by talking to other professional truck drivers.
Check your local telephone directory under "trucking" and "moving & storage" for the names of area companies, and look for large manufacturing and retailing companies which operate their own fleets. Your local or state employment service office may be of help, as well. The search will require telephone calls or letters, but personal visits - especially to trucking company offices - are often the best way to go.
Keep in mind that whether or not you graduate from a training school, most companies will want drivers with commercial driving experience; in fact, most of the larger or more specialized companies look for drivers with anywhere from two to five years of safe driving experience.
You may first have to work on the loading dock or shuttle trailers in the yard and gradually work your way into local deliveries. Most companies will then provide on-the-job, advanced training to help you feel comfortable with their equipment and operations before venturing out on the road.
Drivers who succeed are usually those who have excellent driving records, participate in company and industry safety meetings and receive advanced training.
Truck drivers can, and often do, advance to jobs in sales or operations within their company. Other drivers become driver trainers or advance to handle specialized equipment.
Safety is Our Driving Concern
The most important factor in determining if trucking is the career for you is whether you are willing to make a commitment to be safe and professional.
The American Trucking Associations, the voice of the trucking industry, has led the campaign for tough safety laws that affect everyone who drives the nation's highways, especially truck drivers.
* The Commercial Drivers License (CDL) has established uniform, nationwide testing and licensing standards for professional drivers. Driving records for all holders of the CDL are kept in States accessed via a centralized computer registry to prevent drivers from obtaining multiple licenses or hiding violations.
* Mandatory drug and alcohol testing requirements and increased roadside safety checks are forcing unsafe drivers off the road.
* Radar detectors have been banned from all commercial trucks operating in interstate commerce.
Careers in Trucking
America moves by truck! In fact, at this very moment, trucks are at work for you!
Around the clock, coast-to-coast, trucks are on the road carrying everything the nation needs: food, furniture, books, clothing, automobiles and medical supplies.
But a serious shortage exists in some segments of the industry that could disrupt our fine-tuned distribution system. It's not a shortage of freight or equipment; surprisingly, it's a shortage of men and women qualified to drive trucks.
To solve this problem, trucking companies are offering better wages and benefits to attract and retain good drivers. In fact, the trucking industry expects to hire about 450,000 new drivers -men, women, and minorities - each year until the year 2000. The prospects for an exciting and rewarding career as a professional truck driver have never been better!
Trucking -- Is It a Job for You?
Qualifications
To qualify for a truck driving job with a company operating in interstate commerce, a driver must meet the minimum requirements prescribed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations guide. In addition to Federal regulations, most companies have other rules and guidelines which a driver must follow.
AGE: While many states allow those 18 and older to drive trucks within state borders, federal regulations require drivers operating across state lines to be at least 21 years of age. (Note, however, that most interstate fleets do require over-the-road drivers to be at least 25 years of age.)
LICENSE: Every truck driver must have a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) issued by a state. A commercial driver can hold a license from only one state.
PHYSICAL CONDITION: The U.S. Department of Transportation requires a driver to have a complete physical examination at least every two years. A driver must not have suffered any loss of hand, arm, foot or leg movement, nor have any physical defect or disease likely to interfere with safe driving. A driver must not have a medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes that requires insulin for control.
VISION: A driver must have a minimum of 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, and have a 70 degree field of vision in each eye. Drivers may not be color blind.
HEARING: A driver must be capable of perceiving a forced whisper in the better ear at not less than five feet, with or without the use of a hearing aid.
EDUCATION: All drivers must be able to read and speak English well enough to understand traffic signs, prepare required reports, and speak with law enforcement authorities and the public. (Note: Some companies may have additional educational requirements.)
SAFETY: The U.S. Department of Transportation sets safety rules for interstate truck drivers (vehicle inspection, hours of service, etc.), and drivers must learn these rules and comply with them. Most states have adopted similar rules for intrastate drivers.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Strict regulations forbid the use of alcohol or drugs prior to or while operating commercial vehicles. Drivers are subject to drug and alcohol testing by their employers and by law enforcement officials. All drivers must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to random, reasonable-suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty and follow-up alcohol and drug testing. A driver must have no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism, and must not use any drugs which could affect his or her ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
CRIMINAL/DRIVING RECORD: A driver must not have been convicted of a felony involving the use of a commercial motor vehicle; using a truck in the commission of a crime involving drugs; driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; or leaving the scene of an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle.
Types of Truck Drivers
Long-distance or over-the-road drivers operate heavy trucks and drive for long periods of time, either interstate (between states) or intrastate (within one state). Some long-haul drivers travel a few hundred miles and return the same day; others are away from home overnight, or for several days or weeks at a time.
Local drivers operate light, medium or heavy trucks, and work in route-sales or pick-up-and-delivery operations. These drivers have more contact with customers than do long-haul drivers, and usually make many more stops each day. Those in route-sales often need sales skills as well as driving skills.
Specialized trucking involves operating specialized trucks that handle unusual, oversized or sensitive loads. Drivers cover local and long-distance routes, and need extra training to operate their equipment. Examples of specialized trucking include auto carriers, dry bulk carriers, tank trucks, (permitted) oversized and overweight loads, or double and triple trailers.
Drivers who transport hazardous materials also need more extensive training, usually provided by their employers. These drivers must know the content of the loads they haul, how to handle the load safely, and what to do in an emergency. Drivers who transport hazardous materials are required to take additional testing on hazmat regulations and safety precautions when applying for the CDL.
An owner-operator or independent driver owns his or her own equipment - anything from a straight truck to a flatbed tractor-trailer - and hauls freight on a contractual basis. Husband-and-wife owner-operator teams are very common, especially in the household moving industry.
It's possible to make a good living as an owner-operator but, like most small businesses, the competition is tough and there are many overhead expenses involved - equipment purchases, maintenance, fuel and insurance, to name just a few. Most owner-operators begin their careers as salaried drivers with a motor carrier before starting their own business.
Rates of pay and potential earnings vary considerably within the industry. Most city pick-up-and-delivery drivers are paid by the hour. In long-haul operations, drivers are usually paid a specified rate per mile or, in some cases, a percentage of the revenue the motor carrier receives for the load hauled.
Choosing a Truck Driver Training School
A good way to get started on a career in driving is by enrolling in a truck driver training program. Driver training schools can be found in most parts of the country, often in community colleges, vocational-technical schools, and through private, proprietary schools. Many trucking companies also operate their own training facilities.
Choosing a good driver training school takes careful research and a lot of comparison shopping. To find the program that's right for you, visit as many schools as you can and consider the following guidelines:
The school should have adequate facilities for in-class instruction, comparable to the average public school classroom. Classroom instruction should include lectures and training videos, and should adequately prepare you to pass the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) exam. Contact your state division of motor vehicles for a copy of the CDL study manual.
The school should provide a variety of well-maintained trucks, tractors, and semi-trailers to prepare you for local, long-haul, and city pick-up-and-delivery driving. The school should have an off-street area for initial, behind-the-wheel instruction in vehicle handling and maneuvering.
Instructors should have a solid background in truck driver training, combining education and actual driving experience. Preferably, instructors should be accredited by a university or college driver-trainer program.
Be wary of schools that claim to be endorsed by the federal government, trucking associations or specific truck fleets. Contact organizations for which such endorsement is noted and verify the claims.
Check with the local board of education or business licensing agency to see which certificates or licenses the school is required to have. Then, check to see that the licenses are displayed and are valid. (Telephone numbers for these agencies usually can be found in the state and local government section of the telephone directory.)
One of the best ways to verify the reputation of a training school is to ask local trucking companies if they hire graduates from that school. Talk with recent graduates about the content and quality of training received, and ask if they have been successful finding a driving job.
Once you have decided on the program that's right for you, pay close attention to the following details before signing the contract:
* Read and understand the contract, and know exactly what your obligations are. Verify the tuition and other costs and terms governing refund or forfeiture of the down payment, should you fail to complete the program. If necessary, make arrangements (and be sure you clearly understand the terms) for financing the remainder of the tuition.
* If the school is far from your home, check into the availability of room and board at the school. Be sure to investigate adequacy and costs of those facilities. If you have dependents, be sure you have made arrangements to support them while you complete training.
* Research the availability of truck driving jobs where you live and realize that you may need to relocate in order to find a job.
* For a national listing of truck driver training programs, call the ATA Information Center, (703) 838-1880.
Getting Hired and Advancing
Most people learn of truck driving jobs by checking newspaper advertisements, contacting trucking companies in the area or by talking to other professional truck drivers.
Check your local telephone directory under "trucking" and "moving & storage" for the names of area companies, and look for large manufacturing and retailing companies which operate their own fleets. Your local or state employment service office may be of help, as well. The search will require telephone calls or letters, but personal visits - especially to trucking company offices - are often the best way to go.
Keep in mind that whether or not you graduate from a training school, most companies will want drivers with commercial driving experience; in fact, most of the larger or more specialized companies look for drivers with anywhere from two to five years of safe driving experience.
You may first have to work on the loading dock or shuttle trailers in the yard and gradually work your way into local deliveries. Most companies will then provide on-the-job, advanced training to help you feel comfortable with their equipment and operations before venturing out on the road.
Drivers who succeed are usually those who have excellent driving records, participate in company and industry safety meetings and receive advanced training.
Truck drivers can, and often do, advance to jobs in sales or operations within their company. Other drivers become driver trainers or advance to handle specialized equipment.
Safety is Our Driving Concern
The most important factor in determining if trucking is the career for you is whether you are willing to make a commitment to be safe and professional.
The American Trucking Associations, the voice of the trucking industry, has led the campaign for tough safety laws that affect everyone who drives the nation's highways, especially truck drivers.
* The Commercial Drivers License (CDL) has established uniform, nationwide testing and licensing standards for professional drivers. Driving records for all holders of the CDL are kept in States accessed via a centralized computer registry to prevent drivers from obtaining multiple licenses or hiding violations.
* Mandatory drug and alcohol testing requirements and increased roadside safety checks are forcing unsafe drivers off the road.
* Radar detectors have been banned from all commercial trucks operating in interstate commerce.
Suggested citation:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2002-03 Edition, Trucking and Warehousing, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs021.htm
(visited February 12, 2003).
The 2002-03 Career Guide to Industries U.S. Department of Labor | Bureau of Labor Statistics | Bulletin 2541
Trucking and Warehousing
Significant Points
Truckdrivers hold one-half of all trucking and warehousing jobs.
Job opportunities are expected to be good for qualified truckdrivers and service technicians.
A growing proportion of the Nation's freight is being transported by truck, but business in the industry is prone to rise and fall with upswings and downturns in the overall economy.
Nature of the Industry
Firms in the trucking and warehousing industry provide a link between manufacturers and consumers. Businesses, and occasionally individuals, contract with trucking and warehousing companies to pick up, transport, store, and deliver a variety of goods. This industry includes two segments, local and long-distance trucking and terminals and public warehousing and storage. However, the trend towards full-service logistical companies is blurring the distinction between trucking and warehousing.
Local and long-distance trucking and terminals provide over-the-road transportation of cargo using motor vehicles, such as trucks and tractor trailers. This industry segment is further subdivided based on distance traveled and type of goods delivered. Local trucking establishments primarily carry goods within a single metropolitan area and its adjacent nonurban areas. Long-distance trucking establishments carry goods between distant areas. Courier service establishments handle individual letters and light packages.
Local trucking comprised almost 65,000 trucking establishments in 2000. The work of local trucking firms varies depending on the products transported. Produce truckers usually pick up loaded trucks early in the morning and spend the rest of the day delivering produce to many different grocery stores. Lumber truckdrivers, on the other hand, make several trips from the lumber yard to one or more construction sites. Some local truck transportation firms also take on sales and customer relations responsibilities, in addition to delivering the firm’s products. Some local trucking firms specialize in local furniture moving, garbage collection and trash removal, or hauling dirt and debris.
Long-distance trucking firms account for a majority of the jobs in the trucking and warehousing industry. Numbering more than 51,000 establishments, this sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing long-distance trucking between distant areas and sometimes between the United States and Canada and Mexico. These establishments handle a wide variety of commodities, transported in numerous types of equipment—from refrigerated trailers to flatbeds. Included in this industry are establishments operating as truckload (TL) or less than truckload (LTL) carriers.
Truckload carriers move large amounts of goods directly to their destination usually with no stops in between. These long-distance carrier establishments provide full truck movement of freight from the shipment’s origin to its destination. The shipment of freight is a full single load not combined with other shipments.
Less-than-truckloadcarriers pick up multiple shipments and bring them to a terminal, where they are unloaded and then reloaded by destination. The combined shipment is carried to a terminal near the shipments’ destination, and each shipment is delivered from there. Through a national or regional network of terminals, activities of LTL carriers include local pickup, local sorting and terminal operations, line-haul of freight, destination sorting, terminal operations, and local delivery.
Some goods are carried across country using intermodal transportation to save time and money. Intermodal transportation encompasses any combination of truck, train, plane, or ship. Typically, trucks perform at least one leg in the intermodal transportation of goods. For example, a shipment of cars from an assembly plant begins its journey when they are loaded onto rail cars. Next, trains haul the cars across country to a depot where the shipments are broken into smaller lots, loaded onto tractor-trailers, and sent off on the final leg of their journey to dealerships. Each of these steps is carefully orchestrated and timed so that the cars arrive just in time to be shipped on their next leg of their journey. Goods can be transported at lower cost this way, but they cannot be highly perishable—such as fresh produce—nor have strict delivery time schedules. Trucking still dominates the transportation of perishable and time-sensitive goods.
Courier services establishments deliver letters, parcels, and small packages under 100 pounds, usually within the confines of a metropolitan area. In the past, they were one of the fastest growing segments of the industry. (Companies that use aircraft to deliver small items to distant destinations are part of the air transportation industry, covered elsewhere in the Career Guide.)
Motor freight transportation terminals are mostly operated by large trucking companies. However, there were about 473 independent terminals not affiliated with trucklines in 2000. Many of these independent terminals break down truckloads of produce and other foods into shipments to area wholesalers. Many terminals also offer truck maintenance and repair services.
Public warehousing and storage facilities comprised more than 15,000 establishments in 2000. These firms were primarily engaged in operating warehousing and storage facilities for general merchandise and refrigerated goods. They provided facilities to store goods; self-storage mini-warehouses that rent to the general public are also included in this segment of the industry.
Deregulation of interstate trucking in 1980 encouraged many firms to add a wide range of customer-oriented services to complement trucking and warehousing services and led to innovations in the distribution process. Increasingly, trucking and warehousing firms provide businesses full-service logistical services encompassing the entire transportation process, including inventory management, materials handling, and warehousing. Firms that offer these services are often referred to as third-party logistics providers. Logistical services manage all aspects of the movement of goods between producers and consumers, such as sorting bulk goods into customized lots, packaging and repackaging goods, inventory control and management, order entry and fulfillment, labeling, light assembly, and price marking. Logistical services such as computerized inventory information on the location, age, and quantity of goods available have improved the efficiency of relationships between manufacturers and customers. Just-in-time shipping—where trucking companies deliver goods from suppliers just in time for their use—allows recipients to reduce costly inventories but requires constant communication and accurate inventory information. Packaging, labeling, and small assembly of manufacturers’ products are other services that warehousing establishments use to attract potential customers. Some full-service companies even perform warranty repairwork and serve as local parts distributors for manufacturers.
Working Conditions
In the trucking and warehousing industry in 2000, workers averaged 40.5 hours a week, compared with an average of 34.5 hours for all private industries.
The U.S. Department of Transportation governs work hours and other working conditions of truckdrivers engaged in interstate commerce. For example, a long-distance driver generally cannot work more than 60 hours in any 7-day period. Many drivers, particularly on long runs, work close to the maximum time permitted because employers usually compensate them based on the number of miles or hours they drive. Drivers frequently travel at night, on holidays, and weekends to avoid traffic delays and to deliver cargo on time.
Truckdrivers must cope with a variety of working conditions including variable weather and traffic conditions, boredom, and fatigue. Many truckdrivers, however, enjoy the independence and lack of supervision found in long-distance driving. Local truckdrivers often have regular routes or assignments that allow them to return home in the evenings.
Improvements in roads and trucks are reducing stress and increasing the efficiency of long-distance drivers. Many advanced trucks are equipped with refrigerators, televisions, and beds for the driver’s convenience. Included in some of these state-of-the-art vehicles is a satellite link with the company headquarters. Drivers can get directions, weather reports, and other important communications in a matter of seconds. In the event of bad weather or mechanical problems, truckers can communicate with dispatchers to discuss delivery schedules and courses of action. Dispatchers can also track the location of the truck and monitor fuel consumption and engine performance.
Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers usually work indoors, although they occasionally make repairs on the road. Minor cuts, burns, and bruises are common, but serious accidents can be avoided when the shop is kept clean and orderly and safety practices observed. Service technicians and mechanics handle greasy and dirty parts and may stand or lie in awkward positions to repair vehicles and equipment. They usually work in well-lighted, heated, and ventilated areas, but some shops are drafty and noisy.
Freight, terminal, and warehouse workers usually work indoors, though they may do occasional work on trucks and forklifts outside. Some occasions warrant heavy lifting and other physical labor.
Safety is a major concern of the trucking and warehousing industry. The operation of trucks, lifts, and other technically advanced equipment can be dangerous without proper training and supervision. Efforts are underway to standardize the training programs to make drivers more efficient and effective truck operators. Truckdrivers already must adhere to federally mandated certifications and regulations. Federal mandates require drivers to submit to drug and alcohol tests as a condition of employment and more employers require periodic checks while on the job.
In 1999, work-related injuries and illnesses in the trucking and warehousing industry averaged 8.7 per 100 full-time workers, higher than the 6.3-incidence rate for the entire private sector. About 2 out of 3 on-the-job fatalities in the trucking and warehousing industry resulted from motor vehicle accidents.
Employment
The trucking and warehousing industry provided more than 1.8 million wage and salary jobs in 2000. About half of the salaried jobs in the industry, 926,000, were for truckdrivers and driver/sales workers. Other transportation and material-moving jobs numbered 350,000, and another 314,000 jobs were in various office and administrative support occupations. There were about 99,000 managers; 57,000 bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists; and 31,000 sales and related workers. In addition to wage and salary workers, an estimated 289,000 workers in the industry were self-employed in 2000.
Most employees in the trucking and warehousing industry work in small establishments. Over 3 out of 4 trucking and warehousing establishments employ fewer than 10 workers . Consolidation in the industry has reduced the number of small, specialized firms. About 8 percent of truckdrivers operate their own business. Although these owner-operators constantly enter the industry each year, intense competition has caused many to fail.
Trucking and warehousing establishments are found throughout the United States, with a higher concentration around the major interstate highways and in heavily industrialized regions of the country such as in California, New Jersey, and Texas.
Occupations in the Industry
Transportation and material moving occupations account for 69 percent of all jobs in the industry (table 1). Truckdrivers and driver/sales workers, who hold one-half of all trucking and warehousing jobs, transport goods from one location to another. They ensure safe delivery of cargo to a specific destination, often by a designated time. Drivers also perform some minor maintenance work on their vehicles and make routine safety checks.
The length of trips varies according to the type of merchandise and its final destination. Local drivers provide regular service while other drivers make inter-city and interstate deliveries that take longer and may vary from job to job. The driver’s responsibilities and assignments change according to the time spent on the road and the type of payloads transported.
Local drivers usually work more normal schedules and return home at the end of the day. They may deliver goods to stores or homes, or haul away dirt and debris from excavation sites. Many local drivers cover the same routes daily or weekly. Long-distance truckdrivers often are on the road for long stretches of time. Their trips vary from an overnight stay to a week or more. On longer trips, drivers sometimes sleep in bunks in their cabs or share driving with another driver.
Laborers, and hand freight, stock, and material movers help load and unload freight and move it around warehouses and terminals. Often these unskilled employees work together in groups of three or four. They may use conveyor belts, hand trucks, or forklifts to move freight. They may place heavy or bulky items on wooden skids or pallets and have industrial truck and tractor operators move them.
Office and administrative supportworkers perform the daily record keeping operations for the trucking and warehousing industry. Dispatchers coordinate the movement of freight and trucks. They provide the main communication link that informs the truckdrivers of their assignments, schedules, and routes. Often dispatchers receive new shipping orders on short notice and must juggle drivers’ assignments and schedules to accommodate a client. Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks keep records of shipments arriving and leaving. They verify the contents of trucks’ cargo against shipping records. They may also pack and move stock. Billing and posting clerks and machine operators maintain company records of the shipping rates negotiated with customers and shipping charges incurred; they also prepare customer invoices.
Workers in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations generally enter these jobs only after acquiring experience in related jobs or after receiving specialized training. Most vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers require special vocational training. Service technicians and mechanics in trucking and warehousing firms perform preventive safety checks as well as routine service and repairs. Service technicians and mechanics sometimes advance to parts manager positions. Parts managers keep the supply of replacement parts needed to repair vehicles. Parts managers monitor the parts inventory using a computerized system, and purchase new parts to replenish supplies. These employees need mechanical knowledge and must be familiar with computers and purchasing procedures.
Sales and related workers sell trucking and warehousing services to shippers of goods. They meet with prospective buyers, discuss the customer’s needs, and suggest appropriate services. Travel may be required, and many analyze sales statistics, prepare reports, and handle some administrative duties.
Managerial staff provide general direction to the firm. They staff, supervise, and provide safety and other training to workers in the various occupations. They also resolve logistical problems such as forecasting transportation demand, mapping out the most efficient traffic routes, order processing, parts and equipment service support, and transportation of goods to the right place at the right time.
Table 1. Employment of wage and salary workers in trucking and warehousing by occupation, 2000 and projected change, 2000-10
(Employment in thousands)
Occupation
Employment, 2000
Percent change, 2000-10
Number
Percent
All occupations
1,856
100.0
21.9
Management, business, and financial occupations
99
5.3
31.4
General and operations managers
38
2.0
24.7
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
18
1.0
46.2
Sales and related occupations
31
1.7
29.8
Office and administrative support occupations
314
16.9
17.1
First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers
21
1.1
33.2
Billing and posting clerks and machine operators
19
1.0
3.1
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks
21
1.2
12.3
Customer service representatives
22
1.2
38.1
Couriers and Messengers
41
2.2
-6.0
Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance
40
2.1
24.3
Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks
19
1.0
35.0
Office clerks, general
46
2.5
16.4
Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations
96
5.2
12.4
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
57
3.0
1.7
Maintenance and repair workers, general
15
0.8
24.0
Transportation and material moving occupations
1,276
68.7
22.5
First-line supervisors/managers of helpers, laborers, and material movers, hand
16
0.9
23.3
First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators
32
1.7
24.4
Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer
795
42.8
23.3
Truck drivers, light or delivery services
124
6.7
13.7
Industrial truck and tractor operators
79
4.2
25.1
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand
148
8.0
20.0
Packers and packagers, hand
17
0.9
41.4
Refuse and recyclable material collectors
28
1.5
26.8
NOTE: May not add to totals due to omission of occupations with small employment.
Training and Advancement
Many jobs in the trucking and warehousing industry require only a high school education, although an increasing number of workers have at least some college education. Increased emphasis on formal education stems from increased complexity in the industry. Nearly all operations involve computers and information management systems. Many occupations require detail-oriented persons with computer skills. A growing number of employers recommend some form of formal training either in-house or through trade or union programs. Although, the Federal Government does not mandate these programs, the trend is toward certification and standardized competency.
Whereas many States allow those who are 18 years old to drive trucks within State borders, the U.S. Department of Transportation establishes minimum qualifications for truckdrivers engaged in interstate commerce. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require truckdrivers to be at least 21 years old, have at least 20/40 vision and good hearing, and be able to read and speak English. They must also have good driving records. In addition, drivers must have a State commercial driver’s license, for which they must pass a written examination and a skills test operating the type of vehicle they will be driving. Individual companies often have additional requirements applicants must meet.
Some truckdrivers enter the occupation by attending training schools for truckdrivers. Schools vary greatly in the quality of training they provide, but they are becoming more standardized. Many employers and some States support these programs.
Some large trucking companies have formal training programs that prospective drivers attend. Other companies assign experienced drivers to teach and mentor newer drivers. Local trucking firms often start drivers as truckdriver helpers. As they gain experience and demonstrate their reliability, they receive assignments with greater earnings or preferred work schedules. Because of increased competition for experienced drivers, some larger companies lure these drivers with increased pay and preferred assignments. Some trucking firms hire only experienced drivers.
Some long-distance truckdrivers purchase a truck and go into business for themselves. Although many of these owner-operators are successful, some fail to cover expenses and eventually go out of business. Owner-operators should have good business sense as well as truckdriving experience. Courses in accounting, business, and business mathematics are helpful, and knowledge of truck mechanics can enable owner-operators to perform their own routine maintenance and minor repairs.
Unskilled employees may work as helpers, laborers, and material-movers in their first job. They must be in good physical condition because the work often involves a great deal of physical labor and heavy lifting. They acquire skills on the job and often advance to more skilled jobs, such as industrial truck operator, truckdriver, shipping and receiving clerk, or supervisor.
Office and administrative support jobs in the trucking and warehousing industry require good typing skills and familiarity with computers. Shipping and receiving clerks watch and learn the skills of the trade from more experienced workers while on the job. Stock clerks and truckdrivers often advance to dispatcher positions after becoming familiar with company operations and procedures.
While some vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers learn the trade on the job, most employers prefer to hire graduates of programs in diesel mechanics offered by community and junior colleges or vocational and technical schools. Those with no training often start as helpers to mechanics, doing basic errands and chores such as washing trucks or moving them to different locations. Experience as an automotive service technician is helpful because many of the skills relate to diesel technology. Experienced technicians may advance to shop supervisor or parts manager positions.
For managerial jobs in the trucking and warehousing industry, employers prefer persons with bachelor’s degrees in business, marketing, accounting, industrial relations, or economics. Good communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills are valuable in entry level jobs. Although most managers must learn logistics through extensive training on the job, several universities offer graduate and undergraduate programs in logistics. These programs emphasize the tools necessary to manage the distribution of goods and are sometimes associated with the business departments of schools. Managers hired for entry-level positions sometimes advance to top level managerial jobs.
Some college graduates and persons without a college degree enter sales or administrative positions. Marketing and sales workers must be familiar with their firm’s products and services and have strong communication skills.
Earnings
Average earnings in the trucking and warehousing industry are higher than the average for all private industry, as shown in table 2. The average wage in the trucking sector of the industry was higher than the average wage in warehousing. Earnings in selected occupations in trucking and warehousing appear in table 3.
Table 2. Average earnings of nonsupervisory workers in trucking and warehousing, 2000
Industry segment
Weekly
Hourly
Total, private industry
$474
$13.74
Trucking and warehousing
579
14.29
Trucking and courier services, except air
588
14.51
Public warehousing and storage
490
12.25
Most employers compensate truckdrivers with an hourly rate or a rate-per-mile system. Truckdrivers who operate heavy tractor-trailers generally have higher earnings than those who drive light delivery trucks. Benefits, including performance related bonuses, health insurance, and sick and vacation leave are common in the trucking industry.
The major union in the trucking and warehousing industry is the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. About 19.0 percent of trucking and warehousing workers are union members or are covered by union contracts, compared to 14.9 percent of workers in all industries combined. Some trucking companies use “double breasting” in an attempt to lower labor costs. This involves employing union as well as nonunion operating divisions. Other companies use multi-tier wage scales and pay lower wages for new hires. Pay increases after predetermined periods and safe driving records.
Table 3. Median hourly earnings of the largest occupations in trucking and warehousing, 2000
Occupation
Trucking and warehousing
All industries
General and operations managers
$27.11
$29.41
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
23.61
26.07
First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators
20.18
19.37
Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer
16.32
15.25
Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance
15.33
13.66
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
14.66
15.55
Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand
10.37
9.04
Truck drivers, light or delivery services
12.57
10.74
Industrial truck and tractor operators
11.72
11.74
Couriers and Messengers
9.01
8.96
Outlook
The number of wage and salary jobs in the trucking and warehousing industry is expected to grow 22 percent from 2000 through 2010, compared with projected growth of 16 percent for all industries combined. Because the industry is large, many job openings will result—not only from employment growth—but also from the need to replace the large number of workers who transfer to other industries or retire. Opportunities in this industry should be good for qualified workers at all levels, especially in truckdriving and service technician occupations.
One of the main factors influencing the growth of the trucking and warehousing industry is the state of the national economy. Growth in the industry parallels economic upswings and downturns. As the national economy grows, production and sales of goods increase, thus increasing demand for transportation services to move goods from producers to consumers. In a recession, this industry is one of the first to slow down as orders for goods and shipments Decline. Competition in the trucking and warehousing industry is intense, both among trucking companies and, in some long-haul truckload segments, with the railroad industry. Nevertheless, trucking has been accounting for an increasingly large share of freight transportation revenue.
Additional employment growth will result from manufacturers’ willingness to concentrate more on their core competencies—producing goods—and outsource their distribution functions to trucking and warehousing companies. As firms in other industries increasingly employ this industry's logistical services, such as inventory management and just-in-time shipping, many new jobs will be created. Also, the expansion of electronic commerce as more consumers and businesses make purchases over the Internet will continue to increase demand for the transportation and logistical services of the trucking and warehousing industry.
Opportunities for qualified truckdrivers are expected to be favorable. In some areas, companies have experienced difficulties recruiting adequately skilled drivers. Truckdriving pays relatively well, but many persons leave the career because of the lengthy periods away from home, long hours of driving, and the negative public image drivers face. Stricter requirements for obtaining—and keeping—a commercial driver’s license also make truckdriving less attractive as a career. Opportunities for diesel service technicians and mechanics also are expected to be favorable, especially for applicants with formal postsecondary training.
Growth in the trucking and warehousing industry should prompt an increase in office and administrative support employment. More dispatchers, stock clerks, and shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks will be needed to support expanded logistical services across the country. However, fewer secretaries, bookkeepers, and file clerks will be needed because computers and other automated equipment will make workers in these occupations more efficient and productive.
Courier and delivery services has been one of the most rapidly growing segments of the industry. Employment is expected to continue to increase even as competition from overnight air-courier firms, and business use of fax machines and e-mail moderates growth.
Sources of Additional Information
For additional information about careers and training in the trucking and warehousing industry, write to:
American Trucking Associations, 2200 Mill Rd., Alexandria, VA 22314.
International Warehouse Logistics Association, 1300 W. Higgins, Suite 111, Park Ridge, IL 60068. Internet: http://www.warehouselogistics.org
International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses, 7315 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1200N, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Professional Truck driver Institute, 2200 Mill Rd., Alexandria, VA 22314; or by calling (703) 838-8842. Internet: http://www.ptdi.org
Detailed information on the following occupations can be found in the 2002-03 Occupational Outlook Handbook:
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Wayne Lamberty has been driving for Marten Transport for 18 years. For almost five years now, he's been on a dedicated run for the Jelly Belly Candy Co. Just in time for Valentine's Day, read more about this sweet trucker, as well as a story of parental love, in Alternate Route.
Members Only: In a speech to ATA's Customs, Immigration and Cross Border Operations Committee, U.S. Customs Service Deputy Commissioner Doug Browning discussed what will happen at the border when the agency moves to the Department of Homeland Security and what is in the future for the motor carrier industry at our borders. Read the text of his speech here.
ATA President and CEO Bill Graves wrote to President George Bush Friday expressing concern over rapidly rising diesel prices and suggesting a release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve "may be the best option to avert a potential crisis in the domestic refinery system." Read the full letter here.
Members Only:The national average diesel price jumped an unprecedented 12 cents last week to $1.662, also a near-historic mark. Low temperatures and the threat of war with Iraq factored into the surging prices. ATA members can read more in Fuel Line. Non-members can subscribe here.
Didn't make it to Washington for ATA's Winter Leadership Meeting? There are many more events for every trucking-related interest on the ATA calendar throughout 2003. Find one that suits your needs here.
TMC is balloting seven new or revised Recommended Practices in advance of its 2003 Annual Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. TMC members can get more information and download an advance copy in PDF format here.
The national threat condition under the Homeland Security Advisory System has been raised to High (Condition Orange). At the time this alert was prepared, no specific regional or operational threat information regarding the trucking industry has been brought to ATA’s attention. More information is available in this Transportation Security Information Report.
The 108th Congress has convened and begun to go to work in Washington. It faces several issues of interest to trucking and agricultural haulers. Read more in the Executive Director's Report from ATC's Horizons newsletter.
Several different sponsorships are readily available for companies at one of the most popular events in the trucking industry, the National Truck Driving Championships. The 2003 event will be held Aug. 19-23 in Columbus, Ohio. Get more information here.
In his first speech as ATA president and CEO, Bill Graves thanked truck stop owners for participating in the Anti-Terrorism Action Plan and expressed a desire for ATA and NATSO to work together for other mutually-beneficial matters. Read the full text of Graves' speech here.
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