North Dakota Available Truck Drivers

Work of a Truck Driver

Truck drivers are a constant presence on the Nation’s highways and interstates. They deliver everything from automobiles to canned food. Firms of all kinds rely on trucks to pick up and deliver goods because no other form of transportation can deliver goods door-to-door. Even if some goods travel most of the way by ship, train, or airplane, almost everything is carried by trucks at some point in its journey.

Before leaving the terminal or warehouse, truck drivers check the fuel level and oil in their trucks. They also inspect the trucks to make sure that the brakes, windshield wipers, and lights are working and that a fire extinguisher, flares, and other safety equipment are aboard and in working order. Drivers make sure their cargo is secure and adjust the mirrors so that both sides of the truck are visible from the driver’s seat. Drivers report equipment that is inoperable, missing, or loaded improperly to the dispatcher.

Once under way, drivers must be alert in order to prevent accidents. Drivers can see farther down the road because large trucks seat them higher off the ground than other vehicles. This allows them to see the road ahead and select lanes that are moving more smoothly as well as giving them warning of any dangerous road conditions ahead of them.

The duration of runs vary according to the types of cargo and the destinations. Local drivers may provide daily service for a specific route or region, while other drivers make longer, intercity and interstate deliveries. Interstate and intercity cargo tends to vary from job to job more than local cargo. A driver’s responsibilities and assignments change according to the type of loads transported and their vehicle’s size.

New technologies are changing the way truck drivers work, especially long-distance truck drivers. Satellites and the Global Positioning System link many trucks with their company’s headquarters. Troubleshooting information, directions, weather reports, and other important communications can be instantly relayed to the truck. Drivers can easily communicate with the dispatcher to discuss delivery schedules and courses of action in the event of mechanical problems. The satellite link also allows the dispatcher to track the truck’s location, fuel consumption, and engine performance. Some drivers also work with computerized inventory tracking equipment. It is important for the producer, warehouse, and customer to know their product’s location at all times so they can maintain a high quality of service.

Heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers operate trucks or vans with a capacity of at least 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). They transport goods including cars, livestock, and other materials in liquid, loose, or packaged form. Many routes are from city to city and cover long distances. Some companies use two drivers on very long runs—one drives while the other sleeps in a berth behind the cab. These “sleeper” runs can last for days, or even weeks. Trucks on sleeper runs typically stop only for fuel, food, loading, and unloading.

Some heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers who have regular runs transport freight to the same city on a regular basis. Other drivers perform ad hoc runs because shippers request varying service to different cities every day.

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that drivers keep a log of their activities, the condition of the truck, and the circumstances of any accidents.

Long-distance heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers spend most of their working time behind the wheel, but also may have to load or unload their cargo. This is especially common when drivers haul specialty cargo, because they may be the only ones at the destination familiar with procedures or certified to handle the materials. Auto-transport drivers, for example, position cars on the trailers at the manufacturing plant and remove them at the dealerships. When picking up or delivering furniture, drivers of long-distance moving vans hire local workers to help them load or unload.

Light or delivery services truck drivers operate vans and trucks weighing less than 26,000 pounds GVW. They pick up or deliver merchandise and packages within a specific area. This may include short “turnarounds” to deliver a shipment to a nearby city, pick up another loaded truck or van, and drive it back to their home base the same day. These services may require use of electronic delivery tracking systems to track the whereabouts of the merchandise or packages. Light or delivery services truck drivers usually load or unload the merchandise at the customer’s place of business. They may have helpers if there are many deliveries to make during the day, or if the load requires heavy moving. Typically, before the driver arrives for work, material handlers load the trucks and arrange items for ease of delivery. Customers must sign receipts for goods and pay drivers the balance due on the merchandise if there is a cash-on-delivery arrangement. At the end of the day drivers turn in receipts, payments, records of deliveries made, and any reports on mechanical problems with their trucks.

Some local truck drivers have sales and customer service responsibilities. The primary responsibility of driver/sales workers, or route drivers, is to deliver and sell their firm’s products over established routes or within an established territory. They sell goods such as food products, including restaurant takeout items, or pick up and deliver items such as laundry. Their response to customer complaints and requests can make the difference between a large order and a lost customer. Route drivers may also take orders and collect payments.

The duties of driver/sales workers vary according to their industry, the policies of their employer, and the emphasis placed on their sales responsibility. Most have wholesale routes that deliver to businesses and stores, rather than to homes. For example, wholesale bakery driver/sales workers deliver and arrange bread, cakes, rolls, and other baked goods on display racks in grocery stores. They estimate how many of each item to stock by paying close attention to what is selling. They may recommend changes in a store’s order or encourage the manager to stock new bakery products. Laundries that rent linens, towels, work clothes, and other items employ driver/sales workers to visit businesses regularly to replace soiled laundry. Their duties also may include soliciting new customers along their sales route.

After completing their route, driver/sales workers place orders for their next deliveries based on product sales and customer requests.

Truck Driver Working Conditions

Truck driving has become less physically demanding because most trucks now have more comfortable seats, better ventilation, and improved, ergonomically designed cabs. Although these changes make the work environment less taxing, driving for many hours at a stretch, loading and unloading cargo, and making many deliveries can be tiring. Local truck drivers, unlike long-distance drivers, usually return home in the evening. Some self-employed long-distance truck drivers who own and operate their trucks spend most of the year away from home.

Design improvements in newer trucks have reduced stress and increased the efficiency of long-distance drivers. Many newer trucks are equipped with refrigerators, televisions, and bunks.

The U.S. Department of Transportation governs work hours and other working conditions of truck drivers engaged in interstate commerce. A long-distance driver may drive for 11 hours and work for up to 14 hours—including driving and non-driving duties—after having 10 hours off-duty. A driver may not drive after having worked for 60 hours in the past 7 days or 70 hours in the past 8 days unless they have taken at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty. Most drivers are required to document their time in a logbook. Many drivers, particularly on long runs, work close to the maximum time permitted because they typically are compensated according to the number of miles or hours they drive. Drivers on long runs face boredom, loneliness, and fatigue. Drivers often travel nights, holidays, and weekends to avoid traffic delays.

Local truck drivers frequently work 50 or more hours a week. Drivers who handle food for chain grocery stores, produce markets, or bakeries typically work long hours—starting late at night or early in the morning. Although most drivers have regular routes, some have different routes each day. Many local truck drivers, particularly driver/sales workers, load and unload their own trucks. This requires considerable lifting, carrying, and walking each day.

State and Federal regulations govern the qualifications and standards for truck drivers. All drivers must comply with Federal regulations and any State regulations that are in excess of those 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 26,000 pounds or more—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 order to receive the hazardous materials endorsement a driver must be fingerprinted and submit to a criminal background check by the Transportation Security Administration. Federal regulations governing CDL administration allow for States to exempt farmers, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, some military drivers, and snow and ice removers from the need for a CDL at the State’s discretion. In many States a regular driver’s license is sufficient for driving light trucks and vans.

To qualify for a CDL an applicant must have a clean driving record, pass a written test on rules and regulations, and then demonstrate that they can operate a commercial truck safely. A national database permanently records all driving violations committed by those with a CDL. A State will check these records and deny a CDL to those who already have a license suspended or revoked in another State. Licensed drivers must accompany trainees until they get their own CDL. A person may not hold more than one license at a time and must surrender any other licenses when a CDL is issued. Information on how to apply for a CDL may be obtained from State motor vehicle administrations.

Many States allow those who are as young as 18 years old to drive trucks within their borders. To drive a commercial vehicle between States one must be 21 years of age, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), which establishes minimum qualifications for truck drivers engaging in interstate commerce. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations—published by U.S. DOT—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 may not be colorblind. Drivers must be able to hear a forced whisper in one ear at not less than 5 feet, with a hearing aid if needed. Drivers must have normal use of arms and legs and normal blood pressure. Drivers may not use any controlled substances, unless prescribed by a licensed physician. Persons with epilepsy or diabetes controlled by insulin are not permitted to be interstate truck drivers. Federal regulations also require employers to test their drivers for alcohol and drug use as a condition of employment, and require periodic random tests of the drivers while they are on duty. A driver must not have been convicted of a felony involving the use of a motor vehicle; a crime involving drugs; driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; refusing to submit to an alcohol test required by a State or its implied consent laws or regulations; leaving the scene of a crime; or causing a fatality through negligent operation of a motor vehicle. 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.

Many trucking operations have higher standards than those described here. 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, as good drivers use less fuel and cost less to insure.

Taking driver-training courses is a desirable method of preparing for truck driving jobs and for obtaining a CDL. High school courses in driver training and automotive mechanics also may be helpful. Many private and public vocational-technical schools offer tractor-trailer driver training programs. Students learn to maneuver large vehicles on crowded streets and in highway traffic. They also learn to inspect trucks and freight for compliance with regulations. Some programs provide only a limited amount of actual driving experience. Completion of a program does not guarantee a job. Those interested in attending a driving school should check with local trucking companies to make sure the school’s training is acceptable. Some States require prospective drivers to complete a training course in basic truck driving before being issued their CDL. The Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), a nonprofit organization established by the trucking industry, manufacturers, and others, certifies driver training courses at truck driver training schools that meet industry standards and Federal Highway Administration guidelines for training tractor-trailer drivers.

Drivers must get along well with people because they often deal directly with customers. Employers seek driver/sales workers who speak well and have self-confidence, initiative, tact, and a neat appearance. Employers also look for responsible, self-motivated individuals who are able to work well with little supervision.

Training given to new drivers by employers is usually informal, and may consist of only a few hours of instruction from an experienced driver, sometimes on the new employee’s own time. New drivers may also ride with and observe experienced drivers before getting their own assignments. Drivers receive additional training to drive special types of trucks or handle hazardous materials. Some companies give 1 to 2 days of classroom instruction covering general duties, the operation and loading of a truck, company policies, and the preparation of delivery forms and company records. Driver/sales workers also receive training on the various types of products their company carries so that they can effectively answer questions about the products and more easily market them to their customers.

Although most new truck drivers are assigned to regular driving jobs immediately, some start as extra drivers—substituting for regular drivers who are ill or on vacation. Extra drivers receive a regular assignment when an opening occurs.

New drivers sometimes start on panel trucks or other small straight trucks. As they gain experience and show competent driving skills they may advance to larger, heavier trucks and finally to tractor-trailers.

The advancement of truck drivers generally is limited to driving runs that provide increased earnings, preferred schedules, or working conditions. Local truck drivers may advance to driving heavy or specialized trucks, or transfer to long-distance truck driving. Working for companies that also employ long-distance drivers is the best way to advance to these positions. Few truck drivers become dispatchers or managers.

Some long-distance truck drivers purchase trucks and go into business for themselves. Although some of these owner-operators are successful, others fail to cover expenses and go out of business. Owner-operators should have good business sense as well as truck driving experience. Courses in accounting, business, and business mathematics are helpful. Knowledge of truck mechanics can enable owner-operators to perform their own routine maintenance and minor repairs.

ABERCROMBIE, 58001 ABSARAKA, 58002 ADAMS, 58210 AGATE, 58310 ALAMO, 58830 ALEXANDER, 58831 alice, 58031 ALMONT, 58520 ALSEN, 58311 AMBROSE, 58833 AMENIA, 58004 AMIDON, 58620 ANAMOOSE, 58710 ANETA, 58212 ANTLER, 58711 ARDOCH, 58213 ARGUSVILLE, 58005 ARNEGARD, 58835 ARTHUR, 58006 ARVILLA, 58214 ASHLEY, 58413 AYR, 58007 BALDWIN, 58521 BALFOUR, 58712 BALTA, 58313 BANTRY, 58713 BARNEY, 58008 BATHGATE, 58216 BEACH, 58621 BELCOURT, 58316 BELFIELD, 58622 BENEDICT, 58716 BERLIN, 58415 BERTHOLD, 58718 BEULAH, 58523 BINFORD, 58416 BISBEE, 58317 BISMARCK, 58501 Bismark, 58506 BLANCHARD, 58009 Bonetraill, 0 BOTTINEAU, 58318 BOWBELLS, 58721 BOWDON, 58418 BOWMAN, 58623 BRADDOCK, 58524 BREMEN, 58319 BRINSMADE, 58320 BROCKET, 58321 BUCHANAN, 58420 BUCYRUS, 58639 BUFFALO, 58011 Buford, 58801 BURLINGTON, 58722 BUTTE, 58723 BUXTON, 58218 CALEDONIA, 58219 CALVIN, 58323 CANDO, 58324 CANNON BALL, 58528 CARBURY, 58783 CARPIO, 58725 CARRINGTON, 58421 CARSON, 58529 CARTWRIGHT, 58838 CASSELTON, 58012 CATHAY, 58422 CAVALIER, 58220 CAYUGA, 58013 CENTER, 58530 CHAFFEE, 58014 CHASELEY, 58423 CHRISTINE, 58015 CHURCHS FERRY, 58325 CLEVELAND, 58424 CLIFFORD, 58016 COGSWELL, 58017 COLEHARBOR, 58531 COLFAX, 58018 COLUMBUS, 58727 COOPERSTOWN, 58425 COURTENAY, 58426 CRARY, 58327 CROSBY, 58730 CRYSTAL, 58222 CUMMINGS, 58223 DAHLEN, 58224 DAVENPORT, 58021 DAWSON, 58428 DAZEY, 58429 DEERING, 58731 DENHOFF, 58430 DES LACS, 58733 DEVIL LAKE, 58301 DEVILS LAKE, 58301 DICKEY, 58431 DICKINSON, 58601 DODGE, 58625 DONNYBROOK, 58734 DOUGLAS, 58735 DRAKE, 58736 DRAYTON, 58225 DRISCOLL, 58532 DUNN CENTER, 58626 DUNSEITH, 58329 Dwight, 0 ECKELSON, 58432 EDGELEY, 58433 EDINBURG, 58227 EDMORE, 58330 EGELAND, 58331 ELGIN, 58533 ELLENDALE, 58436 EMERADO, 58228 ENDERLIN, 58027 ENGLEVALE, 58033 EPPING, 58843 ERIE, 58029 ESMOND, 58332 FAIRDALE, 58229 FAIRFIELD, 58627 FAIRMOUNT, 58030 FARGO, 58102 farmignton, 58075 FARMINGTON, 58075 FESSENDEN, 58438 FINGAL, 58031 FINLEY, 58230 FLASHER, 58535 FLAXTON, 58737 FORBES, 58439 FORDVILLE, 58231 FOREST RIVER, 58233 FORMAN, 58032 FORT RANSOM, 58033 FORT TOTTEN, 58335 FORT YATES, 58538 FORTUNA, 58844 FREDONIA, 58440 FULLERTON, 58441 GACKLE, 58442 GALESBURG, 58035 GARDNER, 58036 GARRISON, 58540 GILBY, 58235 GLADSTONE, 58630 GLASSTON, 58236 GLEN ULLIN, 58631 GLENBURN, 58740 GLENFIELD, 58443 GOLDEN VALLEY, 58541 GOLVA, 58632 golvas, 58632 GOODRICH, 58444 GRACE CITY, 58445 GRAFTON, 58237 GRAND FORDS, 58201 GRAND FORK, 0 GRAND FORKS, 58201 GRAND FORKS AF, 58205 GRAND FORKS AFB, 58204 GRANDIN, 58038 GRANVILLE, 58741 GRASSY BUTTE, 58634 GREAT BEND, 58039 GRENORA, 58845 GWINNER, 58040 HAGUE, 58542 HALLIDAY, 58636 HAMBERG, 58337 HAMILTON, 58238 HAMPDEN, 58338 HANKINSON, 58041 HANNAFORD, 58448 HANNAH, 58239 HANSBORO, 58339 HARVEY, 58341 HARWOOD, 58042 HATTON, 58240 HAVANA, 58043 HAZELTON, 58544 HAZEN, 58545 HEBRON, 58638 Heimdal, 58341 HENSEL, 58241 HETTINGER, 58639 HILLSBORO, 58045 HOOPLE, 58243 HOPE, 58046 HORACE, 58047 HUNTER, 58048 Huntsville, 0 HURDSFIELD, 58451 INKSTER, 58244 JAMESTOWN, 58401 JESSIE, 58452 JUD, 58454 KARLSRUHE, 58744 KATHRYN, 58049 KEENE, 58847 KENMARE, 58746 KENSAL, 58455 KIEF, 58747 KILLDEER, 58640 KINDRED, 58051 KINTYRE, 58549 KNOX, 58343 KRAMER, 58748 KULM, 58456 LAKOTA, 58344 LAMOURE, 58458 LANGDON, 58249 LANKIN, 58250 LANSFORD, 58750 LARIMORE, 58251 LAWTON, 58345 LEEDS, 58346 LEFOR, 58641 LEHR, 58460 LEONARD, 58052 LIDGERWOOD, 58053 LIGNITE, 58752 LINTON, 58552 LISBON, 58054 LITCHVILLE, 58461 LUVERNE, 58056 MADDOCK, 58348 MAIDA, 58255 MAKOTI, 58756 MANDAN, 58554 MANDAREE, 58757 MANNING, 58642 MANTADOR, 58058 MANVEL, 58256 MAPLETON, 58059 MARION, 58466 MARMARTH, 58643 MARSHALL, 58644 MARTIN, 58758 MAX, 58759 MAXBASS, 58760 MAYVILLE, 58257 MCCLUSKY, 58463 MCGREGOR, 58755 MCHENRY, 58464 MCKENZIE, 58553 MCLEOD, 58057 MCVILLE, 58254 MEDINA, 58467 MEDORA, 58645 MEKINOCK, 58258 MENOKEN, 58558 MERCER, 58559 MICHIGAN, 58259 MILNOR, 58060 MILTON, 58260 MINNEWAUKAN, 58351 MINOT, 58701 MINOT AFB, 58704 MINTO, 58261 MOFFIT, 58560 MOHALL, 58761 MONTPELIER, 58472 MOORETON, 58061 MOTT, 58646 MOUNTAIN, 58262 MUNICH, 58352 MYLO, 58353 NAPOLEON, 58561 NECHE, 58265 NEKOMA, 58355 NEW ENGLAND, 58647 NEW LEIPZIG, 58562 NEW ROCKFORD, 58356 NEW SALEM, 58563 NEW TOWN, 58763 NEWBURG, 58762 NEWTOWN, 58763 NIAGARA, 58266 NOME, 58062 NOONAN, 58765 Northgate, 58737 NORTHWOOD, 58267 NORWICH, 58768 OAK GROVE, 58102 OAK ST, 58270 OAKES, 58474 OBERON, 58357 ORISKA, 58063 ORRIN, 58359 OSNABROCK, 58269 PAGE, 58064 PALERMO, 58769 PARK RIVER, 58270 PARSHALL, 58770 PEKIN, 58361 PEMBINA, 58271 PENN, 58362 PERTH, 58363 PETERSBURG, 58272 PETTIBONE, 58475 PILLSBURY, 58065 PINGREE, 58476 PISEK, 58273 PLAZA, 58771 PORTAL, 58772 PORTLAND, 58274 POWERS LAKE, 58773 RALEIGH, 58564 RAY, 58849 REEDER, 58649 REGAN, 58477 REGENT, 58650 REILES ACRES, 0 REYNOLDS, 58275 RHAME, 58651 RICHARDTON, 58652 RIVERDALE, 58565 ROBINSON, 58478 Rock Lake, 58365 ROCKLAKE, 58365 ROGERS, 58479 ROLETTE, 58366 ROLLA, 58367 ROSEGLEN, 58775 ROSS, 58776 RUGBY, 58368 RUSO, 58778 RUTLAND, 58067 RYDER, 58779 S HEART, 58655 SAINT ANTHONY, 58566 SAINT JOHN, 58369 SAINT MICHAEL, 58370 SAINT THOMAS, 58276 SANBORN, 58480 SARLES, 58372 SAWYER, 58781 SCRANTON, 58653 SELFRIDGE, 58568 SENTINEL BUTTE, 58654 SHARON, 58277 SHELDON, 58068 SHERWOOD, 58782 SHEYENNE, 58374 SHIELDS, 58569 SOLEN, 58570 SOURIS, 58783 SOUTH HEART, 58655 SPIRITWOOD, 58481 STANLEY, 58784 STANTON, 58571 STARKWEATHER, 58377 STEELE, 58482 STERLING, 58572 STIRUM, 58069 STRASBURG, 58573 STREETER, 58483 SURREY, 58785 SUTTON, 58484 SYKESTON, 58486 TAPPEN, 58487 TAYLOR, 58656 THOMPSON, 58278 TIOGA, 58852 TOKIO, 58379 TOLLEY, 58787 TOLNA, 58380 TOWER CITY, 58071 TOWNER, 58788 TRENTON, 58853 TURTLE LAKE, 58575 TUTTLE, 58488 UNDERWOOD, 58576 UPHAM, 58789 VALLEY CITY, 58072 VELVA, 58790 VENTURIA, 58489 VERONA, 58490 VOLTAIRE, 58792 W FARGO, 58078 WAHPETON, 58074 WALCOTT, 58077 WALES, 58281 WALHALLA, 58282 Warren, 58021 WARWICK, 58381 WASHBURN, 58577 WATFORD CITY, 58854 WEBSTER, 58382 West Fargo, 58078 WEST FARGO, 0 WESTHOPE, 58793 WESTON, 58372 WHEATLAND, 58079 WHITE EARTH, 58794 WILDROSE, 58795 WILLISTON, 58801 WILLOW CITY, 58384 WILTON, 58579 WIMBLEDON, 58492 Winfield, 58078 WING, 58494 WISHEK, 58495 WOLFORD, 58385 WOODWORTH, 58496 WYNDMERE, 58081 YORK, 58386 YPSILANTI, 58497 ZAHL, 58856 ZAP, 58580 ZEELAND, 58581