Oregon 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.

ADAMS, 97810 ADEL, 97620 ADRIAN, 97901 AGNESS, 97406 ALBANY, 97321 ALLEGANY, 97407 ALOHA, 97006 ALSEA, 97324 ALVADORE, 97409 AMITY, 97101 ANTELOPE, 97001 APEX, 97202 ARCH CAPE, 97102 ARLINGTON, 97812 AROCK, 97902 ASHLAND, 97520 ASHWOOD, 97711 ASTORIA, 97103 ATHENA, 97813 Auburn, 97814 AUMSVILLE, 97325 AURORA, 97002 AZALEA, 97410 BAKER CITY, 97814 BANDON, 97411 BANKS, 97106 BARRETT, 97877 BATES, 97817 BAY CITY, 97107 BEATTY, 97621 BEAVER, 97108 BEAVERCREEK, 97004 BEAVERTON, 97005 BEND, 97701 Berryman, 97306 Birmingham, 97501 BLACHLY, 97412 BLODGETT, 97326 BLUE RIVER, 97413 BLY, 97622 BOARDMAN, 97818 BONANZA, 97623 BORING, 97009 BRIDAL VEIL, 97010 BRIDGEPORT, 97819 BRIGHTWOOD, 97011 BROADBENT, 97414 BROGAN, 97903 BROOKINGS, 97415 BROOKS, 97305 BROTHERS, 97712 BROWNSVILLE, 97327 BURNS, 97720 Burns Junction, 97910 BUTTE FALLS, 97522 BUXTON, 97109 CACSADE LOCKS, 97014 CAMAS VALLEY, 97416 CAMP SHERMAN, 97730 CANBY, 97013 CANNON BEACH, 97110 CANYON CITY, 97820 CANYONVILLE, 97417 CARLTON, 97111 CASCADE LOCKS, 97014 CASCADIA, 97329 CAVE JUNCTION, 97523 CAYUSE, 97821 CENTRAL POINT, 97502 Chappell, 97459 Charleston, 97420 CHEMULT, 97731 CHESHIRE, 97419 Chilco, 83801 CHILOQUIN, 97624 CHRISTMAS VALLEY, 97641 CLACKAMAS, 97015 CLATSKANIE, 97016 CLOVERDALE, 97112 COBURG, 97408 COLTON, 97017 COLUMBIA CITY, 97018 CONDON, 97823 COOS BAY, 97420 COQUILLE, 97423 CORBETT, 97019 CORNELIUS, 97113 corvalis, 97333 CORVALLIS, 97330 COTTAGE GROVE, 97424 COVE, 97824 CRABTREE, 97335 CRANE, 97732 CRATER LAKE, 97604 CRAWFORDSVILLE, 97336 CRESCENT, 97733 CRESCENT LAKE, 97425 CRESWELL, 97426 CULP CREEK, 97427 CULVER, 97734 CURTIN, 97428 DAIRY, 97625 DALLAS, 97338 DAYS CREEK, 97429 DAYTON, 97114 DAYVILLE, 97825 DEADWOOD, 97430 DEER ISLAND, 97054 DEPOE BAY, 97341 DETROIT, 97342 DEXTER, 97431 DIAMOND, 97722 DILLARD, 97432 DONALD, 97020 DORENA, 97434 DRAIN, 97435 DREWSEY, 97904 DUFUR, 97021 DUNDEE, 97115 DURKEE, 97905 EAGLE CREEK, 97022 EAGLE POINT, 97524 ECHO, 97826 EDDYVILLE, 97343 ELGIN, 97827 ELKTON, 97436 ELMIRA, 97437 ENTERPRISE, 97828 ESTACADA, 97023 EUGENE, 97401 FAIRVIEW, 97024 FALL CREEK, 97438 FALLS CITY, 97344 FIELDS, 97710 FLORENCE, 97439 FOREST GROVE, 97116 FORT KLAMATH, 97626 FORT ROCK, 97735 FOSSIL, 97830 FOSTER, 97345 FOX, 97831 FRENCHGLEN, 97736 GALES CREEK, 97117 Galloway, 97836 GARDINER, 97441 GARIBALDI, 97118 GASTON, 97119 GATES, 97346 GERVAIS, 97026 GILCHRIST, 97737 GILCREST, 80623 GLADSTONE, 97027 GLENDALE, 97442 GLENEDEN BEACH, 97388 GLIDE, 97443 GOLD BEACH, 97444 GOLD HILL, 97525 GOSHEN, 1032 GOVERNMENT CAMP, 97028 GRAND RONDE, 97347 GRANTS PASS, 97526 GRASS VALLEY, 97029 Graves, 97497 GREEN ACRES, 97473 GRESHAM, 97030 HAINES, 97833 HALFWAY, 97834 HALSEY, 97348 HAMMOND, 97121 HAPPY VALLEY, 97086 HARPER, 97906 HARRISBURG, 97446 HEBO, 97122 HELIX, 97835 HEPPNER, 97836 HEREFORD, 97837 HERMISTON, 97838 HILLSBORO, 97123 HINES, 97738 HOOD RIVER, 97031 Hoodriver, 97031 HUBBARD, 97032 HUNTINGTON, 97907 IDANHA, 97350 IDLEYLD PARK, 97447 IMBLER, 97841 IMNAHA, 97842 INDEPENDENCE, 97351 IONE, 97843 Iron Mtn, 97365 IRONSIDE, 97908 IRRIGON, 97844 JACKSONVILLE, 97530 JAMIESON, 97909 Jasper, 0 JEFFERSON, 97352 JOHN DAY, 97845 JORDAN VALLEY, 97910 JOSEPH, 97846 JUNCTION CITY, 97448 JUNTURA, 97911 KEIZER, 97307 KENO, 97627 KENT, 97033 Kenton, 97217 KERBY, 97531 KIMBERLY, 97848 KINGS MTN, 97141 KLAMATH FALLS, 97601 LA GRANDE, 97850 LA PINE, 97739 LAFAYETTE, 97127 LAKE OSWEGO, 97034 LAKESIDE, 97449 LAKEVIEW, 97630 LANGLOIS, 97450 LAWEN, 97740 Le Grand, 0 LEBANON, 97355 LEXINGTON, 97839 LINCOLN CITY, 97367 LOGSDEN, 97357 LONG CREEK, 97856 LORANE, 97451 LOSTINE, 97857 LOWELL, 97452 LYONS, 97358 MADRAS, 97741 madres, 0 MALIN, 97632 MANNING, 97125 MANZANITA, 97130 MAPLETON, 97453 MARCOLA, 97454 MARION, 97359 Markham, 97219 MARPLE, 97420 MARYLHURST, 97036 MAUPIN, 97037 MC MINNVILLE, 37111 McDermott, 97054 McKenzie, 97408 MCMINNVILLE, 97128 MEACHAM, 97859 MEDFORD, 97501 MEHAMA, 97384 MERLIN, 97532 MERRILL, 97633 MIDLAND, 97634 MIKKALO, 97861 mil city, 0 MILL CITY, 97360 Millard, 97053 MILTON FREEWATER, 97862 Milton Freewtr, 0 MILWAUKEE, 97222 MILWAUKIE, 97222 MIST, 97016 MITCHELL, 97750 MOLALLA, 97038 Mollola, 97038 MONMOUTH, 97361 MONROE, 97456 MONUMENT, 97864 MORO, 97039 MORTON, 61550 MOSIER, 97040 MOUNT ANGEL, 97362 MOUNT HOOD, 97041 MOUNT HOOD PARKDALE, 97041 MOUNT VERNON, 97865 mt angel, 97362 Mt Hood, 97041 Mtn View, 97701 MULINO, 97042 MURPHY, 97533 Murry, 97424 MYRTLE CREEK, 97457 MYRTLE POINT, 97458 N Plains, 97133 NEHALEM, 97131 NEOTSU, 97364 NESKOWIN, 97149 NETARTS, 97143 NEW PINE CREEK, 97635 NEWBERG, 97132 NEWBURG, 97132 NEWPORT, 97365 NORTH BEND, 97459 NORTH PLAINS, 97133 NORTH POWDER, 97867 NORWAY, 97460 NOTI, 97461 NYSSA, 97913 O BRIEN, 97534 OAK GROVE, 97222 OAKLAND, 97462 OAKRIDGE, 97463 OCEANSIDE, 97134 ODELL, 97044 ONTARIO, 97914 OPHIR, 97464 OREGON CITY, 97045 ORGAN CITY, 97045 OTIS, 97368 OTTER ROCK, 97369 OXBOW, 97840 PACIFIC CITY, 97135 PAISLEY, 97636 PAULINA, 97751 PENDLETON, 97801 PHILOMATH, 97370 PHOENIX, 97535 PILOT ROCK, 97868 PLEASANT HILL, 97455 PLUSH, 97637 Pomona, 32181 PORLAND, 97201 PORT ORFORD, 97465 PORTLAND, 97201 POST, 97752 POWELL BUTTE, 97753 POWERS, 97466 PRAIRIE CITY, 97869 PRINCETON, 97721 PRINEVILLE, 97754 PROSPECT, 97536 rainer, 97048 RAINIER, 97048 REDMOND, 97756 REEDSPORT, 97467 RHODODENDRON, 97049 RICHLAND, 97870 RICKREALL, 97371 RIDDLE, 97469 RILEY, 97758 RITTER, 97872 RIVERSIDE, 97917 ROCKAWAY BEACH, 97136 ROGUE RIVER, 97537 Rose City, 97218 ROSE LODGE, 97372 ROSEBURG, 97470 ROSENBURG, 97471 ROUND MTN, 97876 ROXBURY, 97068 RUFUS, 97050 SAGINAW, 97472 SAINT BENEDICT, 97373 SAINT HELENS, 97051 SAINT PAUL, 97137 SALEM, 97301 SANDY, 97055 SCAPPOOSE, 97056 SCIO, 97374 SCOTTS MILLS, 97375 SCOTTSBURG, 97473 SEAL ROCK, 97376 SEASIDE, 97138 SELMA, 97538 SENECA, 97873 SHADY COVE, 97539 SHANIKO, 97057 SHEDD, 97377 SHERIDAN, 97378 SHERWOOD, 97140 SILETZ, 97380 SILVER LAKE, 97638 SILVERTON, 97381 SISTERS, 97759 SIXES, 97476 SOUTH BEACH, 97366 SPRAGUE RIVER, 97639 SPRAY, 97874 SPRINGFIELD, 97477 springfiled, 97477 ST HELENS, 97051 ST JOHNS, 97203 St Paul, 97137 STANFIELD, 97875 STAYTON, 97383 SUBLIMITY, 97385 SUMMER LAKE, 97640 SUMMERVILLE, 97876 SUMPTER, 97877 SUNNYSIDE, 97214 SUTHERLIN, 97479 SWEET HOME, 97386 SWISSHOME, 97480 TALENT, 97540 TANGENT, 97389 TENMILE, 97481 TERREBONNE, 97760 THE DALLES, 97058 Thornton, 97403 THURSTON, 97482 TIDEWATER, 97390 TIGARD, 97223 TILLAMOOK, 97141 TILLER, 97484 TIMBER, 97144 TOLEDO, 97391 TOLOVANA PARK, 97145 TRAIL, 97541 TROUTDALE, 97060 TUALATIN, 97062 TURNER, 97392 TYGH VALLEY, 97063 UKIAH, 97880 UMATILLA, 97882 UMPQUA, 97486 UNION, 97883 UNITY, 97884 VALE, 97918 VENETA, 97487 VERNONIA, 97064 VIDA, 97488 WALDPORT, 97394 WALLOWA, 97885 WALTERVILLE, 97489 WALTON, 97490 WARENTON, 97146 Warm Spgs, 97761 WARM SPRINGS, 97761 WARREN, 97053 WARRENTON, 97146 WASCO, 97065 WEDDERBURN, 97491 Weed, 0 WELCHES, 97067 WEST LINN, 97068 WESTFALL, 97920 WESTFIR, 97492 WESTLAKE, 97493 WESTON, 97886 WHEELER, 97147 WHITE CITY, 97503 WILBUR, 97494 WILDERVILLE, 97543 WILLAMINA, 97396 WILLIAMS, 97544 willlamina, 97396 WILSONVILLE, 97070 WINCHESTER, 97495 Winfield, 97446 Winfield ct, 97027 WINSTON, 97496 WOLF CREEK, 97497 WOOD VILLAGE, 97060 WOODBURN, 97071 YACHATS, 97498 YAMHILL, 97148 YONCALLA, 97499