Utah 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.

ALPINE, 84004 ALTAMONT, 84001 ALTON, 84710 ALTONAH, 84002 AMERICAN FORK, 84003 ANETH, 84510 ANNABELLA, 84711 ANTIMONY, 84712 ARCADIA, 84021 AURORA, 84620 AXTELL, 84621 BANNER, 84095 BARLOW HEIGHTS, 84015 BEAR RIVER, 84301 BEAR RIVER CIT, 84301 BEAR RIVER CITY, 84301 BEAVER, 84713 BERYL, 84714 BICKNELL, 84715 BINGHAM CANYON, 84006 BLANDING, 84511 BLUEBELL, 84007 BLUFF, 84512 BLUFFDALE, 0 BONANZA, 84008 BOULDER, 84716 BOUNTIFUL, 84010 BRIAN HEAD, 84719 Bridgeland, 84021 BRIGHAM CITY, 84302 BRYCE, 84764 BRYCE CANYON, 84717 BURMESTER, 84029 CACHE JUNCTION, 84304 CANNONVILLE, 84718 CASTLE DALE, 84513 CEDAR, 84013 CEDAR CITY, 84720 CEDAR VALLEY, 84013 CENTERFIELD, 84622 CENTERVILLE, 84014 CENTRAL, 84722 CHAPARAL, 84790 CHESTER, 84623 CIRCLEVILLE, 84723 CISCO, 84515 CLARKSTON, 84305 CLAWSON, 84516 CLEARFIELD, 84015 clearfiled, 84015 CLEVELAND, 84518 CLINTON, 0 COALVILLE, 84017 COLLINSTON, 84306 CORINNE, 84307 CORNISH, 84308 CORRINE, 0 Corvallis, 97331 Cottonwood, 84121 CROYDON, 84018 DAMMERON VALLEY, 84783 DAYTON, 84414 DELTA, 84624 DEWEYVILLE, 84309 DRAPER, 84020 DUCHENSE, 84026 DUCHESNE, 84021 DUCK CREEK VIL, 84762 DUCK CREEK VILLAGE, 84762 DUGWAY, 84022 DUTCH JOHN, 84023 E CARBON, 84520 EAST CARBON, 84520 ECHO, 84024 EDEN, 84310 ELBERTA, 84626 ELMO, 84521 ELSINORE, 84724 EMERY, 84522 ENTERPRISE, 84725 EPHRAIM, 84627 ESCALANTE, 84726 EUREKA, 84628 FAIRVIEW, 84629 FARMINGTON, 84025 FARR WEST, 0 FAYETTE, 84630 FERRON, 84523 FIELDING, 84311 FILLMORE, 84631 FOREST VIEW, 84106 FORT DUCHESNE, 84026 FOUNTAIN GREEN, 84632 FRUITLAND, 84027 GARDEN CITY, 84028 GARLAND, 84312 GARRISON, 84728 GLENDALE, 84729 GLENWOOD, 84730 GOSHEN, 84633 GRANTSVILLE, 84029 GREEN RIVER, 84525 GREENVILLE, 84731 GREENWICH, 84732 GROUSE CREEK, 84313 GROVER, 84773 GUNLOCK, 84733 GUNNISON, 84634 GUSHER, 84030 HANKSVILLE, 84734 HANNA, 84031 HATCH, 84735 Heber, 84032 HEBER CITY, 84032 HELPER, 84526 HENEFER, 84033 HENRIEVILLE, 84736 Herber City, 84032 Herriman, 84096 HIAWATHA, 84527 HILDALE, 84784 HILL, 84056 HILL AFB, 84056 Hill Air Force Base, 84056 HINCKLEY, 84635 HOLDEN, 84636 HONEYVILLE, 84314 HOOPER, 84315 HOWELL, 84316 HUNTINGTON, 84528 HUNTSVILLE, 84317 HURRICANE, 84737 HYDE PARK, 84318 HYRUM, 84319 IBAPAH, 84034 IDAHO FALLS, 0 IVINS, 84738 JENSEN, 84035 JORDAN, 0 JOSEPH, 84739 JUNCTION, 84740 KAMAS, 84036 KANAB, 84741 KANARRAVILLE, 84742 KANOSH, 84637 KAYSVILLE, 84037 Kearns, 84118 KENILWORTH, 84529 KINGSTON, 84743 KOOSHAREM, 84744 LA SAL, 84530 LA VERKIN, 84745 LAKE POINT, 84074 LAKE POWELL, 84533 LAKETOWN, 84038 LAPOINT, 84039 LAREDO, 0 LAYTON, 84040 LEAMINGTON, 84638 LEEDS, 84746 LEHI, 84043 LEVAN, 84639 LEWISTON, 84320 LINDON, 84042 LITTLE MOUNTAI, 0 LOA, 84747 LOGAN, 84321 LYMAN, 84749 LYNN, 84640 LYNNDYL, 84640 MAGNA, 84044 MANILA, 84046 Mankato, 84096 MANTI, 84642 MANTUA, 84324 MAPLETON, 84664 MARYSVALE, 84750 MAYFIELD, 84643 MEADOW, 84644 MENDON, 84325 MEXICAN HAT, 84531 MIDVALE, 84047 MIDWAY, 84049 MILFORD, 84751 Millard, 84631 MILLVILLE, 84326 MINERSVILLE, 84752 MOAB, 84532 MODENA, 84753 MONA, 84645 MONROE, 84754 MONTEZUMA CREEK, 84534 MONTICELLO, 84535 MONUMENT VALLEY, 84536 MORGAN, 84050 MORONI, 84646 MOUNT CARMEL, 84755 MOUNT PLEASANT, 84647 MOUNTAIN HOME, 84051 Mt Pleasant, 84647 Mtn View, 84041 Murray, 84107 MYTON, 84052 N Salt Lake, 0 NEOLA, 84053 NEPHI, 84648 NEW HARMONY, 84757 NEWCASTLE, 84756 NEWTON, 84327 NORTH SALT LAK, 0 NORTH SALT LAKE, 84054 OAK CITY, 84649 OAKLEY, 84055 OASIS, 84650 Odgen, 84201 OGDEN, 84201 ORANGEVILLE, 84537 ORDERVILLE, 84758 OREM, 84057 Ouray, 84063 PANGUITCH, 84759 PARADISE, 84328 PARAGONAH, 84760 PARK CITY, 84060 PARK VALLEY, 84329 PAROWAN, 84761 PAYSON, 84651 PEOA, 84061 PINE VALLEY, 84781 PLEASANT GROVE, 84062 Pleasant View, 84414 PLYMOUTH, 84330 PORTAGE, 84331 PRICE, 84501 Promontory Point,, 84307 PROVIDENCE, 84332 PROVO, 84601 RANDLETT, 84063 RANDOLPH, 84064 REDCLIFF, 84532 REDMOND, 84652 RICHFIELD, 84701 RICHMOND, 84333 RIVERDALE, 0 RIVERSIDE, 84334 RIVERTON, 84065 ROCKVILLE, 84763 ROOSEVELT, 84066 ROY, 84067 RUSH VALLEY, 84069 S JORDAN, 0 S SALT LAKE, 84115 SAINT GEORGE, 84770 SAL LAKE CITY, 84184 SALEM, 84653 SALINA, 84654 SALINAS, 0 SALT LAKE CITY, 84111 SALT LAK CITY, 84141 Salt Lake, 0 SALT LAKE CITY, 84101 SALT LAKE CITY UT, 84141 SALT LAKECITY, 84101 SANDY, 84070 SANTA CLARA, 84765 SANTAQUIN, 84655 SARATOGA SPRIN, 12866 SARATOGA SPRINGS, 84045 SCIPIO, 84656 SEVIER, 84766 Shafter, 84532 sigur, 84657 SIGURD, 84657 SLC, 84116 SMITHFIELD, 84335 SNOWVILLE, 84336 SOUTH JORDAN, 84095 SOUTH SALT LAKE, 84115 SPANISH FORK, 84660 SPRING CITY, 84662 SPRINGDALE, 84767 SPRINGVILLE, 84663 St George, 0 St. George, 84770 STERLING, 84665 STOCKTON, 84071 SUMMIT, 84772 SUNNYSIDE, 84539 SYRACUSE, 84075 TABIONA, 84072 TALMAGE, 84073 TEASDALE, 84773 THOMPSON, 84540 TIMPIE, 0 TOOELE, 84074 Tooele Army Depot, 84074 Toole, 84074 Toolesboro, 0 TOQUERVILLE, 84774 TORREY, 84775 TREMONTON, 84337 TRENTON, 84338 TRIDELL, 84076 TROPIC, 84776 VERNAL, 84078 VERNON, 84080 vernul, 84078 VEYO, 84782 VINEYARD, 0 VIRGIN, 84779 W JORDAN, 84084 W Valley City, 84119 W.Valley City, 84119 WALES, 84667 WALLSBURG, 84082 WASHINGTON, 84780 WATERMILL, 84121 WELLINGTON, 84542 WELLSVILLE, 84339 WENDOVER, 84083 West Bountiful, 84087 WEST HAVEN, 84401 WEST JORDAN, 84084 WEST JORDON, 84084 WEST VALLEY, 0 WEST VALLEY CI, 84118 West Valley City, 84118 WHITEROCKS, 84085 WILLARD, 84340 Winfield, 84105 WOOD CROSS, 84087 WOODRUFF, 84086 WOODS CROSS, 84087