Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Transportation and Material Moving
A commercial license is required to run a tractor-trailer or other heavy truck; tow-truck work is included. Before moving, load papers are checked, cargo is inspected so it stays put, and mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is walked through. Landing gear is cranked when coupling or parking a trailer, and some jobs include unloading. Receipts or signatures are collected at delivery, hours and vehicle condition go into logs that follow state and federal rules, and defects, accidents, or damage are reported. It suits people who like methodical vehicle checks, careful load handling, and keeping timed records while driving.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$58'640
Median Wage Market Position
$58'640
What you might do
- Drive a heavy tractor-trailer to haul cargo
- Inspect the load to confirm cargo is secure
- Inspect brakes, lights, and emergency equipment
- Raise or lower the trailer landing gear
- Get a receipt or signature for each delivery
- Log driving hours and report vehicle problems
Skills that matter
- Reading bills of lading for each assignment
- Checking loads to keep cargo secure
- Inspecting mechanical and emergency equipment
- Controlling a heavy tractor-trailer on the road
- Logging driving hours and vehicle repair status
- Reporting defects, accidents, and traffic violations
AI & the future of this role
Highway automation could gradually handle long stretches of driving, putting pressure on routine freight runs. Loading, complex urban delivery, weather judgment, and commercial licensing liability still favor skilled drivers for much of the work.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details