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Transportation53-3032.00Specialization

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.

$54,320
Median Pay
Less than 6 months
Training
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In Transition
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This is a specialization of

Motor Vehicle Operators

Career Overview Video

AI Impact Assessment

AI Resilience Score

Score 2/6: limited human advantage indicates this career is being transformed by AI

🟠In Transition

How we calculated this:

AI Exposure
Medium+1

28% of tasks can be accelerated by AI

Job Growth
Stable+1

+4% projected (2024-2034)

Human Advantage
Weak+0

EPOCH score: 9/25

Total Score2/6
Methodology: v2.0 - GPTs are GPTs / BLS / EPOCH Additive ScoringUpdated: 2026-01-09
View full methodology →

Key Responsibilities

  • Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
  • Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
  • Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
  • Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
  • Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
  • Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
  • Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.
  • Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
  • Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid, performing minor repairs, or washing trucks.
  • Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks.

Education & Training

Typical Entry Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Time to Job Ready

0-1 years

Based on Job Zone 2. For formal education duration only, see education_duration.

Technology Skills

GPS/navigationElectronic logging devices (ELD)Fleet management appsLoad trackingCommunication systems

Key Abilities

Far VisionSpatial OrientationControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationResponse OrientationRate ControlReaction TimeProblem SensitivityNear VisionDepth Perception

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Compensation Details

$37,440
10th Percentile
$54,320
Median
$76,780
90th Percentile

Based on 2,044,400 employed workers

Also Known As

Armored Truck DriverAutomotive Carrier Driver (Auto Carrier Driver)Automotive Crane Driver (Auto Crane Driver)Automotive Haulaway Driver (Auto Haulaway Driver)Automotive Hauler (Auto Hauler)Automotive Transport Driver (Auto Transport Driver)Basket OperatorBatch Mixing Truck DriverBull DriverCar Ferrier

Data from O*NET 30.1 and BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

O*NET Code: 53-3032.00