Light Truck Drivers

Career summary

Light truck drivers load their trucks with goods or materials. They check shipping papers and make sure they have the correct cargo. They drive their trucks to customers and help unload shipments. Truck drivers use two-way radios to contact their dispatcher or supervisor and update them on their progress.

Light truck drivers are responsible for performing basic maintenance on their trucks. They:

• Refill their trucks with gasoline
• Check the oil
• Examine the tires

Drivers may perform some basic repairs on trucks. They report any problems.

Drivers keep several types of records and fill out forms. Some forms are used to prove that goods were picked up or delivered. They keep logs of when items were delivered and when maintenance was done.

Light truck drivers do many of the same tasks as heavy truck drivers, but have more contact with customers than heavy truck drivers do. They are more likely to deliver goods in or near their home city and can reach customers more quickly. Heavy truck drivers are more likely to drive across the country to deliver shipments.

Related careers

This career is part of the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Bus Drivers
• Construction Helpers
• Couriers and Messengers
• Fence Builders
• Forklift Operators
• Freight Handlers
• Heavy Truck Drivers
• Mail Carriers
• Nursery Workers
• Painting and Coating Machine Operators
• Recycling and Reclamation Workers
• Route Salespeople
• School Bus Drivers
• Shipping and Receiving Clerks
• Tire Repairers and Changers
• Trash Collectors

Military careers

• Vehicle Drivers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to light truck drivers.

• Drive truck, van, or automobile to transport goods, materials, or people.
• Obey traffic laws and procedures when driving. Read maps to determine route.
• Load and unload vehicle.
• Present bills, receipts, and any money collected from deliveries.
• Inspect and maintain vehicle.
• Report any mechanical problems.
• Check cargo against shipping papers to make sure it is correct.
• Keep vehicle log, invoices, cargo lists, and other records.
• Talk to dispatchers and other drivers over telephone or radio.
• Perform emergency roadside repairs.
• May sell products while out on the road.

Common work activities

Light truck drivers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Get information needed to do the job
• Handle and move objects
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Process information
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Perform for or work with the public
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Analyze data or information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Document and record information
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, light truck drivers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They work with freight handlers and dispatchers, as well as customers on sales routes.
• Communicate with others by telephone and in-person on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos, but much less frequently.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of other people using the roads.
• Often work as part of a group or team.
• Are occasionally placed in conflict situations where people might be rude or angry.
• Are responsible for the work done by others.

Physical work conditions

• Drive an enclosed truck on a daily basis.
• Work outdoors while loading and unloading goods. Work indoors while driving or filling out paperwork. Indoor temperatures may not be controlled.
• Are often exposed to contaminants, such as diesel fuel or exhaust.
• Wear protective or safety attire on a weekly basis.
• Sometimes are exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures while working outside.
• May have to get into cramped positions to reach work spaces, such as the back of a truck.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that might produce minor cuts or scrapes.
• Are occasionally exposed to bright or dim lighting conditions.
• Are occasionally exposed to whole body vibration when driving a truck.
• Sometimes deal with sounds or noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable.
• Work close to others, especially when unloading trucks.

Work performance

• Work in a competitive atmosphere where daily deadlines must be met.
• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could cause accidents on the road that could injure themselves or others.
• Must work at the pace set by their vehicle and traffic.
• Make decisions that affect customers on a monthly basis. They often consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Usually set their daily tasks and goals in conjunction with a supervisor.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.

Hours/travel

• Usually work at least 40 hours per week.
• May work more than eight hours a day to meet deadlines.
• May work days, evenings, or weekends.

Physical demands

Light truck drivers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for light truck drivers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for light truck drivers to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Light truck drivers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.

Perceive and visualize

• Know one's location in a physical setting and recognize where other objects are located in relation to oneself.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Truck and Bus Driving

Training

To work as a light truck driver, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete short-term, on-the-job training;
• be at least 18 years old (for in-state driving) or 21 years old (for driving across state borders); and
• have a valid driver's or commercial driver's license (CDL).

Education after high school

Some light truck drivers learn their skills through formal programs. Many private and public vocational schools offer driver training programs. These programs typically award a certificate or diploma and last less than one year. Completion of such a program should help you get a job as a trainee. However, you should check the school's reputation with area employers before enrolling.

Some states require you to complete a basic truck-driving training program if you have not attended a formal training program. This often is a requirement for a commercial driver's license. These programs usually take a few months to complete.

Work experience

Experience operating equipment or driving safely is good background for this occupation. Some drivers begin as assistants. They drive part of the time and help the driver load and unload cargo.

On-the-job training

As a new driver, you usually work with an experienced driver for a short time, usually about a month. You may ride along and observe for a period of time before getting your own assignments. You may also receive training in special cargo, such as hazardous materials.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be vehicle drivers. Training lasts seven to eight weeks, depending on your specialty. Further training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Diesel Mechanics and Repair
• Driver Education
• Geography
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers require applicants to be at least 25 years of age and have a commercial driver's license. Employers prefer applicants who have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They also prefer applicants who have a good driving record.

Many jobs require physical strength and stamina. Some employers may require applicants to show they can lift 50 pounds. Employers may also require applicants to pass a drug test.

Employers prefer people who can work without much supervision. Many employers also prefer applicants who have experience driving light trucks.

Light truck drivers need to have good hearing and 20/40 vision. Employers look for workers with good map reading and navigation skills and knowledge of the geographical area in which they will be driving. Some employers seek workers who have received training from an accredited technical or vocational school.

Tips

Some drivers gain related experience as warehouse workers or driver's helpers. Long-haul driving experience or driving experience in the armed forces may be helpful.

Costs to workers

Union workers must pay an initiation fee and monthly dues. Most are members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Licensing/certification

Most states require a truck driver to have a chauffeur or combination license. Federal law requires that all commercial drivers driving single vehicles or trailers over a specific weight or carrying more than 16 passengers pass a drug and alcohol test. In Washington, truck drivers must have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). To qualify you must:

• be at least 18 years old;
• successfully complete a training course from a school approved by the Department of Licensing or show proof of certification from a registered employer that you have the skills and training required to operate a commercial vehicle;
• have a valid driver's license;
• go through a background check;
• pass a physical exam; and
• pass written and practical skills tests.

Drivers can receive endorsements for driving tanker trucks or double/triple trailer trucks by taking specific tests.

Check the Fee  page for application, testing, and renewal fee information. 

Information about Washington State requirements can be obtained by calling a local driver's license examining station or visiting the Department of Licensing  website.

Drivers who have a Commercial Driver's License and wish to be endorsed to haul chemicals, petroleum, or other hazardous materials must meet the following requirements:

• prove US citizenship or permanent residency status;
• be fingerprinted;
• undergo a Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) background check;
• pass a hazardous materials knowledge test; and
• pay a fee.

Additional information on hazardous materials commercial driver's licenses can be found on the Washington State Department of Licensing  information page.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Truck drivers who transport goods locally usually receive an hourly wage and extra pay for working more than 40 hours a week. Wages vary by the driver's experience and the size of truck driven.

Light truck drivers who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Retail trade companies
• Wholesale trade companies
• Courier companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will average. The growth of e-commerce will increase the demand for package delivery services. 

Many openings will occur as experienced drivers move to other occupations or retire. However, competition for jobs will be strong because for many people these jobs are preferable over long-haul truck driving jobs. Job prospects will be best for drivers with experience and a clean driving history.

Other resources

American Trucking Associations 
950 North Glebe Road, Suite 210
Arlington, VA 22203-4181
703.838.1700

International Brotherhood of Teamsters, AFL-CIO 
25 Louisiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.624.6800

Professional Truck Driver Institute 
13791 E Rice Pl, Suite 114
Aurora, CO 80015
720.575.7444

Washington Trucking Associations 
2102 Carriage Drive SW, Building F
Olympia, WA 98502
800.732.9019
253.838.1650

References

Career cluster

• Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Light Truck or Delivery Services Drivers (53-3033.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Driver (913.663-018) 
• Escort-vehicle Driver (919.663-022) 
• Food-service Driver (906.683-010) 
• Liquid-fertilizer Servicer (906.683-014) 
• Telephone-directory-distributor Driver (906.683-018) 
• Truck Driver, Light (906.683-022) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled