Arizona 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.

AGUILA, 85320 AJO, 85321 ALPINE, 85920 AMADO, 85645 ANTHEM, 85086 APACHE JCT, 85278 Apache Junctio, 85119 APACHE JUNCTION, 85217 APEX, 85009 ARIVACA, 85601 ARIZONA CITY, 85223 ARLINGTON, 85322 Arthur, 86301 ASH FORK, 86320 AVONDALE, 85323 BAGDAD, 86321 BAPCHULE, 85221 BARRETT, 85131 BELLEMONT, 86015 BENSON, 85602 BISBEE, 85603 BLACK CANYON CITY, 85324 BLUE, 85922 BLUE GAP, 86520 BOUSE, 85325 BOWIE, 85605 BUCKEYE, 85326 Buford, 85643 BULLHEAD, 86422 BULLHEAD CITY, 86429 BYLAS, 85530 CAMERON, 86020 CAMP VERDE, 86322 CAREFREE, 85377 CASA GRANDE, 85222 CASHION, 85329 CATALINA, 85738 CAVE CREEK, 85327 CENTRAL, 85531 CHAMBERS, 86502 CHANDELR, 0 CHANDLER, 85224 CHANDLER HEIGHTS, 85227 CHAPARAL, 85544 CHINLE, 86503 CHINO VALLEY, 86323 CHLORIDE, 86431 CIBECUE, 85911 CIBOLA, 85328 CLARKDALE, 86324 CLAY SPRINGS, 85923 CLAYPOOL, 85532 CLIFTON, 85533 COCHISE, 85606 COLORADO CITY, 86021 CONCHO, 85924 CONGRESS, 85332 COOLIDGE, 85228 CORNVILLE, 86325 CORTARO, 85652 COTTONWOOD, 86326 Crookton, 86320 CROWN KING, 86343 DATELAND, 85333 Davis Monthan Air Force B, 85707 DAVIS-MONTHAN, 85707 DENNEHOTSO, 86535 DEWEY, 86327 Dolan Spgs, 86441 DOLAN SPRINGS, 86441 DORCHESTER, 85705 DOUGLAS, 85607 DRAGOON, 85609 Drake, 86334 DUNCAN, 85534 E Richwood, 85268 EAGAR, 85925 EAGER, 85925 East Flagstaff, 0 EDEN, 85535 EHRENBERG, 85334 EL MIRAGE, 85335 ELFRIDA, 85610 ELGIN, 85611 ELOY, 85231 FAIRFAX, 86401 Flag, 86002 FLAGSTAFF, 86001 FLORENCE, 85232 FOREST LAKES, 85931 FOREST VIEW, 86305 FORT APACHE, 85926 FORT DEFIANCE, 86504 FORT HUACHUCA, 85613 FORT MCDOWELL, 85264 FORT MOHAVE, 86426 FORT THOMAS, 85536 FORTUNA, 85365 FOUNTAIN HILLS, 85268 FREDONIA, 86022 FT HUACHUCA, 85613 GADSDEN, 85336 Galloway, 86323 GANADO, 86505 GILA, 85337 GILA BEND, 85337 GILBERT, 85233 GLENDALE, 85301 GLOBE, 85501 GOLDEN VALLEY, 86413 GOODYEAR, 85338 GRAND CANYON, 86023 Graves Propane, 85925 GRAY MOUNTAIN, 86016 GREEN VALLEY, 85614 GREER, 85927 HACKBERRY, 86411 HAPPY JACK, 86024 Havasu City, 86403 HAYDEN, 85235 HEBER, 85928 HEREFORD, 85615 HIGLEY, 85236 HOLBROOK, 86025 HOTEVILLA, 86030 HOUCK, 86506 HUACHUCA CITY, 85616 HUALAPAI, 86412 HUMBOLDT, 86329 INDIAN WELLS, 86031 IRON SPRINGS, 86330 JEFFERSON, 86333 JEROME, 86331 JOSEPH CITY, 86032 KAIBITO, 86053 KAYENTA, 86033 KEAMS CANYON, 86034 KEARNY, 85237 KINGMAN, 86401 Kingmnan, 86401 KIRKLAND, 86332 KYKOTSMOVI, 86039 KYKOTSMOVI VILLAGE, 86039 Lafayette, 85028 Lake Havasu, 86403 LAKE HAVASU CI, 86406 LAKE HAVASU CITY, 86403 LAKE MONTEZUMA, 86342 LAKESIDE, 85929 Las Vegas, 85043 LAVEEN, 85339 LEUPP, 86035 LITCHFIELD, 85340 LITCHFIELD PAR, 85340 LITCHFIELD PARK, 85340 LITTLEFIELD, 86432 LK HAVASU CY, 93312 Lowell, 85603 LUKACHUKAI, 86507 LUKE AFB, 85309 LUKEVILLE, 85341 LUPTON, 86508 MAMMOTH, 85618 MANY FARMS, 86538 MARANA, 85653 MARBLE CANYON, 86036 MARICOPA, 85239 Markham, 85928 MAYER, 86333 MC NEAL, 85617 MCAS YUMA, 85364 MCNARY, 85930 MCNEAL, 85617 MEADVIEW, 86444 MESA, 85201 MIAMI, 85539 Millard Group, 85705 MOHAVE VALLEY, 86440 MORENCI, 85540 MORMON LAKE, 86038 MORRISTOWN, 85342 MOUNT LEMMON, 85619 Mtn View, 85331 MUNDS PARK, 86017 N Galloway, 85331 N ROXBURY, 85737 N Welton St Dudleyville, 85192 NACO, 85620 NAZLINI, 86540 NEW RIVER, 85087 Nogalea, 85621 NOGALES, 85621 NORTH RIM, 86052 NUTRIOSO, 85932 OAK GROVE, 86432 OATMAN, 86433 ORACLE, 85623 ORO VALLEY, 85755 OVERGAARD, 85933 PAGE, 86040 PALO VERDE, 85343 PARADISE VALLEY, 85253 PARKER, 85344 PARKS, 86018 PATAGONIA, 85624 PAULDEN, 86334 PAYSON, 85541 PEACH SPRINGS, 86434 PEARCE, 85625 PEORIA, 85345 PERIDOT, 85542 PETRIFIED FOREST NATL PK, 86028 pheonix, 85003 PHOENIX, 85001 PICACHO, 85241 PIMA, 85543 PINE, 85544 PINEDALE, 85934 PINETOP, 85935 PINON, 86510 PIRTLEVILLE, 85626 Plummerville, 72127 POLACCA, 86042 POMERENE, 85627 POSTON, 85371 PRESCOTT, 86301 PRESCOTT VALLE, 86046 PRESCOTT VALLEY, 86312 PRESCOTT VLY, 0 QUARTZSITE, 85346 QUEEN CREEK, 85242 RED ROCK, 85245 RED VALLEY, 86544 Richwood, 85332 RILLITO, 85654 RIMROCK, 86335 RIO RICO, 85648 RIO VERDE, 85263 ROCK POINT, 86545 ROCK SPRINGS, 85324 ROLL, 85347 ROOSEVELT, 85545 ROUND MTN, 85554 ROUND ROCK, 86547 SACATON, 85247 SAFFORD, 85546 SAHUARITA, 85629 SAINT DAVID, 85630 SAINT JOHNS, 85936 SAINT MICHAELS, 86511 SALOME, 85348 SAN CARLOS, 85550 SAN LUIS, 85349 san luiz, 85349 SAN MANUEL, 85631 SAN SIMON, 85632 SANDERS, 86512 SASABE, 85633 SAWMILL, 86549 SCOTTSDALE, 85250 SECOND MESA, 86043 SEDONA, 86336 Seguin, 85554 SELIGMAN, 86337 SELLS, 85634 SHONTO, 86054 SHOW LOW, 85901 SIERRA VISTA, 85635 SKULL VALLEY, 86338 SNOWFLAKE, 85937 SOLOMON, 85551 SOMERTON, 85350 SONOITA, 85637 SOUTHSIDE, 85041 SPRINGERVILLE, 85938 ST JOHNS, 85936 STANFIELD, 85272 Steprock, 85755 SUN CITY, 85351 SUN CITY WEST, 85375 SUN LAKES, 0 SUN VALLEY, 86029 SUNSITES, 85625 SUPAI, 86435 SUPERIOR, 85273 Supise, 85374 SURPRISE, 85374 TACNA, 85352 TAYLOR, 85939 TEEC NOS POS, 86514 TEMPE, 85280 TEMPLE BAR MARINA, 86443 THATCHER, 85552 Throop, 85705 TOLLESON, 85353 TOMBSTONE, 85638 TONALEA, 86044 TONOPAH, 85354 TONTO BASIN, 85553 TOPAWA, 85639 TOPOCK, 86436 TORTILLA FLAT, 85290 TSAILE, 86556 TUBA CITY, 86045 TUBAC, 85646 TUCSON, 85702 TUMACACORI, 85640 TUSCON, 85756 VAIL, 85641 VALENTINE, 86437 VALLEY FARMS, 85291 VALLEY VIEW, 85023 VERNON, 85940 W CHANDLER, 85226 WADDELL, 85355 WELLTON, 85356 WENDEN, 85357 WESTON, 86044 WHITE MOUNTAIN LAKE, 85912 WHITERIVER, 85941 WICKENBURG, 85358 WIKIEUP, 85360 WILCOX, 85643 WILLCOX, 85643 WILLIAMS, 86046 WILLOW BEACH, 86445 WINDOW ROCK, 86515 Winfield, 85266 Wingfield, 86024 WINKELMAN, 85292 WINSLOW, 86047 WITTMAN, 85361 WITTMANN, 85361 WOODRUFF, 85942 YARNELL, 85362 YOUNG, 85554 YOUNGTOWN, 85363 Yuba City, 86045 YUCCA, 86438 YUMA, 85364