South Dakota 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.

ABERDEEN, 57401 AGAR, 57520 AKASKA, 57420 ALCESTER, 57001 ALEXANDRIA, 57311 ALLEN, 57714 ALPENA, 57312 AMHERST, 57421 ANDOVER, 57422 Arfesian, 0 ARLINGTON, 57212 ARMOUR, 57313 ARTESIAN, 57314 ASHTON, 57424 ASTORIA, 57213 AURORA, 57002 AVON, 57315 BADGER, 57214 BALTIC, 57003 BARNARD, 57426 BATESLAND, 57716 BATH, 57427 BELLE FOURCHE, 57717 BELVIDERE, 57521 BERESFORD, 57004 Bethlehem, 57708 BIG STONE, 57216 BIG STONE CITY, 57216 BISON, 57620 BLACK HAWK, 57718 BLUNT, 57522 BONESTEEL, 57317 BOWDLE, 57428 BOX ELDER, 57719 BRADLEY, 57217 BRANDON, 57005 BRANDT, 57218 BRENTFORD, 57429 BRIDGEWATER, 57319 BRISTOL, 57219 BRITTON, 57430 BROOKING, 57006 BROOKINGS, 57006 BRUCE, 57220 BRYANT, 57221 BUFFALO, 57720 BUFFALO GAP, 57722 BUFFALO RIDGE, 57115 BULLHEAD, 57621 BURBANK, 57010 BURKE, 57523 CAMP CROOK, 57724 CANISTOTA, 57012 CANOVA, 57321 CANTON, 57013 CAPUTA, 57725 CARPENTER, 57322 CARTER, 57526 CARTHAGE, 57323 CASTLEWOOD, 57223 CAVOUR, 57324 CENTERVILLE, 57014 CHAMBERLAIN, 57325 CHANCELLOR, 57015 CHERRY CREEK, 57622 CHESTER, 57016 CLAIRE CITY, 57224 CLAREMONT, 57432 CLARK, 57225 CLEAR LAKE, 57226 COLMAN, 57017 COLOME, 57528 COLTON, 57018 COLUMBIA, 57433 CONDE, 57434 CORONA, 57227 CORSICA, 57328 CREIGHTON, 57729 CRESBARD, 57435 CROOKS, 57020 CUSTER, 57730 DALLAS, 57529 DANTE, 57329 DAVIS, 57021 DE SMET, 57231 DEADWOOD, 57732 Deerfield, 57745 DELL RAPIDS, 57022 DELMONT, 57330 DIMOCK, 57331 DOLAND, 57436 DRAPER, 57531 DUPREE, 57623 EAGLE BUTTE, 57625 EDEN, 57232 EDGEMONT, 57735 EGAN, 57024 El Point, 57769 ELK POINT, 57025 ELKTON, 57026 ELLSWORTH AFB, 57706 ELM SPRINGS, 57736 EMERY, 57332 ENNING, 57737 ERWIN, 57233 ESMOND, 57353 ESTELLINE, 57234 ETHAN, 57334 EUREKA, 57437 FAIRBURN, 57738 FAIRFAX, 57335 FAIRVIEW, 57027 FAITH, 57626 FAULKTON, 57438 FEDORA, 57337 FERNEY, 57439 FIRESTEEL, 57628 FLANDREAU, 57028 FLORENCE, 57235 FORT MEADE, 57741 FORT PIERRE, 57532 FORT THOMPSON, 57339 FRANKFORT, 57440 FREDERICK, 57441 FREEMAN, 57029 FRUITDALE, 57742 Ft Pierre, 57532 FT. PIERRE, 57532 FULTON, 57340 GANN VALLEY, 57341 GARDEN CITY, 57236 GARRETSON, 57030 GARY, 57237 GAYVILLE, 57031 GEDDES, 57342 GETTYSBURG, 57442 GLAD VALLEY, 57629 GLENCROSS, 57630 GLENHAM, 57631 GOODWIN, 57238 GREGORY, 57533 GRENVILLE, 57239 GROTON, 57445 HAMILL, 57534 HARRISBURG, 57032 HARRISON, 57344 HARROLD, 57536 HARTFORD, 57033 HAYES, 57537 HAYTI, 57241 HAZEL, 57242 HECLA, 57446 HENRY, 57243 HERMOSA, 57744 HERREID, 57632 HERRICK, 57538 HETLAND, 57244 HIGHMORE, 57345 HILL CITY, 57745 HITCHCOCK, 57348 HOLABIRD, 57540 HOSMER, 57448 HOT SPRINGS, 57747 HOUGHTON, 57449 HOVEN, 57450 HOWARD, 57349 HOWES, 57748 HUDSON, 57034 HUMBOLDT, 57035 HURLEY, 57036 HURON, 57350 IDEAL, 57541 INTERIOR, 57750 IONA, 57542 IPSWICH, 57451 IRENE, 57037 IROQUOIS, 57353 ISABEL, 57633 JAVA, 57452 JEFFERSON, 57038 KADOKA, 57543 KAYLOR, 57354 KELDRON, 57634 KENNEBEC, 57544 KEYSTONE, 57751 KIMBALL, 57355 KRANZBURG, 57245 KYLE, 57752 LABOLT, 57246 LAKE ANDES, 57356 LAKE CITY, 57247 LAKE NORDEN, 57248 LAKE PRESTON, 57249 LANE, 57358 LANGFORD, 57454 LANTRY, 57636 LEAD, 57754 LEBANON, 57455 LEMMON, 57638 LENNOX, 57039 LEOLA, 57456 LESTERVILLE, 57040 LETCHER, 57359 LITTLE EAGLE, 57639 LODGEPOLE, 57640 LONG VALLEY, 57547 LONGLAKE, 57457 LOWER BRULE, 57548 LUDLOW, 57755 LYONS, 57041 MADISON, 57042 MAHTO, 57643 MANDERSON, 57756 MANSFIELD, 57460 MARION, 57043 MARTIN, 57551 MARTY, 57361 MARVIN, 57251 MC INTOSH, 57641 MC LAUGHLIN, 57642 MCINTOSH, 57641 MEADOW, 57644 MECKLING, 57044 MELLETTE, 57461 MENNO, 57045 MIDLAND, 57552 MILBANK, 57252 MILESVILLE, 57553 MILLER, 57362 MINA, 57462 MISSION, 57555 MISSION HILL, 57046 MISSION RIDGE, 57557 MITCHELL, 57301 MOBRIDGE, 57601 MONROE, 57047 MONTROSE, 57048 MORRISTOWN, 57645 MOUND CITY, 57646 MOUNT VERNON, 57363 MUD BUTTE, 57758 MURDO, 57559 N Sioux City, 0 N SIOUX FALLS, 57104 NEMO, 57759 NEW EFFINGTON, 57255 NEW HOLLAND, 57364 NEW UNDERWOOD, 57761 NEWELL, 57760 NISLAND, 57762 NORRIS, 57560 NORTH SIOUX CI, 0 NORTH SIOUX CIT, 57049 NORTH SIOUX CITY, 57049 NORTHVILLE, 57465 NUNDA, 57050 OACOMA, 57365 OELRICHS, 57763 OGLALA, 57764 OKATON, 57562 OKREEK, 57563 OLDHAM, 57051 OLIVET, 57052 ONAKA, 57466 ONIDA, 57564 OPAL, 57765 ORAL, 57766 ORIENT, 57467 ORTLEY, 57256 OWANKA, 57767 PARADE, 57647 PARKER, 57053 PARKSTON, 57366 Parma, 43100 PARMELEE, 57566 PEEVER, 57257 PHILIP, 57567 PICKSTOWN, 57367 PIEDMONT, 57769 PIERPONT, 57468 PIERRE, 57501 PINE RIDGE, 57770 PLANKINTON, 57368 PLATTE, 57369 POLLOCK, 57648 PORCUPINE, 57772 PRAIRIE CITY, 57649 PRESHO, 57568 PRINGLE, 57773 PROVO, 57774 PUKWANA, 57370 QUINN, 57775 RALPH, 57650 RAMONA, 57054 rapid, 57701 RAPID CITY, 57701 Rapids City, 0 RAVINIA, 57357 RAYMOND, 57258 RED OWL, 57777 REDFIELD, 57469 REDIG, 57776 REE HEIGHTS, 57371 RELIANCE, 57569 RENNER, 57055 REVA, 57651 REVILLO, 57259 RIDGEVIEW, 57652 ROCHFORD, 57778 ROCKHAM, 57470 ROSCOE, 57471 ROSEBUD, 57570 ROSHOLT, 57260 ROSLYN, 57261 ROWENA, 57056 RUTLAND, 57057 SAINT CHARLES, 57571 SAINT FRANCIS, 57572 SAINT LAWRENCE, 57373 SAINT ONGE, 57779 SALEM, 57058 SCENIC, 57780 SCOTLAND, 57059 SELBY, 57472 SENECA, 57473 SHADEHILL, 57653 SINAI, 57061 SIOUX, 57195 Sioux City, 57049 SIOUX FALL, 57198 SIOUX FALLS, 57101 SISSETON, 57262 SMITHWICK, 57782 SOUTH SHORE, 57263 SPEARFISH, 57783 SPENCER, 57374 SPRINGFIELD, 57062 STEPHAN, 57346 STICKNEY, 57375 STOCKHOLM, 57264 STRANDBURG, 57265 STRATFORD, 57474 STURGIS, 57785 SUMMIT, 57266 TABOR, 57063 TEA, 57064 TIMBER LAKE, 57656 TOLSTOY, 57475 TORONTO, 57268 TRAIL CITY, 57657 TRENT, 57065 TRIPP, 57376 TULARE, 57476 TURTON, 57477 TUTHILL, 57574 TWIN BROOKS, 57269 TYNDALL, 57066 UNION CENTER, 57787 Union Ctr, 57787 UTICA, 57067 VALE, 57788 VALLEY SPRINGS, 57068 VEBLEN, 57270 VERMILLION, 57069 VIBORG, 57070 VIENNA, 57271 VIRGIL, 57379 VIVIAN, 57576 VOLGA, 57071 VOLIN, 57072 WAGNER, 57380 WAKONDA, 57073 WAKPALA, 57658 WALKER, 57659 WALL, 57790 WALLACE, 57272 WANBLEE, 57577 WARD, 57074 WARNER, 57479 WASTA, 57791 WATAUGA, 57660 WATERTOWN, 57201 WAUBAY, 57273 WAVERLY, 57202 WEBSTER, 57274 WENTWORTH, 57075 WESSINGTON, 57381 WESSINGTON SPR, 57382 WESSINGTON SPRINGS, 57382 WESTPORT, 57481 WEWELA, 57578 WHITE, 57276 WHITE LAKE, 57383 WHITE OWL, 57792 WHITE RIVER, 57579 WHITEHORSE, 57661 WHITEWODO, 57793 WHITEWOOD, 57793 Whitewood SD, 57793 WILLOW LAKE, 57278 WILMOT, 57279 WINFRED, 57076 WINNER, 57580 WITTEN, 57584 WOLSEY, 57384 WOOD, 57585 WOONSOCKET, 57385 WORTHING, 57077 WOUNDED KNEE, 57794 YALE, 57386 YANKTON, 57078