Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver
What do Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers do?
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds. Some drivers have a route that they drive regularly, and others take many different routes throughout the country. Some drivers will also be responsible for loading and unloading their truck.
Average Wage
Experienced Wage
As a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver you will:
Drive long distances
Inspect trailers before and after the trip and record any defects found
Keep trucks and associated equipment clean and in good working order
Maintain a log of working hours, following all federal and state regulations
Report to a dispatcher any incidents encountered on the road
Training & Educational Opportunities
If you are interested in gaining employment as a truck driver, you need to complete training and earn an Illinois Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Some employers may require candidates to have previous experience and special coursework and certification in hazardous materials, air brake endorsement, tank vehicles, etc.
Training Providers
- 160 Driving Academy
- College of DuPage
- Elgin Community College
- Joliet Junior College
- Mid-City Truck Driving Academy
- Progressive Truck Driving School, Inc.
- STAR Truck Driving School
- Wolf Driving School
Ready to Unlock This Career?
A WIOA grant can pay for training.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Apply Now
SUCCESS STORY
From Homeless to Full-Time Employment
With determination and a little help from workNet DuPage, Joseph Miller found a new career in trucking.
Joseph Miller was unhappy with his living situation and wanted a better life. Homeless and living in a shelter he was eager to get a Commercial Driver’s License to become an over-the-road truck driver, but he wasn’t able to pay for the training. He contacted our offices at workNet DuPage and applied for a WIOA training grant. That move set the path forward for Joseph to attend College of DuPage’s Truck Driving School and start a new career at age 61.
With keen determination Joseph passed the Secretary of State’s CDL exams and got his Class A CDL. Shortly after he was offered a job with Paschall Truck Lines. He told our friends at College of DuPage, “If I can do this, anyone can.” Congratulations, Joe! Your success inspires all of us!
Learn more about the College of DuPage Truck Driving School here.
Types of Employers
- Freight carrier companies
- Grocery stores
- Manufacturing companies
- Shipping companies
Specialization and advancement opportunities:
- Automobile Carrier Driver
- Freight Truck Driver
- Gasoline Truck Driver
- Long Haul Truck Driver
- Truck Owner Operator
