The U.S. Department of Transportation establishes minimum qualifications for truck drivers engaged in interstate commerce. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require truck drivers to be at least 21 years old, have at least 20/40 vision and good hearing, and be able to read and speak English. They also must have good driving records and a commercial driver’s license, which they obtain by passing a written examination and a skills test in which they operate the type of vehicle they will be driving. Commercial driver’s licenses are issued by the individual States. Companies often have additional requirements that applicants must meet.

OUTLOOK
The number of wage and salary jobs in the truck transportation and warehousing industry is expected to grow 14 percent from 2004 through 2014, compared with projected growth of 14 percent for all industries combined. Growth will result in many job openings because the industry is so large. There also will be openings due to replacement needs for the large number of workers who will transfer to other industries or retire. Job opportunities should be especially good for truck drivers. Opportunities for truck drivers are expected to be favorable.
Most employers compensate truck drivers with an hourly rate, a rate per mile, or a percentage of their loads’ revenue. Benefits, including performance-related bonuses, health insurance, and sick and vacation leave, are common in the trucking industry.

The U.S. Department of Transportation governs work hours and many other working conditions of truck drivers engaged in interstate commerce. Long-distance drivers are not permitted to 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. Drivers are required to document their time in logbooks. Many drivers, particularly on long runs, work close to the maximum time permitted because employers usually compensate them on the basis of the number of miles or hours they drive. Drivers frequently travel at night, on holidays, and on weekends to avoid traffic delays so that they can deliver their cargo on time.

Truck drivers must cope with a variety of working conditions, including variable weather and traffic conditions, boredom, and fatigue. Many truck drivers enjoy the independence and working without direct supervision found in long-distance driving. Local truck drivers often have regular routes or assignments that allow them to return home in the evening.

Improvements in roads and trucks are reducing stress and increasing the efficiency of long-distance drivers. Many advanced trucks are equipped with refrigerators, televisions, and beds for their drivers’ convenience. Included in some of these state-of-the-art vehicles are satellite links with their company’s headquarters, so that drivers can get directions, weather and traffic reports, and other important communications in a matter of seconds. In the event of bad weather or mechanical problems, truckers can communicate with dispatchers to discuss delivery schedules and courses of action. Satellite links allow dispatchers to track the location of the truck and monitor fuel consumption and engine performance.