This week’s Friday Feature is dedicated to one of the most powerful positions on every job site: truck driver. When most people first hear of that job title, they picture long hours covering countless miles cross-country. But when it comes to the construction industry, truck drivers can do so much more than follow road signs.
Truck drivers help bring all the supplies a job site needs and clears what it doesn’t. For example, a truck driver operates water, trailer or dump trucks to:
- Pick up and deliver bulk loads of material, ranging from timber to steel.
- Haul heavy lauds of unneeded material away from the job site.
- Dump contents, such as soil, sand, and rubble, to a specific part of the job site.
To complete these daily tasks, truck drivers have to manage large equipment. In fact, they have the opportunity to operate equipment as large as a house with capacity to hold more than three tons of material! It’s no wonder this career is growing in popularity. But what’s it take to become a truck driver? This in-demand job is ideal for those who:
- Have sharp eyesight, excellent hands-eye coordination, and quick reaction time. Every job site is different, but most require expert maneuvering on uneven terrain and often tight quarters.
- Are clear, confident communicators. Great communication skills are critical, as ongoing conversation via radio or telephone between the driver and supervisor or base is an important part of getting the job done safely and on time.
- Are comfortable taking on a load of responsibility, figuratively and literally. Aside from the actual loads truck drivers maneuver to and from job sites, truck drivers are responsible for keeping accurate records of everything they transport as well as routine cleaning and servicing of the vehicle they operate.
Natural skills are an important part of becoming a quality driver, but only specialized training will ensure safety behind the wheel. An apprenticeship with on-the-job training and classroom hours hone the specialized skills needed to keep everyone safe on the job. Keep in mind, all apprenticeship-hopefuls must be 21 years old, have a current commercial driver’s license and a valid state driver’s license.
After completing the required training, certified truck drivers have the opportunity to work through an established company or as an owner-driver on their own. Truck drivers can move from one construction job to another or stay on one specific site for months.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been working in the construction field for years and are adding additional skills, have had years of experience behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer, or are just graduating from high school, this career choice brings endless growth potential while staying close to home. This is a wonderful perk for veteran drivers and rookies alike as working on a construction site makes for a fantastic alternative to long trips on the road, far away from home.
Managing and moving heavy equipment requires incredible responsibility and skill, so it’s no wonder truck drivers are well compensated for their great work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average truck driver earns $21.21 per hour and $44,110 annually. Now is the perfect time to start your truck driving career. If you’re ready to get behind the wheel, contact us today.
