Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Medium46.13%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$37,440
Median$54,320
High (90th %)$76,780
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Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.
The occupation "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" has an estimated automation risk of 46.1%, which is slightly below the base risk of 46.6% for similar roles. This figure suggests a moderate likelihood that many aspects of the job can be automated, largely due to advancements in vehicle automation, sensors, and digital logistics systems. Technology is rapidly transforming the transportation sector, particularly in long-haul and predictable route driving, by enabling self-driving capabilities and digital monitoring of vehicle and cargo conditions. Among the most automatable tasks for truck drivers are "checking all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy," "inspecting loads to ensure that cargo is secure," and "checking vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order." These activities are highly repetitious and can be streamlined through existing digital tools such as electronic document management systems, sensor-equipped cargo bays, and automated vehicle diagnostics. Such tasks do not require significant human judgment or adaptability and are, therefore, prime candidates for automation as sensor and AI technologies advance. Conversely, certain tasks remain resistant to automation due to their reliance on nuanced physical manipulation, decision-making, or real-time collaboration. These include "giving directions to laborers who are packing goods and moving them onto trailers," "operating idle reduction systems or auxiliary power systems," and "wrapping and securing goods using pads, packing paper, containers, or straps." The bottleneck skills tied to these resistant tasks are originality, with scores of 1.9% and 1.8%, respectively, highlighting the importance of creative problem-solving and on-the-fly decision-making. Such skills are difficult for current AI systems to replicate, thereby safeguarding certain aspects of the heavy and tractor-trailer truck driving occupation from full automation in the near future.
Filter by Automatable Status
Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Partially Automatable
Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
Partially Automatable
Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
Non-Automatable
Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
Partially Automatable
Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
Automatable
Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.
Automatable
Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
Partially Automatable
Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks.
Non-Automatable
Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.
Partially Automatable
Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.
Automatable
Drive trucks with capacities greater than 13 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
Partially Automatable
Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes.
Automatable
Check conditions of trailers after contents have been unloaded to ensure that there has been no damage.
Partially Automatable
Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes in compliance with state regulations.
Non-Automatable
Load or unload trucks or help others with loading or unloading, using special loading-related equipment or other equipment as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems (GPS) equipment, or other navigation devices, to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Automatable
Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, tire chains, or spark plugs.
Non-Automatable
Remove debris from loaded trailers.
Non-Automatable
Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.
Non-Automatable
Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
Partially Automatable
Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.
Partially Automatable
Follow special cargo-related procedures, such as checking refrigeration systems for frozen foods or providing food or water for livestock.
Partially Automatable
Install or remove special equipment, such as tire chains, grader blades, plow blades, or sanders.
Partially Automatable
Wrap and secure goods using pads, packing paper, containers, or straps.
Non-Automatable
Give directions to laborers who are packing goods and moving them onto trailers.
Partially Automatable
Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
Partially Automatable
Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid, performing minor repairs, or washing trucks.
Partially Automatable
Operate equipment, such as truck cab computers, CB radios, phones, or global positioning systems (GPS) equipment to exchange necessary information with bases, supervisors, or other drivers.
Partially Automatable
Operate idle reduction systems or auxiliary power systems to generate power from alternative sources, such as fuel cells, to reduce idling time, to heat or cool truck cabins, or to provide power for other equipment.
Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingLaw and Government
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesPerforming General Physical Activities
Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft WindowsYouTubeALK Technologies PC*MilerADP ezLaborManagerSAP softwareEkoEvernote3M Post-it Appddlsoftware.com drivers daily log program DDLFog Line Software Truckn ProMarcoSoft Quo VadisOmnitracs Performance MonitoringPeopleNetTruckersHelperMicrosoft OutlookInventory tracking softwareYouTubeInventory tracking softwareALK Technologies PC*MilerSAP softwareEkoEvernote3M Post-it Appddlsoftware.com drivers daily log program DDLFog Line Software Truckn ProMarcoSoft Quo VadisPeopleNetMicrosoft OutlookTruckersHelperComputerized inventory tracking softwareADP ezLaborManagerOmnitracs Performance MonitoringComputerized inventory tracking softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Word
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Medium65.75%
Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business. Duties may include using radio, telephone, or computer to transmit assignments and compiling statistics and reports on work progress.
Pile Driver Operators
Low24.77%
Operate pile drivers mounted on skids, barges, crawler treads, or locomotive cranes to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, and foundations of structures such as buildings, bridges, and piers.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Medium39.01%
Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
Highway Maintenance Workers
Low20.84%
Maintain highways, municipal and rural roads, airport runways, and rights-of-way. Duties include patching broken or eroded pavement and repairing guard rails, highway markers, and snow fences. May also mow or clear brush from along road, or plow snow from roadway.
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Medium39.66%
Operate underground loading or moving machine to load or move coal, ore, or rock using shuttle or mine car or conveyors. Equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Low26.56%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Light Truck Drivers
Medium51.40%
Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver. May load and unload vehicle.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Medium58.38%
Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets.
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
Medium54.81%
Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis. May collect a fare. Includes nonemergency medical transporters and hearse drivers.
Taxi Drivers
Medium45.31%
Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on an unplanned basis and charge a fare, usually based on a meter.
Locomotive Engineers
Medium54.80%
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Medium40.89%
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Medium40.83%
Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Medium56.73%
Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.
Crane and Tower Operators
Medium38.20%
Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.
Hoist and Winch Operators
Low24.71%
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Medium46.81%
Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Medium36.17%
Manually move freight, stock, luggage, or other materials, or perform other general labor. Includes all manual laborers not elsewhere classified.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Medium40.81%
Collect and dump refuse or recyclable materials from containers into truck. May drive truck.
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
Medium44.23%
Load and unload chemicals and bulk solids, such as coal, sand, and grain, into or from tank cars, trucks, or ships, using material moving equipment. May perform a variety of other tasks relating to shipment of products. May gauge or sample shipping tanks and test them for leaks.
Cargo and Freight Agents
Medium55.62%
Expedite and route movement of incoming and outgoing cargo and freight shipments in airline, train, and trucking terminals and shipping docks. Take orders from customers and arrange pickup of freight and cargo for delivery to loading platform. Prepare and examine bills of lading to determine shipping charges and tariffs.
Couriers and Messengers
Medium59.38%
Pick up and deliver messages, documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment or directly to other business concerns, traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile, or public conveyance.
Commercial Pilots
Medium45.15%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Driver/Sales Workers
Medium56.20%
Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry. May also take orders, collect payment, or stock merchandise at point of delivery.
Bus Drivers, School
Medium48.53%
Drive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting.
Subway and Streetcar Operators
High66.85%
Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
Motorboat Operators
Medium33.94%
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Parking Attendants
Low28.07%
Park vehicles or issue tickets for customers in a parking lot or garage. May park or tend vehicles in environments such as a car dealership or rental car facility. May collect fee.