From delivering raw materials to manufacturing facilities to hauling finished goods to retail stores nationwide, long-haul truck drivers make the American way of life possible. Sometimes referred to as over-the-road (OTR) drivers, long-distance drivers, or commercial drivers, these professionals are vital to the country’s economy.
Enjoying the freedom of the open road is a dream come true for many truck drivers, but getting started in this role comes with a few requirements. Commercial driving school gives aspiring drivers the education and skills they need to haul heavy loads from coast to coast.
What Does a Long-Haul Truck Driver Do?
A long-haul commercial driver transports goods along a route that typically consists of more than 1,000 miles and may cover several thousand miles of highway. Most commercial truckers drive trucks owned by their employers, but others go on to become owner-operator truck drivers, giving them more freedom to choose their routes and schedules.
The exact nature of the role varies significantly depending on the goods being transported. Some long-haul trucking professionals haul potentially dangerous chemicals, which can require special permits. Others may haul refrigerated goods, livestock, or even brand-new automobiles destined for dealership showrooms.
Commercial Long-Haul Driver Responsibilities
Though their duties and responsibilities vary, most long-haul truck drivers carry out some or all of the following tasks each day:
Driving on open highways or through congested traffic for many hours at a time
Inspecting trucks and cargo for safety before embarking on a trip
Securing loads on trucks when necessary
Ensuring that trucks receive proper maintenance as needed
Logging mileage
Obeying all traffic laws across state borders
Navigating complex networks of roads and highways to find the safest, most efficient routes
Steps to Become a Long-Haul Truck Driver
The qualifications for working in long-haul trucking include getting the driver training and experience required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and then earning and maintaining the CDL credential.
The general requirements for earning a CDL vary from one state to the next, but most require CDL applicants to be 18 years of age and have a high school or GED diploma. These drivers can only operate a commercial vehicle in the state where the CDL was issued until the age of 21, at which time they can qualify for interstate transportation routes.
Complete a Commercial Driving Program
Commercial driver training programs are designed to teach aspiring long-haul truck drivers everything they need to know to drive a large truck safely and successfully.
Students typically earn a diploma or certificate upon successful completion of the program. Training programs help prepare graduates to operate trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds, articulated vehicles weighing more than 10,001 pounds, and straight vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds.
Obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit
Individuals who are pursuing a CDL must start their journeys by applying for a commercial learner’s permit (CLP). Applicants for learner’s permits must also pass a written exam and verify their medical status.
Pass the Written CDL Exam
Individuals must typically pass CDL knowledge exams to receive their CLP. The written state exams usually have about 50 to 100 questions that cover essential topics. Commercial driving programs can help prepare aspiring drivers for their exams. When drivers move to new states, they may also be required to take and pass those states’ written exams.
Get Medical Reports
Long-haul truck drivers must not have any medical conditions that could endanger themselves or others, and they must also have sufficient vision quality. As such, prior to obtaining a CLP, drivers must pass a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam performed by a certified physician and participate in a vision test at their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
Pass the Practical Skills Test
In most states, permitted commercial drivers must wait at least 14 days before they can take the practical skills test. The practical skills test covers three areas: vehicle inspection, controls operation, and standard road skills. Upon passing, drivers can pay the necessary fees and obtain their CDL.
Pursue CDL Endorsements
In most states, drivers must earn endorsements before they can operate specific types of vehicles or haul certain goods. Each endorsement comes with its own written and practical skills test. The type of endorsements you can get will depend on what CDL class your license is in. Class A CDL holders can receive any endorsement, while Class B and Class C CDL holders qualify for fewer endorsements.
CDL endorsements include the following:
H Endorsement — Permits commercial drivers to operate vehicles containing hazmat substances
N Endorsement — Permits drivers to haul liquids and gasses in tanker-style vehicles
P Endorsement — Permits drivers to operate vehicles that seat 16 or more people
S Endorsement — Permits commercial drivers to operate school buses
T Endorsement — Permits drivers to operate double- and triple-trailer setups
X Endorsement — Permits drivers to haul hazmat materials in tanks (liquid or gas form)
Long-Haul Trucking Career Outlook
Long-haul truck drivers move 72.6% of American freight over the road by weight each year, and nearly 14 million trucks were in operation across the United States in 2022, according to American Trucking Associations (ATA). As American consumers and businesses continue to spend, and as the demand for goods increases, the demand for commercial drivers will likely rise, as well.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers is projected to grow by 4% between 2022 and 2032. More than 240,000 job openings are expected to become available for drivers each year during the period.
Travel the Country with a Purpose as a Commercial Driver
Long-haul trucking is a highly rewarding and lucrative career option that offers a sense of freedom. It provides the chance to earn a living while seeing the beautiful American landscape and serving an important economic purpose, all without a traditional college degree.
The All-State Career Advanced Tractor Trailer Driving Program — which is offered at campuses in Baltimore; Pittsburgh; and Essington, Pennsylvania — is an excellent way to complete your CDL training. The program can prepare you with the industry skills needed to pursue a fulfilling career as a commercial driver. Discover how you can develop the advanced skills and technical knowledge you will need to haul the freight that keeps the country running.
Recommended Readings
Why You Should Think about Becoming a Commercial Truck Driver
Top Delivery Driver Skills
4 Tips for Succeeding in CDL School