Over the Road (OTR) Driver

Wrap and secure goods using pads, packing paper, containers, or straps.

Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, tire chains, or spark plugs.

Give directions to laborers who are packing goods and moving them onto trailers.

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.

Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks.

Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.

Drive trucks with capacities greater than 3 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.

Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes in compliance with state regulations.

Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.

Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.

Drive electric or hybrid-electric powered trucks or alternative fuel-powered trucks to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.

Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.

Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.

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.

Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes.

Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.

Check conditions of trailers after contents have been unloaded to ensure that there has been no damage.

Install or remove special equipment, such as tire chains, grader blades, plow blades, or sanders.

Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.

Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.

Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid or performing minor repairs.

Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.

Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.

Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.

Follow special cargo-related procedures, such as checking refrigeration systems for frozen foods or providing food or water for livestock.

Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.

Operate trucks equipped with snowplows or sander attachments to maintain roads in winter weather.

Remove debris from loaded trailers.

Load or unload trucks or help others with loading or unloading, using special loading-related equipment or other equipment as necessary.