Truck Driver Resume examples & templates
Copyable Truck Driver Resume examples
The open road has called to adventurers since the early 1900s, when the first commercial trucks rumbled across America's dusty pathways. Back then, drivers navigated without GPS, battled mechanical failures with makeshift repairs, and often slept in the cab's wooden bench seats. Today's trucking industry—a $791.7 billion economic powerhouse—bears little resemblance to those early days, yet carries forward that same spirit of independence that attracted drivers for generations.
Modern truck drivers balance solitude with technology, managing electronic logging devices that track their hours while staying connected to dispatch through sophisticated communication systems. The industry's facing interesting shifts right now: autonomous technology is developing (though full self-driving trucks remain years away), and the persistent driver shortage—roughly 80,000 positions unfilled in 2021—has pushed wages upward for qualified CDL holders. Despite these changes, the fundamentals remain: truckers still form the backbone of American commerce, moving everything from emergency supplies to everyday groceries. As supply chains grow more complex and consumer expectations for rapid delivery increase, professional drivers with strong safety records and technical adaptability will find themselves increasingly valued in tomorrow's logistics landscape.
Junior Truck Driver Resume Example
RYAN MILLER
Denver, CO 80205 | (303) 555-8762 | r.miller.driver@email.com | linkedin.com/in/ryanmillerdriver
CDL-A truck driver with 18 months of experience in regional and OTR operations. Former warehouse associate who transitioned to driving after earning my CDL. Known for punctual deliveries, clean driving record, and going the extra mile during tight schedules. Maintained 99.3% on-time delivery rate while managing 2,800+ miles weekly across diverse weather conditions.
EXPERIENCE
Regional Driver – Mountain Express Logistics, Denver, CO
March 2023 – Present
- Operate 53′ dry van trailer for regional deliveries across Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, completing 12-15 deliveries weekly
- Manage accurate electronic logging device (ELD) records while maintaining compliance with DOT hours of service regulations
- Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections, identifying maintenance issues before they cause breakdowns
- Reduced fuel consumption by 7% through improved driving techniques and route optimization
- Handle freight documentation including bills of lading, delivery receipts, and incident reports
OTR Driver Trainee – Westward Transport Inc., Salt Lake City, UT
August 2022 – February 2023
- Completed 12-week OTR training program with senior driver mentor, traveling primarily through Midwest routes
- Practiced safe loading/unloading procedures for various freight types while adhering to weight distribution guidelines
- Developed proficiency in backing maneuvers including parallel parking, offset backing, and dock approaches
- Gained experience driving in diverse weather conditions including snow, rain, and high winds
Warehouse Associate – Rocky Mountain Distribution, Denver, CO
May 2021 – July 2022
- Operated forklifts to load/unload freight from trailers and organize warehouse inventory
- Assisted with accurate freight sorting, counting, and documentation prior to shipment
- Maintained clean driving record while occasionally moving trailers around yard (yard jockey duties)
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) – Rocky Mountain Truck Driving School
Denver, CO – July 2022
- Completed 160 hours of combined classroom and behind-the-wheel training
- Endorsements: Tanker, Doubles/Triples
High School Diploma – East Denver High School
Denver, CO – 2020
CERTIFICATIONS
- DOT Medical Card (expires June 2024)
- HAZMAT Certification (in progress)
- Forklift Operator Certification
- Basic First Aid & CPR
SKILLS
- Hours of Service Regulations
- ELD Systems (Omnitracs, KeepTruckin)
- Defensive Driving Techniques
- Route Planning & Navigation
- Pre/Post Trip Inspections
- Cargo Securement
- Weight Distribution
- Load Planning
- Basic Vehicle Maintenance
- Customer Service
Mid-level Truck Driver Resume Example
Marcus J. Wilson
Phone: (614) 555-8732 • Email: mjwilson.driver@email.com • Location: Columbus, OH 43215
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mjwilson-driver • CDL License: Class A, Ohio #CL7753992
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Safety-minded CDL-A truck driver with 5+ years of experience delivering freight across 38 states with a spotless driving record. Skilled in operating various commercial vehicles including refrigerated trailers, dry vans, and flatbeds. Known for reliable on-time deliveries (97.3% OTD rate) and expertise in DOT regulations while maintaining accurate electronic logs.
EXPERIENCE
Regional Truck Driver – Midwest Transport Solutions, Columbus, OH
June 2021 – Present
- Drive 2,800-3,500 miles weekly throughout 12-state Midwest region, delivering consumer goods to distribution centers with 99.1% on-time rate
- Manage proper cargo securement for varied freight types and accurately complete all required documentation for cross-state deliveries
- Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections, identifying and reporting 17 critical maintenance issues before they caused road delays
- Mentor 4 new drivers on company procedures, regional route planning, and electronic logging device compliance
- Reduced fuel consumption by 7.2% through improved driving techniques and route optimization
OTR Truck Driver – National Logistics Inc., Cincinnati, OH
March 2019 – May 2021
- Transported time-sensitive freight across 38 states, averaging 105,000 miles annually with 96% on-time delivery performance
- Maintained accurate hours of service records using electronic logging devices, passing all 8 roadside inspections with zero violations
- Communicated effectively with dispatch regarding schedule changes, traffic conditions, and delivery status updates
- Safely operated in various weather conditions including snow, ice, and heavy rain while maintaining delivery schedules
Local Delivery Driver – City Distributors LLC, Dayton, OH
August 2018 – February 2019
- Completed 15-20 daily deliveries within 75-mile radius of distribution center
- Utilized GPS technology and local knowledge to navigate efficient routes in varying traffic conditions
- Built strong relationships with repeat customers, resulting in 3 commendation letters to management
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A – Premier Truck Driving School, Columbus, OH
Completed July 2018
High School Diploma – Westland High School, Columbus, OH
Graduated 2016
Certifications:
- HAZMAT Endorsement (Current)
- Tanker Endorsement (Current)
- Defensive Driving Certification (2022)
- Basic Cargo Securement Training (2019)
SKILLS
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
- Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
- Route Planning & Navigation
- Freight Handling & Securement
- Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection
- Loading Dock Procedures
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- GPS & Fleet Management Systems
- DOT Compliance
ADDITIONAL
Clean driving record with zero accidents or moving violations. Available for flexible scheduling including weekends. Familiar with Qualcomm, PeopleNet, and Omnitracs systems.
Senior / Experienced Truck Driver Resume Example
MICHAEL “MIKE” HERNANDEZ
Grand Rapids, MI | (616) 555-8742 | m.hernandez.driver@email.com | linkedin.com/in/mikehernandezdriver
Professional Summary
Safety-focused CDL-A Driver with 11+ years of experience and over 890,000 accident-free miles. Specialized in long-haul and regional routes across 38 states with expertise in temperature-controlled freight and hazmat transport. Known for on-time deliveries (98.7% record) and vehicle maintenance knowledge that’s prevented costly breakdowns. Looking to leverage my experience with a company that values reliability and professional drivers.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Lead Driver / Driver Trainer | Midwest Transport Solutions | Grand Rapids, MI | 2019 – Present
- Maintain perfect safety record while logging 95,000+ miles annually across varied terrain and weather conditions
- Train and mentor 17 new drivers on company protocols, DOT regulations, and safe driving practices
- Reduced idle time by 14% through implementation of fuel-saving techniques shared with team members
- Coordinate directly with dispatch to solve route complications and maintain tight delivery schedules
- Successfully transport temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals with zero temperature excursions in 3+ years
Regional CDL-A Driver | CrossCountry Freight Lines | Kalamazoo, MI | 2015 – 2019
- Completed over 450 on-time deliveries throughout the Midwest region with 97.3% on-time rate
- Handled specialized flatbed loads requiring proper securement techniques and equipment
- Maintained detailed electronic logs while ensuring compliance with HOS regulations
- Recognized as “Driver of the Quarter” twice for exceptional customer service and safety record
- Developed efficient pre-trip inspection routine that was later adopted as company standard procedure
OTR Truck Driver | BestWay Trucking Co. | Detroit, MI | 2012 – 2015
- Operated 53′ dry van trailers on routes spanning 28 states, averaging 120,000 miles per year
- Managed all aspects of freight transport including loading supervision, routing, and customer interaction
- Maintained vehicle through regular preventative maintenance checks and minor repairs
- Adapted to varied road conditions including mountain driving and severe weather situations
CERTIFICATIONS & EDUCATION
Commercial Driver’s License Class A with Hazmat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples Endorsements
Michigan Department of Transportation | Current
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Transportation Security Administration | Expires 08/2024
Certified Professional Truck Driver
National Safety Council | 2013
Advanced Defensive Driving Certification
Smith System | 2017
High School Diploma
Central High School – Detroit, MI | 2010
SKILLS
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
- DOT regulations & Hours of Service
- Route planning & GPS navigation
- Freight securement techniques
- Basic vehicle maintenance
- Hazardous materials transport
- Temperature-controlled freight
- Customer service & communication
- Warehouse loading/unloading protocols
- Winter driving techniques
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Available for flexible scheduling including weekends and overnight routes. Clean MVR with no moving violations in past 11 years. Comfortable with extended trips (2-3 weeks) when needed.
How to Write a Truck Driver Resume
Introduction
In the competitive world of trucking, your resume is often the first impression you'll make on potential employers. As someone who's helped hundreds of drivers land better routes and higher pay, I can tell you that a solid resume makes all the difference. Whether you're hauling freight cross-country or making local deliveries, your resume needs to show reliability, safety consciousness and professionalism - qualities every fleet manager is desperate to find.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your resume clean and readable - think of it like planning an efficient route. One to two pages max is the sweet spot for most drivers (though newer drivers should stick to one page).
- Use clear section headings (Experience, Certifications, Skills)
- Stick with standard fonts like Arial or Calibri at 11-12pt
- Include plenty of white space - crowded resumes get skimmed
- List your CDL type and endorsements near the top where they're instantly visible
- Include your phone number and a professional email (not hotrodtrucker99@email.com!)
Profile/Summary Section
Your summary should be like a CB intro - brief but gives dispatchers the important info right away. 3-4 lines is plenty. Mention your license class, years of experience, safety record and specialties.
Example: "Class A CDL driver with 6+ years of over-the-road experience and 750,000+ accident-free miles. Specialized in refrigerated freight with on-time delivery rate of 98.7%. Experienced with electronic logging devices and routing software."
PRO TIP: If you have a particularly impressive safety record or specialized hauling experience (hazmat, oversized loads, etc.), highlight it in your summary. Safety records that beat company averages are gold in this industry.
Professional Experience
This is where the rubber meets the road. List your driving jobs in reverse chronological order with company names, dates and locations. For each position, include:
- Types of equipment operated (53' dry van, tanker, flatbed)
- Routes and territories covered (regional, OTR, dedicated)
- Average miles driven per week/month/year
- Safety achievements and records
- On-time delivery percentages
- Special responsibilities (training newer drivers, pre-trip inspections)
Quantify whenever possible: "Maintained 99.3% on-time delivery while averaging 2,850 miles weekly" beats "Made deliveries on time" any day of the week.
Education and Certifications
List your CDL details first, followed by endorsements, then any additional certifications:
- CDL class and state of issue with expiration date
- Endorsements (Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples)
- Professional certifications (Smith System, defensive driving courses)
- Training programs completed (include the school name for newer drivers)
- High school diploma/GED (optional for experienced drivers)
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many trucking companies use applicant tracking systems to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. Include these terms naturally throughout your resume:
- CDL-A (or appropriate class)
- DOT regulations
- Hours of Service (HOS)
- ELD/E-logs
- CSA scores
- Your specific endorsements (Tanker, Hazmat, etc.)
- Route planning
- Preventative maintenance
Industry-specific Terms
Show your industry knowledge by naturally incorporating relevant terminology:
- Equipment types you've operated (day cab, sleeper, reefer)
- Software/systems you've used (Qualcomm, PeopleNet, Omnitracs)
- Loading/unloading procedures (lumper services, pallet jack operation)
- Fuel efficiency practices
- Trip planning methods
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After reviewing thousands of driver resumes, I've seen these errors trip up even experienced drivers:
- Unexplained gaps in employment (address these briefly)
- No mention of safety records or miles driven
- Listing every short-term driving job without explanation
- Forgetting to include contact information (happens more than you'd think!)
- Using CB slang or overly casual language
- Including irrelevant personal information (hobbies, marital status)
Before/After Example
Before: "Drove truck for JB Shipping making deliveries and following DOT rules."
After: "Operated 53' refrigerated trailer for JB Shipping across 11 western states, maintaining 100% compliance with DOT regulations while averaging 2,700 miles weekly with 97% on-time delivery rate."
Remember, your resume should show not just where
you've been, but how well you've handled the journey. Good luck on the road ahead!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Truck Driver resume
- Problem-solving under pressure – finding alternate routes during road closures or navigating unexpected mechanical issues mid-delivery
- Clear communication with dispatchers, warehouse teams and customers (sometimes when everyone’s stressed about tight deadlines)
- Conflict resolution – handling disagreements with shipping clerks or difficult receiving personnel without escalation
- Time management – juggling DOT hours of service regulations while meeting delivery schedules
- Adaptability to changing conditions – weather challenges, last-minute schedule changes, and varying dock procedures across facilities
- Patience during extended wait times, traffic situations, and when dealing with inexperienced dock workers
Hard skills for your Truck Driver resume
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A with HazMat and Tanker endorsements
- Proficient with Qualcomm ELD systems and J.J. Keller E-Logs
- Experienced in 10-speed manual transmission and automated manual transmission operations
- Vehicle pre-trip/post-trip inspection protocols per DOT regulations
- Forklift certification (Clark 5,000 lb capacity)
- Cargo securement techniques including load balancing and weight distribution
- Familiar with TruckersEdge load board and DAT freight matching platforms
- Defensive driving techniques and winter driving expertise
- Basic diesel engine troubleshooting and minor maintenance skills