Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Truck Driver
What truck drivers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Complete a 10-hour break, check the ELD and review the load assignment from dispatch. From there, the day usually includes inspect trucks and trailers before and after trips, plan routes considering weight, height, traffic and weather, and drive safely while following traffic laws and federal regulations. Long-haul drivers often work long days within federal hours-of-service limits and may be away for weeks. Local and regional drivers usually work daily shifts and get home more often, sometimes with early starts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a truck driver working full time.
- Complete a 10-hour break, check the ELD and review the load assignment from dispatch.
- Perform a pre-trip inspection: lights, tires, brakes, air lines, coupling and fluids.
- Depart for a 400-mile run, planning fuel and a 30-minute break.
- Take a required break, eat and check traffic ahead.
- Back into a dock at the receiver, unhook and complete delivery paperwork.
- Pick up a return load, verify the seal number and bill of lading.
- Park at a truck stop, complete a post-trip inspection and begin the 10-hour break.
Where truck drivers work
Drivers spend most of the day in the truck cab, sometimes loading or unloading at docks. Long-haul drivers sleep in sleeper berths and may be away from home for long stretches. The job involves sitting for long periods and driving in all weather and traffic.
Hours and schedule
Long-haul drivers often work long days within federal hours-of-service limits and may be away for weeks. Local and regional drivers usually work daily shifts and get home more often, sometimes with early starts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Inspect trucks and trailers before and after trips
- Plan routes considering weight, height, traffic and weather
- Drive safely while following traffic laws and federal regulations
- Record hours of service with an electronic logging device (ELD)
- Secure cargo and verify loads against shipping documents
- Communicate with dispatchers, shippers and receivers
- Report vehicle defects and incidents
Tools you’ll use every day
- Tractor-trailers and sleeper cabs
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs)
- Truck-specific GPS and routing apps
- Load locks, straps and chains
- Tire gauges and inspection flashlights
- Fuel cards and dispatch apps
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Fast entry: CDL training in weeks
- Many openings across the country
- Independence on the road
- Options for local, regional, long-haul or owner-operator work
What’s hard
- Long hours and time away from home on long-haul routes
- Sedentary work with health challenges
- Traffic, weather and tight delivery windows
- Strict regulations, drug testing and safety scrutiny
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like working independently
- I enjoy driving and don’t mind long hours on the road
- I want to start earning within a couple of months
- I can stay focused and alert for long periods
- I have a clean driving record
- Time away from home is manageable for me
Not sure? Take the free Truck Driver fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow hours-of-service rules and never drive drowsy
- Complete every pre-trip and post-trip inspection
- Wear your seat belt and avoid phone use while driving
- Use three points of contact getting in and out of the cab