Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: Highlights accomplishments by citing metrics like 10,000 miles transported monthly and a 98% on-time delivery rate, clearly illustrating the job seeker’s significant impact.
- Uses action-oriented language: Action verbs such as “transported,” “maintained,” and “achieved” make the responsibilities dynamic and engaging, drawing attention to the job seeker’s active role in their successes.
- Illustrates problem-solving ability: Showcases the job seeker’s problem-solving skills by listing accomplishments such as the ability to implement efficient solutions by reducing fuel consumption by 15% through optimized routes.
More Truck Driver Resume Examples
Check out our truck driver resume examples to understand how to highlight your driving skills, safety record, and delivery experience. These driver resume samples will help you craft a resume that appeals to logistics employers and fits various trucking positions.
Entry-Level Truck Driver
Why this resume works
- Features a strong education section: The education section stands out by clearly listing honors and graduation dates and highlighting academic achievements essential for early-career professionals.
- Touches on awards and recognition: Awards and recognitions like Employee of the Year and Safety Excellence Award validate the job seeker’s outstanding performance and contributions in their roles.
- Shows digital literacy: Maintaining 100% compliance with log systems demonstrates digital literacy, showcasing the job seeker’s readiness for modern workplace demands.
Mid-Level Truck Driver
Why this resume works
- Includes a mix of soft and hard skills: Showcases a balanced mix of soft and hard skills through technical expertise in logistics, coupled with strong interpersonal abilities like customer service and team training.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Language proficiencies in Spanish and French highlight cross-cultural communication and language skills essential for international projects and effective interaction with diverse teams.
- Displays technical expertise: Demonstrates technical expertise by listing certifications such as CDL and CLA, emphasizing specialized knowledge essential for safe and efficient transportation management.
Experienced Truck Driver
Why this resume works
- Lists relevant certifications: Highlights certifications like CLA and CDL, reflecting the candidate’s commitment to expertise and ongoing professional development in logistics and transportation.
- Showcases impressive accomplishments: Includes measurable accomplishments such as reducing fuel costs by 15% and maintaining a 98% on-time delivery rate, demonstrating impactful contributions at a senior level.
- Emphasizes leadership skills: Emphasizes leadership skills through roles involving route management, driver training programs, and ensuring safety compliance, showcasing effective team guidance and project leadership.
Truck Driver Resume Template (Text Version)
John Chen
Tacoma, WA 98402
(555)555-5555
John.Chen@example.com
Professional Summary
Experienced truck driver with over four years in logistics. Proficient in vehicle maintenance, route planning, and DOT regulations, optimizing delivery efficiency by leveraging GPS navigation and defensive driving skills.
Work History
Truck Driver
BlueLine Transport – Tacoma, WA
March 2023 – March 2025
- Transported goods safely across 10,000 miles monthly
- Maintained vehicles and met all safety regulations
- Achieved 98% on-time delivery rate for all shipments
Delivery Driver
Summit Freight Lines – Eastside, WA
March 2021 – February 2023
- Completed 150 deliveries per week with 99% customer satisfaction
- Executed precise navigational route planning
- Reduced fuel consumption by 15% via optimized routes
Logistics Coordinator
Horizon Logistics – Silverlake, WA
March 2019 – February 2021
- Oversaw freight logistics operations for 200+ clients
- Increased delivery efficiency by 20% with AI tools
- Trained 5 new drivers on regulations and practices
Skills
- Route Planning
- Vehicle Maintenance
- DOT Regulations
- Hazardous Materials
- Customer Service
- Time Management
- GPS Navigation
- Defensive Driving
Education
Associate’s Degree Logistics Management
University of Illinois Chicago, IL
May 2019
High School Diploma General Studies
Lincoln High School Chicago, IL
May 2017
Certifications
- Certified Transportation Professional – National Private Truck Council
- Commercial Driver’s License – DMV
Languages
- English – Beginner (A1)
- Spanish – Intermediate (B1)
- French – Beginner (A1)
Popular Skills for a Truck Driver Resume
Including a strong resume skills section is key for demonstrating both technical abilities and soft skills essential for excelling as a truck driver. Skills such as safe driving, time management, and effective communication are vital for performing the job efficiently.
Below are a few of the top soft skills frequently listed on truck driver resumes.
Soft Skills | % of resumes with this skill |
---|---|
Self-motivation and discipline | 72.99% |
Strong work ethic | 72.63% |
Dependable and reliable | 39.27% |
Customer-oriented | 31.74% |
Problem-solving capabilities | 28.79% |
Here are a few examples of hard skills frequently included on truck driver resumes.
Hard Skills | % of resumes with this skill |
---|---|
Safe driving practices | 68.18% |
Safe driving | 68.01% |
DOT compliance | 38.05% |
Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) | 35.30% |
Long-haul driving | 31.03% |
Advice for Writing Your Truck Driver Resume
Explore our advice on how to write a resume tailored specifically for truck drivers and learn how to highlight your driving skills, experience, and certifications effectively.
Write a strong professional summary
A professional summary is a concise statement at the top of your resume that emphasizes your key skills and experiences. For a truck driver, this section should highlight your ability to manage long hauls, ensure timely deliveries, and maintain vehicle safety. It’s an opportunity to make a strong first impression on potential employers by demonstrating why you are the best fit for the job.
If you have extensive experience as a truck driver, use a professional summary to showcase your key achievements and expertise. Mention specific accomplishments like accident-free miles driven or any awards received for safe driving.
If you’re new to the trucking industry, consider using a resume objective instead. This will focus more on your goals and what you hope to achieve in the role, such as gaining experience with different types of cargo or routes.
Use action-oriented language to emphasize your skills and impact. For example, say, “Delivered goods safely across 100k+ miles” rather than just “Drove trucks.” This approach helps you stand out by clearly showing what you can do for the employer.
Truck driver resume summary examples
Entry-level
Recent graduate with a CDL Class A license and hands-on training from an accredited truck driving school. Experienced in performing pre-trip inspections, understanding safety protocols, and operating various types of trucks. Committed to maintaining a clean driving record and dedicated to ensuring timely deliveries with excellent customer service.
Mid-career
Reliable truck driver with 5+ years of experience in long-haul and regional routes. Proven track record of safe driving, consistently meeting delivery deadlines, and maintaining vehicle maintenance. Adept at using GPS navigation systems, handling hazardous materials (HAZMAT certified), and providing exceptional customer service during deliveries.
Experienced
Seasoned truck driver with over 15 years of experience in the transportation industry. Expertise in managing logistics for large-scale deliveries, mentoring junior drivers, and optimizing route efficiency. Holder of multiple endorsements including Tanker (N), Doubles/Triples (T), and HAZMAT (X). Known for exemplary safety records, leadership skills, and significant contributions to operational improvements.
Truck driver resume objective examples
Recent graduate
Recent graduate with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) eager to begin a career as a truck driver. Committed to ensuring safe and timely deliveries, while developing skills in route planning and vehicle maintenance. Looking forward to contributing to a reputable transportation company and growing within the industry.
Career changer
Dedicated professional transitioning from warehouse operations to truck driving, bringing extensive experience in logistics and supply chain management. Enthusiastic about leveraging organizational skills and attention to detail to ensure efficient delivery processes. Seeking an opportunity with a dynamic transportation team where I can contribute meaningfully while learning on the job.
Specialized training
Newly licensed CDL holder with specialized training in hazardous materials transport seeking an entry-level truck driver position. Passionate about applying safety protocols and regulatory compliance knowledge to deliver sensitive goods securely. Excited to join a forward-thinking logistics company dedicated to excellence in service.
Want a job-winning truck driver resume? Use our Resume Builder to easily create a professional resume in that stands out to recruiters and hiring managers.
Include relevant certifications and training
Listing your certifications, licenses, and specialized training is very important for a truck driver. These credentials show that you have the necessary skills and meet the industry standards. They can set you apart from other candidates and give employers confidence in your abilities.
For example, having a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or Hazmat certification proves that you can handle specific tasks. Create a Certifications section on your resume and list all relevant credentials prominently. This dedicated section should be placed alongside your education section to enhance it.
Include industry-recognized certifications like CDL Class A or B, Hazmat Endorsement, Tanker Endorsement, and any other relevant training courses you’ve completed. Arrange them clearly with the name of the certification, issuing body, and date obtained. This will help employers quickly see your qualifications for the truck driver role.
Example of a certifications section
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – Class A
Issued by: Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Expires 2025
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Endorsement
Issued by: Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
Expires 2024
Tanker Endorsement
Issued by: Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Issued 2022
Doubles/Triples Endorsement
Issued by: Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Issued 2023
Explore our library of professional resume templates for inspiration to help you create a well-structured and impactful truck driver resume.
Showcase your work experience
Listing relevant work experience on your resume is essential as a truck driver as it shows your capability to manage the job’s duties efficiently. Employers seek evidence of necessary skills and experience for tasks like transporting goods, ensuring vehicle safety, and following regulations.
Organize your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your latest position, so employers can quickly identify your most recent and pertinent roles.
For each role, include your job title, employer name, location, and employment dates. Use concise bullet points to outline your responsibilities and achievements.
Highlight measurable outcomes whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work. For instance, instead of “drove trucks,” say “safely transported goods over 500 miles daily without incidents.”
Mention core duties such as maintaining logs, inspecting vehicles for mechanical issues, loading and unloading cargo, planning routes based on weather or traffic conditions, and adhering to transportation laws.
5 truck driver work history bullet points
- Delivered over 1,500 shipments on time across a 5-state region, maintaining a 98% on-time delivery rate.
- Implemented fuel-saving driving techniques resulting in a 12% reduction in fuel consumption annually.
- Conducted pre-trip and post-trip inspections rigorously, identifying and addressing mechanical issues which reduced vehicle breakdowns by 25%.
- Trained and mentored 10 new drivers on company safety protocols and efficient route planning, improving overall team performance by 15%.
- Managed detailed logs of working hours and vehicle service records, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, leading to zero violations during audits.
Want to get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch recruiters’ eyes? Use keywords from the job listing in your truck driver resume.
Match your resume with the job description
Tailoring your resume to match the job description is key. It helps you stand out and demonstrates to employers that you are a suitable candidate for their truck driver position. To do this, first read the job posting carefully and identify key words and phrases such as “safe driving,” “logistics,” or “route planning.”
Next, incorporate these terms in your ATS-friendly resume. This increases the likelihood of getting noticed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which scan resumes for specific keywords before a human sees them.
For instance, if a job posting says, “Experienced in transporting goods across state lines,” you can turn that into a bullet point on your resume like: “Transported goods safely across multiple states with zero incidents.”
Clearly list your skills and organize sections so they are easy to read. Highlight your achievements as a truck driver, such as awards for safe driving or high customer satisfaction ratings. By doing so, you not only pass through ATS but also capture the attention of hiring managers looking for qualified candidates. Always remember to customize your resume to each job application.
Boost your resume’s chances with our ATS Resume Checker. It reviews important details and helps you make instant improvements.
Salary Insights for Truck Drivers
Salaries can vary based on your location and job title. Analyzing industry pay trends can help you compare earnings and make informed career decisions. Check out the details below.
Top 10 highest-paying states for truck drivers
Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for truck drivers across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The figures represent the most recent data available as of May 2023.
The national average salary for truck driver is $49,880.
State | Average Salary |
---|---|
Alaska | $55,810 |
Washington | $51,650 |
Illinois | $50,940 |
North Dakota | $50,870 |
Massachusetts | $49,090 |
District of Columbia | $49,980 |
New Jersey | $48,460 |
Maryland | $48,510 |
Minnesota | $48,890 |
Oregon | $48,360 |
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my truck driver resume?
Adding a cover letter to your truck driver resume can be beneficial. A cover letter lets you emphasize your unique skills and experiences relevant to the job.
You can highlight any special licenses, endorsements, or certifications you possess, along with your clean driving record and experience with various trucks and routes.
A strong cover letter also lets you express your enthusiasm for the role and explain why you’re a good match for the company’s culture.
You can use our Cover Letter Generator to tailor your cover letter to each job application, which can help distinguish you from other candidates.
For assistance, refer to our truck driver cover letter examples or explore more cover letter examples to start creating yours.
How long should a truck driver’s resume be?
A one-page resume is ideal for a truck driver role. Emphasize your driving experience, CDL endorsements, safety records, and pertinent certifications.
For those with substantial experience or specialized skills, such as operating specific trucks or managing hazardous materials, a two-page resume might be appropriate.
Focus on your most recent and relevant positions to effectively use space and maintain the reader’s interest. Explore tips for achieving the optimal resume length for additional guidance and examples.
How do you write a truck driver resume with no experience?
To write a resume with no experience for a truck driver role, focus on your skills, education, and any relevant training. Mention your high school diploma or GED. Be sure to include any truck driving courses or a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) you’ve obtained.
Next, emphasize transferable skills like time management, problem-solving, and attention to detail. If you’ve had jobs in other fields where you showed responsibility and reliability, mention those roles and the skills you gained.
Include any volunteer work or internships related to driving or logistics. Even if it’s not professional experience, it shows initiative and a willingness to learn.
Finally, consider adding a summary at the top of your resume. Briefly explain your goal to become a truck driver and how your background has prepared you for this role. Tailor each application to match the specific job you’re applying for by highlighting relevant keywords from the job description.
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