Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for CDL A Company Driver
💰 $55,000 to $80,000 per year
TransportationLogisticsTruck Driving
🎯 Role Definition
The CDL A Company Driver is responsible for safely operating a Class A commercial vehicle—typically a tractor‑trailer or combination unit—to transport goods over short or long haul routes on behalf of the company. This role demands strict adherence to DOT regulations, exceptional focus on vehicle inspection and maintenance, excellent customer service when interacting with clients, and meticulous record‑keeping. The successful driver will ensure on‑time delivery of freight, secure and safe handling of cargo, and represent the company’s logistics operations with professionalism and reliability.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Local Delivery Driver with Class A CDL
- Regional Truck Driver (Company or Owner‑Operator)
- Freight Route Driver
Advancement To:
- Lead Driver / Driver Trainer
- Fleet Supervisor / Driver Manager
- Logistics Operations Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Owner‑Operator (transition from company driver)
- Specialised Flatbed/Heavy Haul Driver
- Safety or Compliance Coordinator (within transportation)
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Operate a company‑provided Class A tractor‑trailer or combination vehicle safely, adhering to all federal, state and company driving regulations, including Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
- Perform comprehensive pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections of vehicle and trailer equipment; check fluid levels, tires, brakes, lights and document defects or issues for repair.
- Drive assigned routes to deliver or pick up freight at customer locations, terminals or warehouses, ensuring timely and damage‑free delivery.
- Load, unload or assist in loading and unloading freight; secure cargo properly using chains, straps, binders or other methods to prevent shifting during transport.
- Maintain accurate logs of driving hours, mileage, fuel receipts, tolls, and any delivery or cargo documents in compliance with DOT and company requirements.
- Plan efficient routes using GPS navigation, routing software or map systems, adjusting for traffic, weather, construction or other delays to meet delivery schedules.
- Communicate professionally with dispatchers, customers and colleagues regarding delivery status, delays, cargo issues or route changes to ensure transparency and service quality.
- Inspect vehicle and trailer during the trip for mechanical defects or abnormalities; report defects immediately and ensure vehicle readiness and compliance at all times.
- Adhere to all safety policies and company procedures, wear and use required personal protective equipment (PPE), and support a culture of safety on the road and during loading/unloading.
- Maintain cleanliness and professional appearance of the assigned vehicle, including minor maintenance, washing as needed and ensuring that the truck meets appearance and safety standards.
- Assist with paperwork at delivery or pickup: match bills of lading, delivery tickets, inspect cargo counts, gather customer signatures, and note any discrepancies.
- Adhere to weight, size and load restrictions applicable to the vehicle and cargo; ensure compliance with regulations for oversize or overweight loads when applicable.
- Lift and/or help move freight up to specified weight limits (e.g., 50‑100 lbs) when required for loading/unloading tasks, observing ergonomic and safety guidelines.
- Handle unexpected shifts in schedule, route or load assignments; remain flexible to meet company needs while maintaining safety and delivery performance.
- Maintain clean and accurate driver logbooks or electronic logging device (ELD) records, ensure no violation of driving/rest requirements and submit all required documentation timely.
- Inspect cargo‑securement equipment (chains, binders, straps, pallets) before and after transit, ensure freight is properly braced and secured and meets company/industry standards.
- Refuel vehicle, check fuel consumption, monitor fuel efficiency, report anomalies and assist in cost management of fuel, tolls and route optimisation.
- Represent the company in a professional manner at customer sites, terminals, weigh stations and rest stops; provide high‑level customer service and uphold the company brand.
- Report accidents, vehicle damage, cargo loss or theft, ingredient/product theft, regulatory non‑compliance or any hazardous condition immediately to the supervisor and follow company accident protocols.
- Participate in training programs, safety briefings and company meetings; stay updated with changes in DOT regulations, company policy and vehicle technologies.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad‑hoc data requests and exploratory analysis of delivery metrics, fuel usage, driver performance or route efficiency.
- Contribute improvement ideas on routing software, loading/unloading processes or vehicle maintenance workflows.
- Collaborate with logistics, dispatch and fleet maintenance teams to translate driver feedback into system or operational enhancements.
- Participate in shift handovers, driver briefings and peer mentoring for less‑experienced drivers.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with any required endorsements (e.g., HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples) and clean driving record.
- Proficiency with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS navigation systems, route‑planning software and vehicle telematics.
- Strong knowledge of DOT regulations, Hours of Service (HOS), vehicle weight/load regulations and cargo securement requirements.
- Ability to perform pre‑trip, en‑route and post‑trip vehicle inspections, identify mechanical defects and work with maintenance teams.
- Skilled at loading/unloading and securing various types of freight, with understanding of weight distribution, tarping, chain/binder use.
- Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to perform minor equipment maintenance such as tire pressure checks, fluid levels, brakes and lights.
- Excellent record‑keeping and documentation skills: driver logs, fuel/toll receipts, delivery paperwork, vehicle inspection forms.
- Strong route‑planning and time‑management skills: navigate efficiently, adapt to traffic/weather, manage delivery windows.
- Capable of safe and professional customer interaction at delivery sites, communicate clearly and resolve basic service issues.
- Ability to lift and move heavy loads (up to 50‑100+ lbs) when required and adhere to physical demands of the role.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional time‑management and organisational skills: able to manage route planning, delivery schedules and driving/rest hours efficiently.
- Strong communication skills: able to liaise with dispatch, customers and internal team members clearly and professionally.
- Reliability and punctuality: consistently cover routes, attend scheduled shifts and meet delivery commitments.
- Customer‑service orientation: treat customers with respect, assist at delivery destinations and represent the company positively.
- Problem‑solving mindset: manage delays, route changes, mechanical issues or cargo adjustments proactively and safely.
- Adaptability and resilience: comfortable driving in varied weather conditions, long hours, overnight stays or regional/international routes.
- High attention to detail: maintain accurate records, ensure safety checks are completed and cargo secured properly.
- Initiative and responsibility: take ownership of vehicle, load, route and delivery outcome without constant supervision.
- Team‑oriented and cooperative: support colleagues, follow dispatcher instructions and escalate issues when needed.
- Safety‑first mindset: prioritise safe driving practices, compliance with regulations and maintain a clean driving record.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
High school diploma or equivalent (GED) or relevant driving/transportation certification.
Preferred Education:
Post‑secondary certification in commercial vehicle operation, logistics, or transportation management.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Transportation / Logistics
- Commercial Vehicle Operation
- Fleet Management
- Safety & Compliance
- Business Administration