When pursuing truck driver job openings, create an engaging resume that highlights your expertise, safety-driven approach, and specialties, such as certification from the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA). Showcase your driving abilities and technical expertise like strong knowledge of navigation tools and mechanical capabilities. Review our list of tips, including examples, to level up your truck driver resume.
Key takeaways:
Using a resume template can help you write an effective truck driver resume. Your truck driver resume should include these sections:
Provide your full name, phone number, email address, location, and a link to your online professional profile. Ensure your contact information is current so potential employers can contact you for an interview.
Your Name
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
City, State Abbreviation Zip Code
LinkedIn
Create an engaging snapshot of your truck driver career that will encourage hiring managers to take an interest in what you can offer to their companies. Start by listing your job title, years of experience, and three to four specializations that align with the job posting. In the following sentences, highlight capabilities that will set you apart from other candidates.
For example, if you delivered long-haul loads of hazardous material across the country, note this in your profile. Or, if you have extensive knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, feature this information in your summary. Providing these types of insights will help you tell your story and highlight the value you can bring to prospective employers.
Safety-driven, veteran truck driver with more than 10 years of experience and a track record for prompt deliveries, excellent customer service, and time management. Skilled at using navigation tools and GPS mapping systems. Extensive knowledge of Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Certified to carry hazardous materials. TSA-certified to transport loads on airport properties.
Reliable, safety-conscious truck driving professional with a Commercial Driving License (CDL) and strong knowledge of truck safety standards, map reading, navigation skills, and GPS. Leverages basic mechanical skills to troubleshoot on-road concerns, reducing downtime and repair expenses. Career objectives include long-haul freight and fleet management. Avid learner, dedicated to continuing education and career advancement certifications.
To craft a success-driven professional experience section, create bullet points that emphasize your truck driver career achievements rather than job responsibilities. Companies are interested in results. As a truck driver, you must demonstrate your spotless safety record and time management skills that result in on-time deliveries to demonstrate the bottom-line value you can bring to transportation companies. Show your value by incorporating data, metrics, and monetary figures.
For example, note that you managed the loading and delivery of more than 1,500 tons of material using a forklift, or share how you utilized navigation applications to plan and adjust delivery routes, reducing time in freight by 10%.
Long-Haul Truck Driver, Jenasis Logistics, San Francisco, CA | October 2018 – present
Delivery Driver, FastFreight Inc., Nashville, TN | October 2022 – present
Incorporate metrics, including percentages and monetary figures to show the results you achieved in previous truck driver roles. This will give recruiters a better understanding of your scope and impact. Demonstrate your value and potential as a truck driver by detailing your safety record, on-time delivery track record, and customer service ratings.
Align your resume for each truck driver job you apply for, which means you will create multiple versions to feature some of the same language and target keywords found in the job description. When you highlight specific skills hiring managers are seeking, you will improve the chances of winning an interview.
Creating a truck driver resume can be challenging if you’re new to the field or lack experience. However, you have valuable skills to offer employers, and your truck driver training will demonstrate a commitment to education, safety, and career development. If you are just starting out as a truck driver, position the education section at the top of your resume, and consider renaming the Profile section to Career Objectives. The Entry-Level Resume Example demonstrates how to showcase your truck driving skills if you do not have experience in the field.
In addition to your education, feature any relevant certifications you’ve achieved throughout your truck driver career. Although most transportation companies will focus on your professional experience, obtaining other credentials and driving certifications can improve your chances of landing an interview and demonstrate a commitment to advancing your career.
For instance, a HazMat Endorsement from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) positions you for truck driver roles that require hauling materials such as gasses or chemicals and can set you apart from candidates who do not hold this certification. TSA-certified Carriers have the authorization and clearance to haul freight to and from cargo planes.
Template:
[Degree Name]
[School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]
Example:
Commercial Vehicle Operator
Wayne County Community College, Detroit, MI | 2016
Graduate
Henry Ford High School, Detroit, MI | 2015
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]
Examples:
HazMat Endorsement, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) | 2017
TSA-certified Carrier, Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) | 2013
Most organizations rely on some form of ATS to identify qualified candidates for job openings. To advance your resume through the initial screening process and into the hiring manager’s hands, incorporate keywords from the job description directly into your profile, professional experience, and skills section. Below is a list of key terms and skills that you may encounter while applying for truck driver positions:
Key Skills and Proficiencies | |
---|---|
Basic mechanics | Cargo handling |
Customer service | Defensive driving |
Electronic logging device (ELD) proficiency | Emergency protocols |
Equipment knowledge | Hazardous materials |
Navigation skills | Record keeping |
Road assessment | Safe driving |
Understanding of traffic laws | Vehicle maintenance |
Begin each sentence of your professional experience section with an action verb to inject some energy into your truck driver resume. Avoid first-person statements such as, “I was responsible for safety.” Illustrate how you executed your tasks through descriptive words like the ones in this sample list:
Action Verbs | |
---|---|
Administered | Coordinated |
Created | Documented |
Educated | Examined |
Improved | Monitored |
Performed | Prepared |
Scheduled | Trained |
When selecting a template for your truck driver resume, prioritize structure and readability over visual appeal. Loud colors and busy designs distract hiring managers from your content. Look for a template that organizes information effectively because hiring managers will always be more interested in your achievements and qualifications than the style of your template.
Joseph Corbin
Nashville, TN 12345
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn
CDL Class A Training, Trucksmart CDL Academy
Nashville, TN | 2022
High School Diploma, Maplewood High School
Nashville, TN | 2021
Reliable, safety-conscious truck driving professional with a CDL and strong knowledge of truck safety standards, map reading, navigation skills, and GPS. Leverages basic mechanical skills to troubleshoot on-road concerns, reducing downtime and repair expenses. Career objectives include long-haul freight and fleet management. Avid learner, dedicated to continuing education and career advancement certifications.
Delivery Driver, FastFreight Inc., Nashville, TN | October 2022 – present
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are projected to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031, which is an average rate. However, with an influx of last-mile delivery services due to the proliferation of online commerce, this statistic only represents heavy trucks and does not speak to delivery vehicles that do not require operators to have a CDL.
Despite average growth, if you want to stand out from other candidates, you must align your resume with the job description. Tailoring your document to individual truck driver job postings will significantly increase your chances of landing your next job opportunity.
For example, suppose a transportation company is looking for a truck driver who specializes in transporting hazardous materials. In this case, note your HazMat Endorsement. Or, if a freight business is looking for a driver who can manage long-haul routes, showcase how many miles you have driven with a clean safety record. These details will demonstrate your experience and skills.
Reverse chronological format is ideal for truck driver resumes. This approach ensures that your most recent and relevant experience is featured at the top of your document. Even at the entry level, it’s best to avoid functional resume formats. If you lack experience, consider positioning the education section at the top of your resume, followed by career objectives and training experiences.
Crafting a strong cover letter helps your chances of landing an interview during a job search. The key to creating a compelling cover letter is to customize your document for the organization you’re applying to.
ResumeTemplates offers free, HR approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes. Choose from several template options and even pre-populate a resume from your profile.