Truck driver resume

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Key skills for a truck driver resume

Terms that job ads ask for and ATS filters look for. Only include the ones you master.

  • Long-haul driving
  • Regional and local routes
  • Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
  • Hours of service (ELD)
  • Load securement
  • Backing and docking
  • Route planning
  • Defensive driving
  • Delivery paperwork
  • Hazmat handling

Tips for your truck driver resume

  1. Put your CDL and endorsements near the top.
  2. Say the type of driving: long haul, regional, local, dedicated or team.
  3. Name the equipment: dry van, reefer, flatbed, tanker or double trailers.
  4. Add your miles driven and safety record.
  5. Mention electronic logging devices and hours-of-service compliance.
  6. Include a clean driving record and your current medical certificate.

Truck driver resume summary examples

Adapt these examples with your real details: years of experience, industry, tools and certifications.

Experienced

Truck driver with 9 years of experience in long-haul and regional routes with dry van and reefer trailers. I have driven over 1 million miles accident-free, keep my logs compliant with ELDs and complete thorough pre-trip inspections. CDL with hazmat and tanker endorsements and a clean driving record.

Entry-level

Recent truck-driving school graduate with a new CDL and 160 hours of behind-the-wheel training. Clean driving record, current DOT medical card and ready for regional or over-the-road routes. Looking for my first trucking job.

Other job titles

Search for them too and use the one in the job ad on your resume.

  • CDL driver
  • Long-haul truck driver
  • OTR driver
  • Regional truck driver
  • Tractor-trailer driver
  • HGV driver (UK)

How to write a truck driver resume step by step

  1. Write a short summary

    Three or four lines with your CDL, experience, type of routes and safety record.

  2. Detail your experience

    In “Experience”, add the carrier, routes, equipment and miles driven.

  3. Add licenses and certifications

    In “Certificates”, list your CDL, endorsements and medical certificate.

  4. Show achievements

    In “Achievements”, include safe driving awards and miles without accidents.

  5. Tailor your resume to the job ad and download it

    Paste the job ad into Beatjob: the AI improves the wording with the keywords your experience backs up. Then download the PDF.

More resume examples

Frequently asked questions about a truck driver resume

Do truck drivers need a CDL?

Yes. All long-haul truck drivers must have a commercial driver's license. Drivers who transport hazardous materials also need a hazmat (H) endorsement.

What other requirements do CDL drivers have?

Federal regulations require a clean driving record and a physical exam every two years, and drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

How long does truck-driving school take?

Programs at private schools or community colleges usually last between 3 and 6 months.

Sources

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Truck driver resume: examples and tips | Beatjob