Truck Driver Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

Truck Driver Resume Examples and Templates (Downloadable)

• Entry level
• Midlevel
• Senior level

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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:

• Emphasize specializations: Succinctly highlight your truck driving specialties and certifications, such as HazMat Endorsed, along with your safety record, time management skills, and attentiveness. All of these are important qualities employers seek in a truck driver.
• Detail quantifiable achievements: Use specific numbers and outcomes to illustrate your impact in previous truck driving roles, such as your on-time delivery record or zero safety incidents.
• Use keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems: Include relevant truck driving skills and keywords from the job posting in your resume to ensure it passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and reaches hiring managers.

How To Write a Truck Driver Resume Example

Using a resume template can help you write an effective truck driver resume. Your truck driver resume should include these sections:

• Contact information
• Profile
• Key skills
• Professional experience
• Education and certifications

1. Share your contact information

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.

2. Create a compelling profile summarizing your truck driver qualifications

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.

3. Add a success-driven professional experience section

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%.

Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience

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.

Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application

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.

What if you don’t have experience?

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.

4. Include relevant education and certifications

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.

5. Highlight pertinent key skills

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:

Resume writer’s tip: Use specific action verbs

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:

How To Pick the Best Truck Driver Resume Template

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.

Truck Driver Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates

Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Resume Examples and Advice

How do you align your resume with a truck driver job description?

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.

What is the best truck driver resume format?

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.

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Andrew Stoner

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.