Truck Drivers, Light
| Description |
OES Code:97105 |
Light truck drivers drive trucks that carry less than three tons. They normally truck products and materials to and from local area places such as factories, warehouses, train stations, airports, private homes, office buildings, and stores. Their deliveries can be anything from parcels, household goods, magazines, medical supplies, and bread to oxygen tanks, meat and poultry, groceries, seeds, plumbing supplies, and auto parts.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$7.77 |
| 25th Percentile |
$8.75 |
| 50th Percentile |
$11.54 |
| 75th Percentile |
$15.33 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$8.12 |
| 25th Percentile |
$9.10 |
| 50th Percentile |
$11.97 |
| 75th Percentile |
$15.41 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Light Truck Drivers work 48 hours a week or more, eight to ten hour days, and five or six days a week. Most Truck Drivers start work very early in the morning to make deliveries to chain grocery stores, produce markets, or bakeries.
Drivers get health and life insurance, disability, and retirement pensions. Union drivers get benefits, but they are negotiated by union representatives of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
140,600 |
| Employment 2008 |
184,800 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
31.4% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
23,400 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
2,020 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
2,520 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
24.8% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
230 |
Employment Trends by California County.
Working Conditions
Truck driving can be physically demanding. Truck Drivers must be able to unload and load goods, therefore, they must be able to lift and carry heavy items. They also have to drive in difficult conditions such as bad weather, heavy traffic, and sometimes on mountain roads.
Although trucks are being made with more comfortable seats and better ventilation systems, they may not have air conditioning. Physical endurance is needed for long work shifts.
Advancement
Chances for promotion for truck drivers are a bit limited, but some drivers become driver trainers, supervisors of warehouses, terminals and docks or company branch managers. Commercial drivers often change employers for better pay, different kinds of driving experience, more responsibility, or better working conditions.
Some drivers buy trucks and set up their own business or become independent contractors. To keep the chances of losing money low, the independent contractor may take a course in small business management at a community college, at a university with adult continuing education programs, or one given by the Federal Small Business Administration Agency.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Job seekers can start their job search by contacting local trucking companies, wholesale distribution centers, retail stores, government agencies, and EDD Job Service Offices. Jobs can be found in the newspaper classified ads under "delivery", "drivers", or "trucking". Those who have no experience have a better chance of finding a job if they have completed a program at an accredited truck driving school.
For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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