Drivers, Sales Worker
Description OES Code: 97117
Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes to: Deliver and sell goods, such as food products; pick up and deliver items, such as laundry; or refill and collect coins from vending machines. Include Newspaper Delivery Drivers.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $12.12
25th Percentile $13.64
50th Percentile $16.48
75th Percentile $19.78

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.32
25th Percentile $8.85
50th Percentile $11.64
75th Percentile $13.72

Wages can be different due to experience, where the work is, and company size.

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 32,000
Projected Employment 2008 36,100
Percent Change 1998-2008 12.8%
Separations 1998-2008 6,800

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 400
Projected Employment 2006 420
Percent Change 1999-2006 5%
Separations 1999-2006 60

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.

Getting the Job & Other Information
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. Job seekers can start their job search by contacting local trucking companies, wholesale distribution centers, retail stores, government agencies, and EDD Offices. Jobs can also 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 listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Job applicants must have a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and be able to pass a commercial driver's license test. Good hearing and eyesight and the ability to lift and carry are required to do the job. Most companies prefer high school graduates. Employers prefer applicants who are self-confident, responsible, self-motivated, and have a good appearance.

Some employers require drivers to be 25 years old in order to avoid paying high insurance premiums. Completion of a program at an accredited truck driving school can provide the training needed to job applicants. High school students can take classes in shop and auto mechanics to prepare themselves for the job. Community colleges and vocational schools also give needed training.

References
California Occupational Guide: #563 & #536

Related Occupations: Bus Driver, Truck Driver, Heavy

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)