Sep 21, 2016 ● Kate Lopaze

How to Write a Perfect Truck Driver Resume (With Examples)

Whether you’re a veteran of the open road or someone who feels the freedom and independence of driving for a living calling to you, there’s no denying the appeal of a career in trucking and logistics. If you have a clean driving record and don’t mind spending most of your days with mostly the radio for company, it’s a great field. Let’s look at the truck driver resume for people in the trucking industry. One is just starting out, another has been on the road for a while, and the third is a trucker looking to trade in the keys for the next step up: a managerial position in the logistics industry.

1.CDL Certified Truck Driver Resume

2.Experienced Truck Driver Resume

3.Driver Manager Resume

[mks_separator style="double" height="12"] First up is Barbara. She’s a newly certified commercial driver, looking to trade in her local delivery experience (pizza and packages) for bigger cargo. truck-driver-resume-barbara-jones

[mks_button size="large" title="Download This Resume in MS Word" style="rounded" url="https://community.thejobnetwork.com/lp-download-your-resume-102016/?ref…" target="_self" bg_color="#82bc00" txt_color="#FFFFFF" icon="" icon_type="" nofollow="0"]

Barbara Jones 765 Garden Street Pawnee, IN 34343 BarbJ@emaildomain.com (777) 444-5555

Recent graduate of Indianapolis Trucking Institute with a clean driving record and a CDL, seeking a job as a long-distance truck driver. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Indiana CDL license
Clean driving record
Safe driving practices
Able to work independently in the field
Able to navigate effectively via maps and GPS
Strong time management skills
Committed to delivering on schedule
Communicating with customers and within the company
Flexibility

WORK EXPERIENCE Package Express Pawnee, IN Delivery Van Driver March 2013 – present

Deliver packages in 10-hour shifts
Maintain accurate delivery records
Provide excellent customer service
Use GPS to maximize delivery routes and deliver packages on time
Troubleshoot vehicle maintenance as necessary to maintain timely delivery schedule

Paul’s Pizza Palace Pawnee, IN Delivery driver June 2012 – March 2013

Delivered food to customers
Confirmed customer order details and ensured timely delivery
Named delivery driver of the month, August 2012

Here, Barbara is looking to break into the heavy-load truck driving world. She’s completed the necessary training program, and gotten her CDL license, but she doesn’t have much experience actually driving a truck long distance. So she chooses the skills-based resume format, where the skills and qualifications are the star, followed by relevant experience. She does have experience as a driver, but more on the local level. So her bullets are short and sweet, and stick to her point of emphasizing the skills that will serve her well as a commercial truck driver: customer service, savviness with GPS and route planning, and timely/accurate deliveries. [mks_separator style="double" height="12"] Next up is Phil, who’s been a driver for more than 15 years, but is updating his resume to seize new driving opportunities for more money. truck-driver-resume---phil

Phil Paddington

437 Vanderbilt Ave

Atlanta, GA 12121

(222) 321-7654

Paddington@emaildomain.com

CDL-licensed driver with more than 15 years’ experience · Spotless driving record · Adept at navigation · Good people skills · Safety-oriented · Committed to timely and efficient deliveries · Deep knowledge of DOT regulations

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Class A CDL license (Georgia)
HAZMAT certification
Completion of A1 Tractor Trailer Training Academy (Atlanta, GA)

EXPERIENCE Truck Driver - May 2010 - Present Get It There Freight Services - Atlanta, GA

Deliver freight from warehouse to customers throughout the southeastern U.S. in accordance with company procedures, safety protocols, DOT regulations, and traffic laws.
Track deliveries and maintain log of vehicle issues, cargo records, delivery issues, and billing statements.
Communicate schedules and logistics with communications and the head office.
Navigate routes using GPS to find the most efficient route.
Use equipment to lift heavy cargo for transport and delivery.

Truck Driver - December 2004 – May 2010 Bronson Beverage Co. - Miami, FL

Delivered shipments of beverages throughout Florida.
Checked cargo and related documentation for completeness and accuracy prior to transport.
Efficiently loaded and prepared cargo for transport.
Followed road safety precautions and traffic laws on all trips.
Maintained vehicle log.
Worked with customers to ensure smooth and satisfactory deliveries, and provide good service.

Phil’s strength is his experience—he’s been a driver for a long time, and wants to emphasize that steady history. So his summary is basically a headline of what he wants to emphasize: his track record of delivering safely and on time; and his long record of good service. And while education is important to include (which he does at the end), for a truck driver it’s important to show the licenses and certifications Phil holds, so he inserts this information up toward the top so that it’s one of the first things the reader sees. Phil then dives into his experience, using the reverse-chronological format. It appears his current and previous jobs were fairly similar, but he doesn’t just repeat bullet points. He finds different ways to phrase the skills and tasks involved, and makes sure he’s emphasizing the qualities he introduced in his summary. [mks_separator style="double" height="12"] Next up is Owen, who’s an experienced driver, but wants to move into more of an administrative and managerial role. truck-driver-resume--owens

Owen Jenkins

98 Main Street ◊ Seattle, WA 65656

(999) 858-5858 ◊ OJenkins@emaildomain.net

SUMMARY Experienced trucking and transport professional seeking to leverage road experience, efficiency focus, and strong organizational skills into a supervisory logistics role. 10+ years of on-the-ground experience coordinating and delivering large shipments. SKILLS

Multitasking and time management
Clear communication (written and verbal)
Customer service focus
Problem solving/creative solutions
Detail-oriented
Able to work with a variety of team members to get the job done quickly and effectively
Coordinating cost-effective logistics
Prioritizing safety
Computer skills: Microsoft Office, TargetShip logistics software
Licensed Class A CDL

EDUCATION Associate’s Degree, Business Administration: Barnegat Community College High School Diploma: Farmingdale Technical School EXPERIENCE SuperShip Solutions, Seattle, WA May 2011 – present Truck Driver

Deliver cargo according to schedule.
Track delivery information, customer feedback, and billing information
Coordinate schedules and routes with the SuperShip head office.
Manage delivery logistics to keep costs down and minimize delays.
Adhere to DOT, company, and traffic safety and driving protocols.
Use TargetShip tracking and logistics software to provide accurate transit updates.

Whereas Phil’s resume is a straight-up portrait of an experienced truck driver, Owen (who has similar experience and skill sets) is trying to set up his resume a little differently, since he’s going for a slightly different type of job. Notice that in his summary, Owen doesn’t use the word “driver” at all. This doesn’t mean he’s ashamed of his previous experience or job titles, just that he wants the reader to see him as more of an overall logistics and transportation guy. The summary (or objective) is a great way to set the tone for the rest of your resume. You set the tone, and start painting the picture of your career that you want the hiring manager to see. Like Phil, Owen emphasizes his experience, but also leans heavily on the expertise angle as well. Because Owen is essentially changing careers (in spirit, if not changing industries) by shifting tracks within the trucking and logistics field, he’s using the functional format that works well for career changers, or people who want to emphasize the skills they bring over the experience. This means he’s front-loading his resume with skills and education first, emphasizing what qualities he brings to the table. Remember: always tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for, which means this skills section should be adapted to fit what the job description is seeking. And because Owen wants to show himself as a great potential administrator, he includes his educational background up front, since that includes a degree in Business Administration. You’re not tethered to the traditional resume format of contact info + objective statement + experience + skills + education, in that exact order. Templates can be a great guideline, and a good way to help you get your information into fighting shape, but when it comes to structuring your resume, make sure it’s conveying what you want it to say, and that it’s featuring the information that shows you in the best possible light. Your career evolves and changes, and don’t be afraid to have your resume follow suit. Want more resume templates? Check out the following list:

truckers

Related blogs

How truckers can protect their mental health

If you’re a trucker, and plan on being one for the long haul, consider taking advantage of the following tips for maintaining good mental health.,If you’re a trucker, and plan on being one for the long haul, consider taking advantage of the following tips for maintaining good mental health.,If you’re a trucker, and plan on being one for the long...

Logistics

Tesla lists electric truck for 150k

Tesla has recently unveiled it’s new Tesla Semi, which is likely going to usher in big changes in trucking.,Tesla has recently unveiled it’s new Tesla Semi, which is likely going to usher in big changes in trucking.,Tesla has recently unveiled it’s new Tesla Semi, which is likely going to usher in big changes in trucking.

Logistics

How to Get Your CDL in Maryland and Arizona

If you're looking to get your CDL in Maryland or Arizona, follow this guide to get all of the relevant and necessary information.,If you're looking to get your CDL in Maryland or Arizona, follow this guide to get all of the relevant and necessary information.,If you're looking to get your CDL in Maryland or Arizona, follow this guide to get...

Logistics