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Table of contents

Truck driver resume examples
Related resume examples
Choose a format for your truck driver resume
How to write a truck driver resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your truck driver resume
FAQs from job seekers

If your career is in the slow lane, you may need to rethink your resume. Writing a new truck driver resume can be just what you need to put the pedal to the metal and land the job that you want in 2024 and beyond.

With the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume for your career in trucking and some examples of truck driver resumes for reference, the task can be much simpler than you think. Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive truck driver resume in a matter of minutes.

Keep reading to learn more about:

Sample resumes for truck drivers, both new and experienced.
Key features of a top-notch truck driver resume.
How to write a good truck driver resume, including finding keywords in job descriptions.
What to put in each part of your truck driver resume.
Picking the best resume design and layout for truck driving jobs.

Ready to write your truck driver resume now? Use our professional Resume Maker for step-by-step help writing every section.

Truck driver resume examples

Entry-level truck driver resume example

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What makes this a great truck driver resume sample?

Use of a versatile resume template
This truck driver resume template is simple and easy to read, which makes it appropriate for use for a variety of companies.
Utilizes the right resume format
Since this applicant is applying for an entry-level trucking role, she has chosen a functional resume format to highlight her impressive skill set over her professional experience.
Great use of additional resume sections
Despite not having a ton of work experience, this entry level applicant uses additional resume sections both to highlight her truck driver skills and to showcase her licenses and certifications, making it clear that she has what it takes to perform the duties of the role.

Experienced truck driver resume example

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What makes this a great truck driver resume sample?

Utilizes a chronological resume format
Since this candidate has quite a bit of experience as a truck driver, he chose a resume format that highlights his career progression over the last decade.
Uses data and metrics
To showcase the impact his work has had, this applicant uses lots of data and metrics to highlight his efficiency and skill as a truck driver.
Abundance of action verbs
Since recruiters sometimes read dozens of resumes in a single day, it’s critical that your content is engaging. Here, the applicant makes great use of language, using action words like “optimized” and “collaborate” to describe his work experience rather than simply including a boring list of job duties.

Choose a format for your truck driver resume

To land the truck driver job you want, you need to get the right information in front of a recruiter. How do you accomplish that? By selecting the right resume formats.

Here’s how to decide which one is right for you:

Applicants with no related experience should consider using a functional resume format for their truck driver resume to put transferable skills front and center.
Midlevel applicants with a few years of related experience should consider using a combination resume format, which is ideal for showcasing both your skills and work experience on your truck driver resume.
Experienced applicants who have five or more years of relevant experience in trucking should consider a chronological resume format to highlight work experience and a strong career progression.

Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume for more information on how to best showcase your skills, training and experience.

What’s the appropriate style for a truck driver resume?

Create your resume

While every resume template will have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education — you can customize the look and feel of your resume by selecting the right template.

Since being a truck driver is serious business, choosing a straightforward resume template is a smart move. Consider one of our modern resumes or simple templates, which are simple and versatile and can be used for your applications to trucking companies large and small.

How to write a truck driver resume in 5 simple steps

While there are some basic rules for writing a great resume, top candidates for competitive truck driving jobs know that the key to getting noticed is to write a resume that is specific to the industry and the role they seek.

Learn how to craft a competitive resume that gets you interviews, step by step.

Step 1

Study the truck driver job description

A well-written truck driver resume is customized to include keywords that show employers that you have what it takes to perform the duties of the role. Why is this important?

Many employers run resumes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen out unqualified candidates based on preset keywords. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, you’ll be eliminated before a human ever sees your resume. To make an ATS-friendly, you’ll need to customize it to the job description. That’s why if you’re able to successfully incorporate the right keywords, you’ll improve your chances of landing a job interview.

You may be wondering which keywords to use. Don’t worry — it’s easy. And once you get the hang of it, you’ll be truckin’ through the task.

While every truck driver role is different, a good job ad should tell you everything you need to know about which keywords to add to your truck driver resume. The key to success is to study the job description and make a list of critical keywords.

For example, if the job description for the truck driver role you seek asks for an understanding of DOT regulations, a valid CDL license and a clean driving record, you’ll want to be sure to use those exact words in your truck driver resume. Look for opportunities in your professional summary, skills section and work experience section to add the keywords you’ve identified. Then, go through your resume and make sure what you wrote matches the wording in the job description so that the ATS recognizes it.

It may sound like a lot, but once you get used to the process, it should only take you a few minutes to do and you will increase your chances of landing a job interview.

Step 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Depending on your level of experience, your truck driver resume should include either a professional summary or a resume objective to start. Think of this section as your resume profile where you provide potential employers with a summary of your most relevant trucking skills and experience and some professional highlights.

Candidates with less trucking experience should choose a resume objective, which states your transferable skills and your career goals. Applicants with more direct experience as a truck driver should use a professional summary, which outlines your skills and experience and highlights some of your most notable professional accomplishments.

Here are some strong examples for your truck driver resume:

Truck driver professional summary example:

Experienced truck driver with 11 years of proven expertise in safely navigating big rigs over long distances. Adept at managing all aspects of long-haul operations, including OTR (Over-The-Road) journeys, while consistently delivering exceptional customer service. Demonstrated ability to maintain strict adherence to transportation regulations, optimize delivery schedules and resolve challenges efficiently. Known for exceptional communication skills, fostering positive relationships with clients, dispatchers and fellow team members. Successfully maintained a 96% on-time delivery rate throughout tenure, showcasing a commitment to precision and reliability in every mile driven. Ready to leverage a decade of experience to contribute to a results-driven trucking team.

Sample resume objective for a truck driver resume

Dedicated and safety-focused truck driver with six months of OTR (Over-The-Road) experience and a valid Class A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). Eager to leverage my growing expertise in long-haul operations and commitment to adherence to transportation regulations. Seeking a challenging role where I can apply my skills in route planning, cargo management and customer service to contribute to a dynamic trucking team.

Step 3

Highlight your most relevant truck driver skills

Regardless of your experience level, hiring managers will be looking closely at the truck driver skills you list. Trucking skills should be added to your resume skills section and peppered into your professional summary (or resume objective) and your work experience section.

It’s critical that you provide employers with a solid mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are measurable skills that are easily taught in a classroom, like having obtained a commercial driver’s license. Soft skills, like communication skills, are behaviors and personality traits, which make them difficult to measure. Below, we provide a side-by-side list of hard and soft skills to help you see the difference between the two.

Hard and soft skills for a truck driver resume

Hard Skills

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
OTR experience
Understanding of DOT regulations
Safety protocol training
Strong backing skills
Defensive driving

Soft Skills

Communication
Time management
Customer service
Attention to detail
Relationship-building
Deadline-driven

Here is an example of a strong truck driver skills section:

Attentive to road signs and vehicles
OTR driving experience
Route planning and navigation
Cargo management and securement
Vehicle maintenance and inspection

Pro tip

When writing your truck driver resume skills section, adding computer skills and other technical abilities is great. However, soft skills count, too. Try to find a mix of hard and soft skills to show that you are a well balanced applicant.

Step 4

Write a strong truck driver work experience section

While the required background and experience will be different for each role, the key to getting noticed is writing a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table.

The most effective way to highlight your previous achievements is by detailing your work experience on your resume. List your roles in reverse-chronological order, starting with the most recent, with bullet points that highlight your responsibilities and achievements using compelling language and metrics wherever possible to show the impact of your work.

Here is an example of a great truck driver work experience entry:

Truck Driver
Two Guys Trucking, Memphis, TN
June 2018- Present

Operate a flat roof sleeper truck over various routes and terrains, covering an average of 3K miles per week, ensuring timely and secure deliveries.
Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, identifying and promptly addressing any mechanical issues to maintain optimal performance and compliance.
Ensure proper cargo securement and adherence to load weight limits, contributing to the safety of goods in transit.
Demonstrate exemplary safety practices by maintaining a spotless driving record with no accidents, incidents or violations during the tenure.
Collaborate closely with dispatchers and fellow drivers to optimize delivery schedules, address route changes and ensure efficient transportation operations.

Pro tip

Make your truck driver credentials pop by using action words, data and metrics to capture the attention of a hiring manager.

Step 5

Showcase your education and training on your truck driver resume

To be hired as a truck driver, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. While there are no specific educational requirements for being a truck driver, applicants who have a bachelor’s degree should list their degrees, along with certifications or special training. There is no need to list your year of graduation unless you are a very recent grad.

How to list your truck driver education:

Education

High School Diploma
Memphis High School
2020

CDL Training:

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – Class A, T endorsement
Tennessee Training School Name, Memphis, TN
Completed 2022

In-depth training in vehicle operation, safety protocols and federal regulations
Hands-on experience in maneuvering large vehicles, backing techniques and road navigation

Pro tip

If you have professional certifications or special training, add them to your resume. You can include them in your education section or add a special section to your truck driver resume.

Optional sections for your truck driver resume

Awards and honors

Adding honors and awards on your resume is a smart way to show off your abilities, achievements and qualifications. Truck driving is all about deadlines and volume, so including awards for exceptional performance can be a real boon to your resume by showing the employer you are truly dedicated to your field and capable of making significant contributions to their organization, which ultimately will increase your chances of landing the job.

How to list awards on your truck driver resume:

2021 Driver of the Month (September)
2018 Tennessee State Trucking Associations Awards – Finalist

Languages

In trucking, being able to speak multiple languages expands your communication abilities, giving you access to a wider variety of clients, customers and stakeholders, and allows you to communicate with more people when you’re on the road.

Additionally, knowing multiple languages suggests you have impressive mental agility and determination. Ultimately, all else being equal, a multilingual candidate can have an edge and be more attractive to the employer.

How to list languages on your truck driver resume:

Fluent in Spanish and English
Proficient in German

Interests and hobbies

Adding hobbies to your truck driver resume is appropriate as long as they’re not overly political or religious. Ideally, they should be relevant to the job. Adding interests and hobbies offers you an opportunity to show your personality and how you spend your time outside of work. Plus, they can emphasize your transferable skills, like creativity or leadership — qualities you take from job to job.

Finally, hobbies and interests can demonstrate whether you’re the right culture fit for a company. They enrich your overall profile, showing the employer how you’re a unique and fully defined person.

How to list interests and hobbies on your truck driver resume:

Passion for motor sports
Avid photographer (both digital and film)
Enthusiasm for reading, especially suspense novels

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Adding a truck driver cover letter to your application can help you stand out. Why? Because it gives you extra space to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.

A cover letter is where you can expand upon achievements from your resume, explain why you’re excited about applying for that specific job or address unconventional points, like your personal driving experience prior to pursuing a career in trucking.

Learning how to write a cover letter for a truck driver job starts with studying our cover letter examples to learn how to express your unique candidacy in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.

Or, if you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Builder, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to suit your needs.

Key takeaways for your truck driver resume

Go step by step through your resume

Take care to write all five sections of your resume in a way that targets the job you seek. Your professional summary, skills, work experience and education section should all contain targeted keywords.
Select the appropriate resume format

Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your truck driver resume — such as strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the format that will help you put your best foot forward.
Be specific to the truck driving role

Use specific information from the job ad rather than generic resume filler when crafting your document. Again, a well-written job description will tell you the critical credentials you must emphasize on your resume.
Include both hard and soft skills

Being a truck driver requires a mix of technical and personal skills to do the job well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
Make your work experience section shine

Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work.
Choose an appropriate resume template

Selecting a resume design that matches the role and the company you’re applying for is ideal. For trucking, consider a simple or modern resume template for your application.
Go the extra mile

Including a well-written truck driver cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview, so take advantage of the opportunity to get your application better results and include one with your resume.

FAQs from job seekers

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Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.