What is a haul truck driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
introduction image

A haul truck driver operates large dump trucks to transport materials such as rock, dirt, and gravel. They may work in mining, construction, and quarrying to move heavy loads of materials across the worksite. Haul truck drivers receive specialized training and require a commercial driver's license to operate vehicles. Their responsibilities include inspecting and maintaining their trucks, following safety protocols, loading and unloading materials, and communicating with other workers.

ScoreHaul Truck DriverUS Average
Salary
4.8

Avg. Salary $60,932

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.3

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.82%

Asian 3.79%

Black or African American 11.55%

Hispanic or Latino 19.58%

Unknown 4.76%

White 59.50%

Gender

female 12.57%

male 87.43%

Age - 49
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49
Stress Level
7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
4.6

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
1.4

Work Life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Haul Truck Driver?

Pros

  • Good pay

  • Opportunities for overtime

  • Job security

  • Opportunity for advancement

  • Chance to travel through different locations

Cons

  • Dangerous working conditions

  • Isolated working conditions

  • Monotonous work

  • Risk of accidents and injuries

  • High levels of stress and pressure to meet productivity targets

Haul Truck Driver career paths

Key steps to become a haul truck driver

  1. Explore haul truck driver education requirements

    Most common haul truck driver degrees

    High School Diploma

    46.9 %

    Associate

    17.6 %

    Bachelor's

    13.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific haul truck driver skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    CDL54.56%
    DOT12.81%
    Traffic Violations5.84%
    Asphalt2.90%
    Customer Service2.57%
  3. Complete relevant haul truck driver training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New haul truck drivers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a haul truck driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real haul truck driver resumes.
  4. Obtain the necessary licensing

    Becoming a licensed haul truck driver usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed haul truck driver in most of states. 13 states require haul truck drivers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.
    State
    ascdesc
    Education
    ascdesc
    Exam
    ascdesc
    License Url
    ascdesc
    ArkansasSpecific course requiredState exam requiredCommercial Driver (Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver)
    California-State exam requiredCommercial Driver License
    Idaho-State exam requiredCommercial Drivers
    Massachusetts-State exam requiredCOMMERCIAL DRIVERS
    Missouri-State exam requiredTruck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer
  5. Gain additional haul truck driver certifications

    Haul truck driver certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific haul truck driver certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for haul truck drivers include Commercial Driver License (CDL) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

    More About Certifications
  6. Research haul truck driver duties and responsibilities

    • Maintain CDL and MSHA safety training.
    • Drop and hook doubles, OTR.
    • Maintain CDL and appropriate endorsements.
    • Attend annual re-licensing to learn about new laws and HAZMAT materials.
  7. Prepare your haul truck driver resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your haul truck driver resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a haul truck driver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Haul Truck Driver Resume templates

    Build a professional Haul Truck Driver resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Haul Truck Driver resume.
    Haul Truck Driver Resume
    Haul Truck Driver Resume
    Haul Truck Driver Resume
    Haul Truck Driver Resume
    Haul Truck Driver Resume
    Haul Truck Driver Resume
    Haul Truck Driver Resume
    Haul Truck Driver Resume
    Haul Truck Driver Resume
  8. Apply for haul truck driver jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a haul truck driver job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Haul Truck Driver Job

Zippi

Are you a Haul Truck Driver?

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Average haul truck driver salary

The average Haul Truck Driver salary in the United States is $60,932 per year or $29 per hour. Haul truck driver salaries range between $40,000 and $92,000 per year.

Average Haul Truck Driver Salary
$60,932 Yearly
$29.29 hourly

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How do haul truck drivers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

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Haul Truck Driver reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

Seeing different areas and being left alone. Meeting new people along the way.

Cons

Rough roads people that are texting while I'm driving down the road. At least 5 out of 10 drivers are texting.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Cons

Cinema

Pros

Experience 8 year GCC county almost work driving responsibility passenger drop location and food delivery timing driving delivery I am work hope


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021
Pros

I always want to be a good behaviour and transparency

Cons

I don't like laziness or bad behaviour or any controversy


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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