CDL Truck Driver Resume Guide
CDL truck drivers transport cargo and passengers over long distances. They operate vehicles with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). To become a CDL truck driver, one must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
You’re a skilled truck driver with a clean driving record, but hiring managers don’t know who you are. To make them aware of your skills and experience, you must write a resume that catches their eye.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.
Table of Contents
The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.
CDL Truck Driver Resume Sample
Dereck Collins
CDL Truck Driver
[email protected]
776-747-9017
linkedin.com/in/dereck-collins
Summary
Enthusiastic CDL truck driver with 5 years of experience driving long-haul vehicles. Skilled in operating and maintaining different types of trucks, such as Class 8 rigs. Experienced in completing deliveries on time and adhering to strict schedules. Holds a clean driving record with no accidents or traffic violations.
Experience
CDL Truck Driver, Company ABC
St. Louis, Jan 2018 – Present
- Transported up to 26,000 pounds of goods across state lines on a daily basis, ensuring that all deliveries were made on time and in accordance with DOT regulations.
- Introduced new logistic methods that increased efficiency by 15% and decreased fuel costs by $1,200 per month.
- Meticulously maintained logs of all trips, rest periods and vehicle maintenance according to DOT requirements; commended by superiors for having zero infractions.
- Drove for an average of 10 hours per day across 2000+ miles per week in all weather conditions; received perfect score on bi-annual DMV truck inspection.
- Reorganized the company’s delivery schedule which resulted in a 20% decrease in late deliveries and improved customer satisfaction ratings by 3%.
CDL Truck Driver, Company XYZ
Dallas, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017
- Prepared and inspected truck before departing to ensure that mechanical, safety and emergency equipment was in working order.
- Compiled paperwork for all deliveries including bills of lading, invoices and receipts, ensuring that documents were accurate and up-to-date.
- Effectively communicated with dispatch team to receive updated delivery instructions en route and provided status updates on estimated time of arrival (ETA).
- Structured daily driving schedule to comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations regarding maximum hours of operation and mandatory rest stops.
- Unloaded cargo at each destination safely and efficiently using a forklift or dolly, while adhering to all company guidelines regarding the proper handling of merchandise.
Skills
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Truck Driving Experience
- Safe Driving Record
- Ability To Operate A Manual Transmission
- Ability To Lift And Move Heavy Objects
- Ability To Work Long Hours
- Ability To Follow Directions
- Ability To Read A Map
- Ability To Communicate With Dispatch
Education
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
Certifications
Commercial Driver’s License
Department of Motor Vehicles
May 2017
1. Summary / Objective
Your resume summary is like a teaser for the rest of your resume – it should provide the employer with essential information about who you are and what makes you an excellent CDL truck driver.
Some things you may want to mention in your summary include your years of experience, clean driving record, ability to meet strict deadlines, and customer satisfaction rating.
Below are some resume summary examples:
Proficient CDL truck driver with clean driving record and more than 10 years of experience. Seeking to join XYZ Logistics in order to leverage my expertise in long-distance hauling, local deliveries, and warehouse work. In previous roles increased efficiency by 15% via route optimization and improved safety records by developing new loading/unloading procedures.
Skilled CDL truck driver with 5 years of experience transporting goods across state lines. At ABC, increased on-time deliveries by 17% and lowered fuel costs by 12%. Seeking to leverage clean driving record and industry expertise to improve efficiency at XYZ.
Detail-oriented CDL truck driver with more than eight years of experience driving long-haul vehicles across the United States. In previous roles, increased on-time deliveries by 12% and decreased accidents by 10%. Efficiently navigated congested city streets as well as winding rural roads. Seeking to leverage clean driving record to become the next ABC delivery truck driver.
Hard-working CDL truck driver with 5 years of experience driving long-haul routes. Seeking to join ABC company where I can use my clean driving record and dedication to safety to help the company meet its delivery goals. At XYZ, drove an average of 2500 miles per week and completed 95% of deliveries on time.
Seasoned CDL truck driver with more than 10 years of experience safely operating tractor-trailers and other heavy equipment. Seeking to leverage clean driving record and familiarity with DOT regulations to fill the open CDL truck driver position at ABC Corporation. At XYZ Inc., increased on-time delivery rate by 5% while reducing accidents by 3%.
Professional CDL truck driver with 8 years of experience operating Class A trucks. Seeking to leverage driving skills and knowledge of DOT regulations in a new role with ABC Company. At XYZ, drove an average of 500 miles per day and logged over 2,000 hours without incident. Recognized as Employee of the Month 3 times for outstanding safety record and customer service.
Well-rounded CDL truck driver with 4+ years of experience driving long-haul routes and local deliveries. Seeking to join the ABC team to deliver top-notch service and contribute to a safe working environment. At previous jobs, increased on-time delivery rate by 12% and lowered fuel consumption by 10%.
Accomplished CDL truck driver with 10 years of experience in long-haul and local deliveries. Proven track record of completing assigned tasks on time while adhering to all safety regulations. Seeking a challenging role at ABC that would allow me to utilize my skills and knowledge in a new environment.
Diligent CDL truck driver with a clean record and 5+ years of experience driving long haul. I have completed over 100 cross-country trips and delivered on time 95% of the time. My aim is to join ABC Logistics and help the company meet its delivery goals while providing excellent customer service.
2. Experience / Employment
For the experience section, you will want to list your employment history in reverse chronological order. This means that your most recent job will be listed first.
When describing what you did at each job, it is best to use bullet points. This makes the information easier for the reader to digest. When writing the bullet points, make sure to include specifics on what you did and any results or accomplishments achieved.
For example, rather than saying “Delivered goods,” you could say “Successfully delivered 10+ loads per week across a 500-mile radius, adhering to strict deadlines.”
To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:
- Delivered
- Drove
- Loaded
- Unloaded
- Transported
- Inspected
- Maintained
- Repaired
- Operated
- Communicated
- Coordinated
- Planned
- Scheduled
- Trained
- Monitored
Other general verbs you can use are:
- Achieved
- Advised
- Assessed
- Compiled
- Demonstrated
- Developed
- Expedited
- Facilitated
- Formulated
- Improved
- Introduced
- Mentored
- Optimized
- Participated
- Prepared
- Presented
- Reduced
- Reorganized
- Represented
- Revised
- Spearheaded
- Streamlined
- Structured
- Utilized
Below are some example bullet points:
- Independently drove a commercial truck over long distances to deliver goods and materials to customers and clients.
- Coordinated with the Dispatch team to plan efficient routes, schedule deliveries and resolve any issues that arose en-route.
- Achieved an on-time delivery rate of 95% by following traffic regulations strictly and planning for contingencies such as bad weather or road closures.
- Streamlined the loading/unloading process by communicating with the warehouse staff regarding expected arrival times and coordinating breaks in transit.
- Inspected the condition of the truck before each journey, reporting any maintenance issues to ensure that the vehicle was safe to operate.
- Optimized truck route efficiency by 15% through real-time GPS tracking and schedule adjustments.
- Scheduled and coordinated deliveries with warehouse team to ensure smooth, on-time operations.
- Delivered 100+ loads of merchandise across state lines, adhering to strict DOT regulations at all times.
- Operated a wide variety of trucks in different weather and traffic conditions; clean driving record with no accidents or violations.
- Diligently performed pre-trip inspections on assigned vehicle before each shift, checking fluid levels, tire pressure, brakes & lights etc.
- Improved fuel efficiency by 10% and lowered emissions by actively monitoring engine performance and adjusting speed/route as necessary.
- Developed strong relationships with dispatch team and regularly communicated updates on location, estimated arrival time and any potential delays to ensure smooth operations.
- Maintained cleanliness of cab and trailer at all times; performed regular maintenance checks on vehicle according to company guidelines to avoid breakdowns or accidents.
- Demonstrated excellent defensive driving skills in adverse weather conditions and busy traffic areas, completing over 1,000 safe driving miles without incident.
- Actively participated in monthly safety meetings, sharing best practices with fellow drivers and offering suggestions on how to improve the company’s safety record.
- Planned and executed daily driving routes for a fleet of 10 trucks, ensuring that all deliveries were made on time and within the designated timeframe.
- Communicated with dispatch team regularly to receive updates on delivery locations and changes in traffic conditions; advised dispatch of any potential delays.
- Trained new drivers on company policies and procedures, as well as best practices for safety while on the road.
- Thoroughly inspected each truck before leaving the yard to ensure that it was in good working condition and had enough fuel for the journey; documented and reported any maintenance issues to management.
- Logged all hours driven and miles traveled per day, as well as any breaks taken during the shift; submitted accurate reports at the end of each week.
- Assessed loads for safety before departing on long-haul trips across the country, ensuring that all cargo was properly secured and documented.
- Presented a clean truck and professional demeanor at all times while making deliveries, representing the company in a positive light to customers.
- Efficiently managed time by planning routes and making rest stops in accordance with hours of service regulations, resulting in no missed deadlines or delays.
- Mentored new drivers on best practices for load securement, route planning and customer relations, helping them to become productive members of the team.
- Spearheaded initiatives to reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions through more efficient driving techniques, saving the company an average of $1,500 per month in fuel costs.
- Participated in cross-country hauls, transporting goods across the country while adhering to strict schedules and deadlines.
- Loaded and unloaded merchandise from the truck using a hand dolly or pallet jack, taking care to not damage any products.
- Expedited deliveries by finding the most efficient routes and making on-time pickups and drop-offs despite traffic delays or inclement weather conditions.
- Facilitated communication between dispatch team and other drivers on the road, relaying messages regarding route changes or delivery updates in a timely manner.
- Successfully completed over 500 long-haul trips with no accidents or incidents reported; received positive feedback from clients for punctuality and professionalism.
- Reduced fuel consumption by 5% through careful monitoring of speed and route planning.
- Repaired minor faults on vehicles, such as loose headlights and flat tires; saved company $4,000 in repairs costs over 6 months.
- Formulated daily delivery schedules for a team of 10 drivers and ensured that all deliveries were made on time and within budget.
- Monitored vehicle maintenance records and scheduled regular servicing to avoid any breakdowns or accidents.
- Proficiently drove a variety of trucks including Class A, B, and C vehicles; logged over 3,000 accident-free miles per month on average.
- Competently drove CDL trucks for over 10 years, delivering various items such as food, clothes and furniture.
- Represented the company in a positive light by always being punctual and polite to customers.
- Revised the delivery route to include more stops per day which increased productivity by 20%.
- Utilized excellent map reading skills to find alternative routes when roads were blocked or closed due to accidents or construction.
3. Skills
Skills that are relevant to CDL truck drivers will differ depending on the specific job requirements. For example, one employer may require experience with a certain type of vehicle while another may place emphasis on safe driving practices.
It is important to tailor the skills section of your resume to each job that you apply for in order to increase the chances of being selected for an interview. This can be done by including keywords from the job posting as well as highlighting your most relevant skills.
In addition to this, you should also discuss your skillset in more detail in other sections of your resume, such as the summary or experience section.
Below is a list of common skills & terms:
- Ability To Communicate With Dispatch
- Ability To Follow Directions
- Ability To Lift And Move Heavy Objects
- Ability To Operate A Manual Transmission
- Ability To Perform Basic Maintenance On A Truck
- Ability To Read A Map
- Ability To Work Long Hours
- Airbrakes Endorsement
- Class A CDL
- Class B CDL
- Class C CDL
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Cross-country Driving
- DOT Regulations
- Dedicated Driving
- Doubles/triples Endorsement
- Hazmat Endorsement
- Hours Of Service
- IFTA
- Intermodal Driving
- Load Securement
- Local Driving
- Logbooks
- Post-trip Inspection
- Pre-trip Inspection
- Safe Driving Record
- TWIC Card
- Tanker Endorsement
- Team Driving
- Truck Driving Experience
4. Education
Including an education section on your resume is not necessary if you have significant experience as a CDL truck driver. If you are just starting out, however, or if you have other relevant experience that isn’t directly related to driving trucks, then including an education section can be beneficial.
When mentioning your education in this case, highlight any coursework or training related to truck driving, such as “Commercial Driver’s License Training” or “Trucking Safety”. You could also mention any other relevant courses, such as those related to logistics or transportation.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011
5. Certifications
Certifications are not always required for every position, but when they are, it is essential that you include them in your resume. For positions that require a CDL truck driver license, such as long-haul trucking, be sure to list any relevant certifications you may have.
Some examples of relevant certifications for CDL truck drivers include: Hazmat certification, Tanker endorsement, and Air Brake endorsement. Be sure to list the name of the certification along with the issuing authority and date received.
Commercial Driver’s License
Department of Motor Vehicles
May 2017
6. Contact Info
Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.
You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.
Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Dereck Collins, this would be Dereck-Collins-resume.pdf or Dereck-Collins-resume.docx.
7. Cover Letter
A cover letter is a document that you send along with your resume when applying for a job. It’s usually made up of 2 to 4 paragraphs and includes additional information about your skills and experience.
One of the main purposes of a cover letter is to demonstrate why you would be the best candidate for the role. It also allows you to introduce yourself in a more personal way and connect with the hiring manager on a deeper level.
Below is an example cover letter:
Dear Agnes,
I am writing in regards to your posting for a CDL truck driver. With my clean driving record, Class A CDL license, and experience driving both long and short distances, I feel confident I would be a valuable asset to your team.
In my previous role as a CDL truck driver for XYZ Company, I was responsible for making deliveries on time and safely. I have experience driving in all types of weather conditions and terrain, and am comfortable with using GPS devices to find the best route possible. I am also familiar with conducting pre-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle is safe before starting out on a trip.
In addition to being an experienced driver, I am also physically fit and able to lift heavy boxes or crates when necessary. My positive attitude and willingness to work long hours make me an ideal candidate for this position.
I look forward to speaking with you about this opportunity soon. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address] if you have any questions or need clarification on anything in my application. Thank you very much for your time!
Sincerely,
[Your name]
CDL Truck Driver Resume Templates
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