A less-than-truckload (LTL) truck driver is a professional who makes deliveries to customer locations. In most cases, the truck either has an unusual load or carries a partially full load.
Qualifications
Most employers require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for this occupation. In most states, to obtain a CDL a driver must pass a written exam and a driving test to prove he can operate trucks over 26,001 pounds safely.
Responsibilities
An LTL truck driver plans a driving route and makes deliveries to customers in multiple locations. This may include making direct deliveries to customers, or transferring goods or materials from one customer to another. The driver must receive signed documentation of the goods received or delivered at each customer site. An LTL truck driver may work locally, regionally or nationally.
Salary
LTL truck driver salaries depend on the employer; some employers pay per mile driven, while others pay hourly. As of May 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics listed national average hourly wages of $18.69 for truck drivers in the specialized freight trucking industry.
