What does a log truck driver do?
Log truck driver responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real log truck driver resumes:
- Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
- Check all load documentation for accuracy, inspect load and receive required signatures for pickup and delivery.
- Keep track of logs, miles, and bol's.
Log truck driver skills and personality traits
We calculated that 45% of Log Truck Drivers are proficient in CDL, Pickup, and Federal Regulations. They’re also known for soft skills such as Hand-eye coordination, Hearing ability, and Physical health.
We break down the percentage of Log Truck Drivers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CDL, 45%
Obtained CDL's and Hazardous Material Certificate/Endorsement.
- Pickup, 12%
Completed delivery and pickup paperwork promptly and accurately, returning said paperwork to the appropriate facility personnel.
- Federal Regulations, 10%
Managed hours of service on Department of Transportation approved electronic equipment according to the state and federal regulations.
- CB, 9%
Maintained open communication via CB radio for additional instructions.
- Log Book, 7%
Maintain excellent log book and driver records.
- Vehicle Inspections, 4%
Coordinate vehicle inspections and repairs of vehicle malfunctions on the road.
"cdl," "pickup," and "federal regulations" are among the most common skills that log truck drivers use at work. You can find even more log truck driver responsibilities below, including:
Hand-eye coordination. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a log truck driver to have is hand-eye coordination. Their role and responsibilities require that "drivers of heavy trucks and tractor-trailers must be able to coordinate their legs, hands, and eyes simultaneously so that they will react appropriately to the situation around them and drive the vehicle safely." Log truck drivers often use hand-eye coordination in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed vehicle inspection, minor maintenance, and coordination of repairs for compliance with company and highway regulations. "
Hearing ability. Many log truck driver duties rely on hearing ability. "truck drivers need good hearing," so a log truck driver will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways log truck driver responsibilities rely on hearing ability: "transport and deliver customer goods while adhearing to strict deadlines and safety regulations for professional drivers. "
Physical health. log truck drivers are also known for physical health, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to log truck driver responsibilities, because "federal regulations do not allow people to become truck drivers if they have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or epilepsy, which may interfere with their ability to operate a truck." A log truck driver resume example shows how physical health is used in the workplace: "maintained a dot log book, physical labor. "
The three companies that hire the most log truck drivers are:
- Weyerhaeuser International, Inc4 log truck drivers jobs
- Baillie Lumber Co.1 log truck drivers jobs
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Compare different log truck drivers
Log truck driver vs. Van driver
A van driver is responsible for operating a wide and a larger-sized vehicle than a regular car, usually used as a company shuttle to pick up and drop employees to designated areas. Van drivers should have a clean driving record, ensuring the safety and comfortability of the passengers while on the road. They should also be familiar with the location, considering alternative routes for any road complications to avoid delays. A van driver must have comprehensive knowledge of the mechanical industry, inspecting the engine's condition, and perform repairs as necessary.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between log truck drivers and van driver. For instance, log truck driver responsibilities require skills such as "pickup," "federal regulations," "cb," and "storage yards." Whereas a van driver is skilled in "customer service," "otr," "gps," and "patients." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Van drivers really shine in the transportation industry with an average salary of $37,113. Comparatively, log truck drivers tend to make the most money in the agriculture industry with an average salary of $49,147.van drivers tend to reach similar levels of education than log truck drivers. In fact, van drivers are 2.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Log truck driver vs. Driver
Drivers are responsible for safely transporting people, packages, or goods from one destination to another. They should be familiar with the different routes that may be taken to reach the desired goal. They should be expert navigators and may use navigation apps to help them along the way. They should also be familiar with the basic mechanics of the vehicle they are using and the proper maintenance and cleaning needed to ensure that the car is running well. Drivers are expected to have excellent customer relation skills, a strong sense of direction, and superb organizations.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, log truck driver responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "pickup," "cb," "storage yards," and "transport logs." Meanwhile, a driver has duties that require skills in areas such as "math," "basic math," "safety rules," and "cleanliness." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Drivers may earn a lower salary than log truck drivers, but drivers earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $39,688. On the other hand, log truck drivers receive higher pay in the agriculture industry, where they earn an average salary of $49,147.drivers earn similar levels of education than log truck drivers in general. They're 1.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for log truck drivers in the next 3-5 years?
Don Lefeve
President & Chairman of the Board, CVTA
Log truck driver vs. Truck driver-over-the-road
A truck driver-over-the-road (OTR) is an individual driver who specializes in hauling items such as heavy freight, machinery, or construction materials from a home terminal to delivery points. OTR truck drivers usually spend more time on the road due to the long distances they are required to reach. To avoid vehicular breakdowns and delays, OTR drivers are required to inspect their trucks and review shipping and transport documents. They are also responsible for unloading freights and collect charges from customers.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a log truck driver is likely to be skilled in "pickup," "storage yards," "transport logs," and "general maintenance," while a typical truck driver-over-the-road is skilled in "otr," "pet," "hazmat," and "work ethic."
Truck driver-over the roads earn the highest salary when working in the manufacturing industry, where they receive an average salary of $67,303. Comparatively, log truck drivers have the highest earning potential in the agriculture industry, with an average salary of $49,147.truck driver-over the roads typically earn similar educational levels compared to log truck drivers. Specifically, they're 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Log truck driver vs. Commercial driver
A commercial driver is responsible for transporting people, goods, and services from one place to various destinations as required. Commercial drivers must have a clean driving record to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and the merchandise's quality while on the road. They should also know how to operate a vehicle's engine, inspect system defects, and repair system malfunctions to prevent any delays in transportation and deliveries. A commercial driver must have excellent knowledge of the mechanical industry and report any problems to management.
Types of log truck driver
Updated January 8, 2025
