20 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
You usually start by checking the truck and paperwork: inspect brakes, lights, tires, and log defects immediately. Then load and secure materials onto the truck—straps, tarps, pallets—so nothing shifts in transit.
During the day you drive to pick-up or delivery sites, weigh and tag shipments, update inventory records (Excel or SAP), and make customer drop-offs. Expect manual loading at times and routine maintenance tasks like topping off fluids or reporting malfunctions before you leave.
Companies commonly use inventory and warehouse systems like ABECAS Insight WMS, IntelliTrack, ATMS StockTrack PLUS, or BarControl Enterprise Manager to track shipments and locations. You will also use Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook for records, delivery notes, and communication.
Some fleets use SAP for billing and order processing. Learn to enter weights, tag numbers, and delivery confirmations in these systems—accuracy matters because those entries become the legal and billing record.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 774,420 people were employed as drivers in 2025. The median pay was $46,420 per year; the lowest tenth earned $36,840 and the top tenth $62,520.
Those are national figures; local pay varies by region, company, and whether you drive long haul, local delivery, or specialized loads. Ask the employer what range they pay and whether they include per-mile, overtime, or bonuses.
Yes. You must learn safe loading, securing, and weighing procedures and usually complete a certified forklift or industrial truck course if you’ll operate those vehicles (employers use terms like 'control industrial trucks').
Training often includes hands-on practice, reading systems like BarControl or Inventory Management, and safety checks. Employers usually provide on-the-job training for their specific WMS (warehouse management system) and paperwork.
Truck drivers spend most of their time driving and handling whole loads between sites, doing vehicle inspections, weighing, and customer paperwork. Couriers typically make many small stops by van or bike and focus on quick handoffs.
Warehouse pickers work mainly inside using systems like ABECAS Insight WMS or IntelliTrack to pull items and update inventory. Drivers must secure loads for transit, manage vehicle maintenance, and often handle payments or delivery confirmations.
Yes, but carefully. Use company-approved tools—some fleets integrate routing with their WMS or SAP. AI can suggest routes or auto-fill forms, but always verify weights, signatures, and safety checks yourself. A system error cannot replace your inspection or securing the load.
Never use consumer AI to create legal documents, logbooks, or signatures. Follow company policy for data privacy, and enter final numbers into official systems like Excel, SAP, or your employer’s WMS.
All three matter. You need basic numeracy to calculate weights, cargo distribution, and fuel or time estimates. Spreadsheet skills (Excel) and familiarity with WMS or SAP matter for accurate records and billing.
Physical ability to lift, climb, and secure loads is necessary, plus attention to safety checks and following written and verbal instructions. Employers value reliability, clear communication with customers, and careful record-keeping.