Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Also called: truck, driver, lorry, cdl driver (commercial driver's license driver), line haul driver
Do you do this at work?
Answer each card — it takes about a minute.
Do you do this at work?
Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems
Swipe right for yes, left for not me. On a keyboard: → yes, ← not me, Z undo. +2 XP per answer.
How AI is changing heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers work
2 of 21 main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Green (little AI use so far) — 10% when main tasks are weighted. This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.
Tasks in this job and recorded AI use
- Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes (main task) — some recorded AI use
- Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Inspect loads to make sure that cargo is secure (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Check vehicles to make sure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Read bills of lading to determine assignment details (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Drive trucks with capacities greater than 13 tons (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Check conditions of trailers after contents have been unloaded to make sure that there has been no damage (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Operate equipment (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes in compliance with state regulations (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Load or unload trucks or help others with loading or unloading, using special loading-related equipment or other equipment as necessary (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Perform emergency roadside repairs (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Remove debris from loaded trailers (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers — no recorded AI use
- Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods — no recorded AI use
- Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions — no recorded AI use
- Follow special cargo-related procedures — no recorded AI use
- Install or remove special equipment — no recorded AI use
- Wrap and secure goods using pads, packing paper, containers, or straps — no recorded AI use
- Operate idle reduction systems or auxiliary power systems to generate power from alternative sources — no recorded AI use
- Give directions to laborers who are packing goods and moving them onto trailers — no recorded AI use
Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).
Your first steps (guidance)
- Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
- Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems”. Try the prompt for: “Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes”.
- Weeks 3–4: Make it a habit. Use AI 3 times a week for 15 minutes. Always check facts, numbers and names yourself.
Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.
Questions about AI and heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
Will AI replace heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers?
Our data can’t predict job losses, and we don’t try to. What it does show: 2 of the 21 main tasks for this job match tasks people already use AI for (Anthropic Economic Index), giving a Green rating (little AI use so far). Using AI on a task is not the same as AI doing the whole job, and 27 of the 29 listed tasks show no recorded AI use yet.
Which truck tasks is AI used for most?
In the data, the most AI use among this job’s tasks is for: plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems; read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes.
Which truck tasks show little or no AI use?
For example: check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy; inspect loads to make sure that cargo is secure; check vehicles to make sure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order. These are good places to keep building your own skills.
How does this job compare to others?
In Microsoft Research’s “Working with AI” study, this job’s AI applicability score is equal to or higher than 48% of the occupations they scored. That measures overlap with AI chat use, not risk of job loss.
How can a truck start learning AI?
Start small: open a free AI assistant, try it on one task you do often, and always check facts and numbers yourself. The plan on this page is guidance, not professional advice.