Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
O*NET-SOC code
53-3032.00

Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.

  • Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08

    Moderate· relative

    LowFour relative bandsVery high

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)

    831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band

    Source dataset (XLSX download)

  • Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03

    0.000

    0.000Range of values carried here0.745
    Scale, basis and source

    Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Mapped onto O*NET tasks

    Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value

    Source dataset (CSV download)

  • Data source: ILOPublished: 2025

    0.24

    0.09Range of values carried here0.70

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published

    Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

Exposed tasks only

31 rated tasks · 10 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (32.3%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

  • Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
  • 2 rated tasks are not in the O*NET 31.0 task list; their scores are kept as published for O*NET 27.2.
Source
OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release
gh-main-0471612
License
MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Task (O*NET 20.1)Claude.aiRaw / share %APIRaw / share %
Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes.

53-3032.00

0.004260.90.001927.3
Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems (GPS) equipment, or other navigation devices to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

53-3032.00

0.002739.10.002231.8
Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.
—00.002840.9
Not observed on any surface — 28 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states.
Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
—0—0
Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
—0—0
Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
—0—0
Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
—0—0
Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.
—0—0
Drive trucks with capacities greater than 3 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
—0—0
Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.
—0—0
Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
—0—0
Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks.
—0—0
Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.
—0—0
Check conditions of trailers after contents have been unloaded to ensure that there has been no damage.
—0—0
Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
—0—0
Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid or performing minor repairs.
—0—0
Remove debris from loaded trailers.
—0—0
Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
—0—0
Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
—0—0
Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes in compliance with state regulations.
—0—0
Operate equipment, such as truck cab computers, CB radios, phones, or global positioning systems (GPS) equipment to exchange necessary information with bases, supervisors, or other drivers.
—0—0
Load or unload trucks or help others with loading or unloading, using special loading-related equipment or other equipment as necessary.
—0—0
Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.
—0—0
Follow special cargo-related procedures, such as checking refrigeration systems for frozen foods or providing food or water for livestock.
—0—0
Give directions to laborers who are packing goods and moving them onto trailers.
—0—0
Install or remove special equipment, such as tire chains, grader blades, plow blades, or sanders.
—0—0
Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, tire chains, or spark plugs.
—0—0
Operate trucks equipped with snowplows or sander attachments to maintain roads in winter weather.
—0—0
Drive electric or hybrid-electric powered trucks or alternative fuel-powered trucks to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
—0—0
Operate idle reduction systems or auxiliary power systems to generate power from alternative sources, such as fuel cells, to reduce idling time, to heat or cool truck cabins, or to provide power for other equipment.
—0—0
Wrap and secure goods using pads, packing paper, containers, or straps.
—0—0

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (29)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)Type
Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.Core
Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.Core
Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.Core
Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.Core
Drive trucks with capacities greater than 13 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.Core
Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.Core
Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.Core
Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes.Core
Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks.Core
Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.Core
Check conditions of trailers after contents have been unloaded to ensure that there has been no damage.Core
Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.Core
Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid, performing minor repairs, or washing trucks.Core
Remove debris from loaded trailers.Core
Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, tire chains, or spark plugs.Core
Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems (GPS) equipment, or other navigation devices, to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions.Core
Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.Core
Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.Core
Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes in compliance with state regulations.Core
Operate equipment, such as truck cab computers, CB radios, phones, or global positioning systems (GPS) equipment to exchange necessary information with bases, supervisors, or other drivers.Core
Load or unload trucks or help others with loading or unloading, using special loading-related equipment or other equipment as necessary.Core
Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.Supplemental
Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.Supplemental
Inventory and inspect goods to be moved to determine quantities and conditions.Supplemental
Follow special cargo-related procedures, such as checking refrigeration systems for frozen foods or providing food or water for livestock.Supplemental
Give directions to laborers who are packing goods and moving them onto trailers.Supplemental
Install or remove special equipment, such as tire chains, grader blades, plow blades, or sanders.Supplemental
Operate idle reduction systems or auxiliary power systems to generate power from alternative sources, such as fuel cells, to reduce idling time, to heat or cool truck cabins, or to provide power for other equipment.Supplemental
Wrap and secure goods using pads, packing paper, containers, or straps.Supplemental

Occupation information

Employment outlook (BLS)

Employment, 2025
2.2M
Projected employment, 2035
2.3M
Change (2025–35)
+3.8%
Median annual wage, 2025
$58,640
Typical education needed for entry
Postsecondary nondegree award
lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO codeKSCO titleRelationStatus
87233대형 화물차 운전원This occupation is broaderconfirmed
87239그 외 화물차 및 특수차 운전원This occupation is broaderconfirmed
87407콘크리트 믹서 트럭 운전원This occupation is broaderconfirmed
87408덤프트럭 운전원This occupation is broaderconfirmed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

  • ISCO-08 8332Heavy Truck and Lorry Drivers

The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.

Heavy-truck and lorry drivers drive and tend heavy motor vehicles to transport goods, liquids and heavy materials over short or long distances.

Tasks

  • (a) driving and tending a heavy motor vehicle, such as a lorry with or without trailer or a dump-truck, to transport goods, liquids or heavy materials over short or long distances;
  • (b) determining the most appropriate routes;
  • (c) ensuring goods are stowed and securely covered, to prevent loss and damage;
  • (d) assisting with or carrying out loading or unloading operations, using various lifting or tipping devices;
  • (e) carrying out minor maintenance to vehicles, and arranging major maintenance and repairs;
  • (f) estimating weights to comply with load limitations, and ensuring the safe distribution of weights.

Example occupations

Concrete mixer driver · Garbage truck driver · Heavy truck driver · Road train driver

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.

  • cargo vehicle driverESCO 8332.2This occupation is broader

    Cargo vehicle drivers operate vehicles such as trucks and vans. They may also take care of the loading and unloading of cargo.

  • concrete pump operatorESCO 8332.3This occupation is broader

    Concrete pump operators drive and operate trucks to haul concrete from the plant to project sites, and operate pumps to disperse concrete at the site. They also clean and maintain the truck and its mechanical parts.

  • dangerous goods driverESCO 8332.4This occupation is broader

    Dangerous goods drivers transport fuel and bulk liquid, hazardous products and chemicals by road.

  • rail intermodal equipment operatorESCO 9333.5This occupation is broader

    Rail intermodal equipment operators assist in the loading of trailers and containers on and off railcars and chassis. They manoeuvre tractor-trailer combinations around tight corners and in and out of parking spaces. They use an on-board computer peripheral to communicate with yard management computer system and to identify railcars.

  • refuse vehicle driverESCO 8332.8This occupation is broader

    Refuse vehicle drivers drive the large vehicles used for refuse collection. They drive the vehicles from the homes and facilities where the refuse is collected by the refuse collectors on the lorry and transport the waste to the waste treatment and disposal facilities.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME codeROME title (French)Relation
I1615Dépanneur-remorqueur / Dépanneuse-remorqueuse de véhiculesThis occupation is broader
N4107Conducteur livreur / Conductrice livreuse de béton prêt à l'emploiThis occupation is broader
N4122Convoyeur / Convoyeuse de véhicules ou matériels lourdsThis occupation is broader
N4125Conducteur / Conductrice de transport routier d'animaux vivantsThis occupation is broader
N4101Conducteur / Conductrice de poids lourdThis occupation is broaderprovisional
N4111Conducteur / Conductrice super poids lourd de l'arméeThis occupation is broaderprovisional
N4113Conducteur routier international / Conductrice routière internationaleThis occupation is broaderprovisional
N4115Conducteur / Conductrice de véhicules Super LourdsThis occupation is broaderprovisional
N4116Conducteur / Conductrice de transport routier de marchandises dangereusesThis occupation is broaderprovisional
N4126Conducteur / Conductrice de transport routier en convoi exceptionnelThis occupation is broaderprovisional
N4133Conducteur / Conductrice de véhicule grumierThis occupation is broaderprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 codeCNO-11 title (Spanish)Relation
8432Conductores asalariados de camionesSame scopeprovisional
8431Conductores propietarios de camionesThis occupation is broaderprovisional

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB codeKldB title (German)Relation
52122Berufskraftfahrer/innen (Güterverkehr/LKW) - fachlich ausgerichtete TätigkeitenSame scopeprovisional

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO codeJSCO title (Japanese)Relation
613貨物自動車運転者This occupation is narrowerprovisional
619その他の自動車運転従事者Related, not a matchprovisional

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources