Light Truck Drivers
Light truck drivers operate vehicles weighing less than 26,001 pounds to transport merchandise and packages from distribution centers to customers or businesses. The work takes place primarily on local routes rather than long-distance highways. Drivers may also handle loading and unloading cargo as part of their duties.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against light truck drivers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Light truck drivers typically begin their shift at a distribution center, where they load packages or merchandise into their assigned vehicle. They then follow a route to make multiple deliveries, navigating local streets and residential or commercial areas. The day involves driving between stops, unloading cargo, managing delivery documentation, and sometimes obtaining customer signatures. Routes may vary, but most workdays center on completing assigned deliveries within a service area.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCE. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you prefer concrete, hands-on tasks and following established procedures and schedules. You tend to be organized and reliable, comfortable working independently on regular routes, and satisfied with straightforward responsibilities rather than abstract problem-solving.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $48,620 | $57,190 | $82,740 | 1,790 |
| District of Columbia | $45,930 | $49,330 | $57,160 | 540 |
| Washington | $44,920 | $49,070 | $57,350 | 23,290 |
| Minnesota | $39,760 | $48,880 | $60,530 | 17,360 |
| Colorado | $43,190 | $48,410 | $56,040 | 15,810 |
| Maryland | $38,350 | $48,150 | $62,010 | 18,420 |
| Massachusetts | $40,860 | $48,110 | $56,930 | 23,350 |
| North Dakota | $37,950 | $47,950 | $56,160 | 1,950 |
| Illinois | $39,820 | $47,380 | $60,290 | 47,190 |
| Oregon | $42,360 | $47,150 | $54,040 | 11,120 |
| New Jersey | $41,000 | $46,820 | $53,250 | 33,900 |
| California | $42,160 | $46,790 | $56,840 | 111,950 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Route Driver Certification — National Automatic Merchandising Association
- Commercial Driver License (CDL) (CDL) — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against light truck drivers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-3033.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.