An OTR truck driver resume is your ticket to securing the best job opportunities in the competitive industry.

Whether you're just starting or looking to make a career move, creating a standout document is key to demonstrating your skills, experience, and qualifications for the job position.

In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps and tips for building a resume that highlights your expertise and makes you a top contender in the world of over-the-road driving.

OTR truck driver resume examples

Solo OTR truck driver resume sample

Solo OTR truck driver resume template

Solo OTR Truck Driver Resume
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Resume for solo OTR truck driver | Plain text

William Burke
Dallas, TX | (555) 123-4567 | william.burke@email.com

Summary

Experienced Solo OTR truck driver with over 9 years of driving long-haul routes. Proficient in route planning, freight handling, and maintaining a strong safety record. Adept at delivering goods on time while ensuring compliance with DOT regulations and company policies.

Skills

  • CDL Class A
  • GPS Navigation & Route Optimization
  • Freight Handling & Cargo Securement
  • Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance
  • DOT Compliance
  • Logbook Management
  • Long-haul Driving
  • Time Management
  • Customer Service

Experience

Solo OTR Truck Driver

Swift Transportation | Dallas, TX | March 2019 – Present

  • Operate long-haul routes across the U.S., delivering freight on time while adhering to all safety protocols and regulations.
  • Maintain a 99% on-time delivery rate over 4 years of service, consistently exceeding company standards.
  • Manage vehicle inspections, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and perform routine maintenance checks.
  • Coordinate with dispatchers to optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and ensure timely deliveries to multiple locations.
  • Establish and maintain communication with clients, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and problem resolution.

Solo OTR Truck Driver

JB Hunt Transport Services | Arlington, TX | January 2016 – February 2019

  • Drove long-haul routes covering up to 3,000 miles per week, delivering freight to various clients across the country.
  • Conducted pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety and performance, identifying and addressing any maintenance issues immediately.
  • Delivered customer goods on time and in perfect condition, achieving a 98% client satisfaction rate.
  • Trained new drivers on company procedures and best practices for long-haul trucking, including load securement and navigation techniques.

Certifications

  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Texas Department of Motor Vehicles | 2015
  • HazMat Endorsement, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles | 2019
  • CPR & First Aid Certified, Red Cross | 2018

Additional Information

  • Languages: English (fluent), Spanish (conversational)
  • Volunteer Work: Annual participant in the "Trucker's Thanksgiving Drive" charity event, providing food and supplies to underprivileged families across Texas.

Strong sides of this OTR truck driver resume example:

  • Clear and concise summary that effectively highlights the candidate's key strengths.
  • Detailed experience section with quantifiable achievements, such as on-time delivery rate and client satisfaction.
  • Includes relevant certifications, demonstrating compliance with industry standards and commitment to safety.
How to properly format a resume for an OTR truck driver?
  • Opt for fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Refrain from decorative styles that can distract from the content.
  • Use a 10–12 point size for the body text, and slightly larger (14–16 point) for your name and headings.
  • Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides to prevent crowding and ensure a balanced appearance.
  • Stick to single spacing for the text and leave a space between each sections to include on resume for clarity.
  • Keep the ideal resume length to 1–2 pages, depending on your experience level. For OTR drivers, this is usually sufficient.
  • Make sure that the font style, size, and overall resume alignment are uniform throughout the document.

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Team OTR truck driver resume example

Sample team OTR truck driver resume

Sarah and Tom Bennett
Houston, TX | (555) 987-6543 | sarah.tom@email.com

Summary

Dynamic team of experienced OTR truck drivers with 9 years of combined experience in long-haul transportation. Skilled in collaborative driving, efficient route planning, and maintaining safety standards. Proven track record of ensuring timely deliveries while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.

Skills

  • CDL Class A
  • Team Driving & Communication
  • Freight Handling
  • Long-Haul Logistics
  • GPS & Route Planning
  • DOT Regulations
  • Safety & Compliance
  • Load Management
  • Time Management
  • Customer Service

Experience

Team OTR Truck Driver

Marten Transport | Houston, TX | August 2020 – Present

  • Operate as a team, covering long-haul routes across the U.S. and Canada, ensuring efficient delivery of freight.
  • Manage driving shifts, ensuring compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and maximizing driving hours for on-time deliveries.
  • Coordinate vehicle inspections during trip stops, ensuring that trucks were in optimal condition and met all safety standards.
  • Work closely with dispatchers to plan routes, optimize fuel consumption, and prevent delays, resulting in a 98% on-time delivery rate.
  • Communicate effectively with team members and clients to address any issues or changes in delivery schedules, ensuring smooth operations.

Team OTR Truck Driver

Crete Carrier Corporation | Houston, TX | June 2016 – July 2020

  • Drove as part of a two-person team, traveling over 5,000 miles per week across various U.S. regions, maintaining a steady flow of deliveries.
  • Monitored each other's driving hours to ensure compliance with HOS regulations, maintaining a safe and efficient working environment.
  • Managed load securement, ensuring that all goods were transported safely and securely, minimizing damage during transit.
  • Delivered high-value cargo, including electronics and pharmaceuticals, while maintaining a zero-damage record over three years of service.

Certifications

  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Texas Trucking Academy | 2016
  • Advanced Safety & Compliance Certification, National Truck Safety Council | 2022
  • Tanker Endorsement, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles | 2020

Additional Information

  • Interests: Enjoy road trip photography and documenting scenic routes during long hauls.
  • Awards: Recipient of the “Driver of the Year” award for exceptional performance at Crete Carrier Corporation in 2018.

Reasons why this example of an OTR truck driver resume is great:

  • Highlights collaboration and teamwork skills, crucial for success in a team-driving environment.
  • Demonstrates strong communication skills and coordination with dispatchers and members for efficient operations.
  • Includes detailed experience, showcasing a high-mileage driving background with a focus on safety and compliance.
Should I choose an OTR truck driver resume summary or objective?

Resume summary is perfect if you have relevant history in OTR driving.

  • Length: 2–4 sentences.
  • Include: A brief overview of your expertise, core skills, and career highlights.

OTR truck driver resume summary sample:

Experienced OTR truck driver with 5 years of service, skilled in maintaining safe driving practices, adhering to traffic laws, and delivering on time. Proficient in route planning and cargo handling.

Resume objective is ideal for entry-level specialists or those transitioning into the field.

  • Length: 1–3 sentences.
  • Include: Your career goals and how you aim to contribute to the company.

OTR truck driver resume objective example:

Motivated truck driver seeking an OTR position. Eager to leverage strong driving skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to safety to ensure timely and secure deliveries.

How to showcase your OTR truck driver resume skills?

The skills to list on resume are vital in demonstrating your qualifications.

  • Hard skills are technical abilities gained through training or hands-on experience. They are specific and directly applicable to the job.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes that are harder to measure but are essential for success in the workplace, especially in a driving career.

OTR truck driver hard skills:

  • CDL (Commercial Driver's License)
  • GPS Navigation
  • Vehicle Inspection
  • Route Planning
  • DOT Compliance
  • Freight Handling
  • Map Reading
  • Cargo Securement
  • Logbook Management
  • Fuel Efficiency Techniques
  • Fleet Management Software
  • Heavy Load Transporting
  • Safety Protocols
  • Road Safety Training
  • First Aid and Emergency Response

Soft skills for OTR truck drivers:

  • Time Management
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Customer Service
  • Teamwork
  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptability
  • Patience
  • Stress Management
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Dependability
  • Organization
  • Physical Endurance
  • Work Ethic
  • Self-Motivation

Owner OTR truck driver resume template

Owner OTR truck driver resume sample

Owner-Operator Resume
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Resume for owner OTR truck driver | Text version

Michael Thompson
San Antonio, TX | (555) 654-3210 | mike.thompson@email.com

Summary

Owner-operator with OTR trucking experience, specializing in safe and efficient long-haul deliveries. Strong background in business management, including client relations, fleet management, and financial planning. Proven ability to maintain a successful trucking business while ensuring high standards of service and safety.

Skills

  • CDL Class A
  • Route Planning & Logistics
  • Client Relations & Negotiation
  • Fleet Management
  • Financial & Budget Management
  • Freight Handling
  • DOT Compliance
  • Safety Protocols
  • Business Development
  • Vehicle Maintenance

Experience

Owner-Operator

Thompson Transport | San Antonio, TX | January 2014 – Present

  • Operate a fleet of 3 trucks, delivering freight across the U.S. and Canada, specializing in hazardous materials and oversized loads.
  • Manage all aspects of the business, including contracts, route planning, invoicing, and client relations, generating $750K+ annually.
  • Negotiate contracts with freight brokers and clients to ensure profitability and long-term relationships.
  • Perform routine maintenance checks and repairs on fleet vehicles, reducing breakdowns and ensuring timely deliveries.
  • Handle financial management, including budgeting, expense tracking, and tax filings, maintaining a 30% profit margin year over year.

Owner-Operator

Landstar System | San Antonio, TX | March 2010 – December 2013

  • Managed transportation for high-priority freight, including medical supplies and industrial equipment, covering over 150,000 miles annually.
  • Built a network of reliable subcontractors, expanding the business’s ability to take on larger contracts and more diverse freight.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with clients, consistently receiving 90%+ satisfaction ratings.
  • Oversaw safety and compliance with DOT regulations, conducting regular driver safety meetings and vehicle inspections.

Certifications

  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Texas Department of Motor Vehicles | 2009
  • HazMat Endorsement, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles | 2016
  • Owner-Operator Business Management Certification, Trucking Academy | 2014

Additional Information

  • Awards: Recognized as the “Top Owner-Operator” by Landstar System in 2012 for exceeding service and safety expectations.
  • Charity Work: Founded “Trucks for Kids,” a nonprofit that provides school supplies and support for children in underprivileged communities across Texas.

This sample OTR truck driver resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Emphasizes the candidate's business management skills, showcasing the ability to run a successful trucking operation.
  • Provides specific financial management and growth details, proving profitability and business acumen.
  • Features key certifications and a focus on safety, compliance, and industry knowledge.
What academic credentials should I add to my OTR truck driver resume?

The resume education section demonstrates your background and any specialized training, proving that you meet the qualifications required for the role. Include:

How to organize the experience section in an OTR truck driver resume?

Conclusion

An OTR truck driver resume is not just about listing your job history—it's about showcasing the skills and attributes that make you a reliable, safety-conscious, and dedicated specialist.

By focusing on the key aspects of your experience and presenting them clearly and professionally, you'll be well on your way to landing the job you deserve.

Remember, a well-crafted application is the first step to taking your driving career to the next level.

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