NEXT PROS: Parker Loyd, Commercial Truck Driver
By Arkansas Next staff on Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Parker Loyd
Hometown: Judsonia | Age: 24 | Where I trained: Arkansas State University–Beebe and Maverick Transportation through Arkansas State University–Newport | What I earned: Associate degree in General Studies, Liberal Arts and Business and a technical degree in Commercial Driving | Job title: Driver Instructor | Employer: Maverick Transportation in North Little Rock
What does a commercial truck driver do?
Commercial truck drivers operate heavy and tractor-trailer trucks to transport products all across the country. They haul long distances, often across state lines, to deliver their products.
“I’ve had the opportunity to advance my career from a professional driver to becoming a driver instructor in our training department. But, I can tell you, it won’t stop there! I have goals to advance my career with Maverick and I am fortunate to be a part of a great company that values their people and allows these opportunities. I’m a part of a family at Maverick!” - Parker
Responsibilities
• Transport products across long distances.
• Communicate with a dispatcher about incidents on the road.
• Clean, maintain and inspect the truck.
• Check for mechanical issues and report any problems.
• Keep a log of working hours.
Job Outlook
+10%
Expected growth from 2016 to 2026 in Arkansas.
4,370
Average annual job openings in Arkansas.
39,960
Jobs in Arkansas by 2026.
This option is for you if:
√ You like to travel or have always wanted to see the country.
√ You enjoy your independence and working alone.
√ You’re good under pressure; you’re reliable.
√ You want to own your own business.
√ You want great job security.
√ You’re alert and aware of your surroundings
COMPANIES READY TO INVEST IN YOU!
Parker’s training to become a commercial truck driver began the day he walked through the doors at Maverick. The company sent him to commercial driver’s license school for four weeks. After he completed business unit training at Maverick, he received the keys to his truck and started his professional driving career.
"The skills I think are important for a professional driver are patience, the ability to make good decisions under pressure, time management, multitasking, excellent customer service and willingness to learn! With what we call ‘The Maverick Way,’ it means promoting our emphasis on safety and doing the right thing with integrity, respect and commitment." – Parker on what skills are important for his field.
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$60,710
Median wages in Arkansas
$37,930 Annual
$18.24 Hourly
START YOUR TRAINING
READY TO HIRE YOU
| Arkansas Electric Cooperatives |
| Arkansas Trucking Association |
| CalArk International |
| CenterPoint Energy |
| Doggett Freightliner |
| McKee Foods Corporation |
| Riggs Caterpillar |
| Simmons Foods Inc. & Affiliates |
| Tyson Foods |
| Wabash National |
| Welsco |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arkansas Trucking Association and CareerOneStop.org
