Table of Contents

Truck driver cover letter template

To make sure everything looks professional, you need to format your cover letter properly.

Copy-paste truck driver cover letter (text format)

FIRST AND LAST NAME

Email: your.email@email.com

Phone: (123) 456-7891

Address: Street, City, State

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yourprofile

[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
[341 Company Address]
[Company City, State XXXXX]
[(XXX) XXX-XXXX]
[hiring.manager@gmail.com]

Dear [Mr./Mrs./Ms.] [Manager’s Name],

I am excited to be applying for the open [POSITION] which was advertised on the [COMPANY NAME] website.

I am currently working at Mike’s Waste Removal Co. as a Dump Truck Driver where my dedication and perseverance have ensured accurate and timely pick-ups and deliveries, and led me achieve the Employee of the Year award in 2012.

My professional demeanor has allowed me to make the best use of my training, problem-solving, and analytical skills, especially during my association with Solid State, Inc. as a Concrete Mixer Driver.

As a skilled Truck Driver, I have experience with load restraint procedures, planning the shortest and safest route, and working long hours. On top of this, I am a safety-conscious professional who always inspects and maintains my vehicle by assessing oil, water, and gas levels before departure. I can assure you that you will find me to be someone who will represent your business in a professional manner at all times by maintaining lasting relationships with clients. My enclosed resume contains comprehensive details of my pertinent skills, qualifications, and experience.

I would welcome the chance to meet with you and to talk about my qualifications and skills and relate them to your requirements. Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

Sincerely,

 

[Your Name]

Average truck driver salaries in the US

The following table includes information from O*NET Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. The data is presented based on the top states by downloads in the USA.

Top 10 states by average truck driver salary

StateSalary / Year
New Jersey$67,630
Washington$67,060
Alaska$66,890
District of Columbia$66,740
New York$64,410
Oregon$63,890
Wyoming$63,220
Minnesota$62,110
Nevada$61,760
Illinois$61,230
National Average$58,400

How to write a truck driver cover letter

Here’s how to write a truck driver cover letter that will catch an employer’s attention and land you an interview.

Showcase your truck driving experience

Use your cover letter to expand on the details in your resume and provide concrete examples of your reliability and driving skills.

A well-written trucker cover letter will mention:

  • Your years of on-road
  • Your driving experience (miles logged and state and national routes run)
  • Vehicles you’re licensed to operate (in terms of tonnage or size)
  • Specific state and national licensures

Here’s an example:

“With over 150,000 miles logged and 3+ years’ experience running both state and national routes in all kinds of weather, I’m confident in my ability to efficiently coordinate routes and deliver outstanding customer service.

In the state of Colorado, I’m licensed to operate both Class A and Class B trucks, giving me the versatility to handle a variety of deliveries. As a safety-conscious driver, I have a strong understanding of OSHA safety regulations and hold an OSHA safety certificate.”

Emphasize your relevant skills and qualifications

Carefully read the job description and tailor your skills and experience to show the employer you are a good fit for the role.
Expand on the skills listed on your resume by providing concrete examples of your experiences and accomplishments.

For example:

After reviewing the job description, I believe my experience aligns well with your needs, particularly your requirement for a clean driving record, long-haul experience, and a strong focus on on-time deliveries. With over six years of OTR experience and a Class A CDL, I have maintained a 100% clean driving record while consistently meeting tight delivery windows across multi-state routes. In my current role, I safely transport refrigerated goods, complete detailed pre- and post-trip inspections, and manage electronic logs to ensure full DOT compliance. I’m also trained in defensive driving and load securement, which has helped me maintain a zero-accident safety record throughout my career.

Emphasize your transferable skills if you have no experience

If you’re writing a truck driver cover letter with no experience, follow these tips to make your job application stand out:

  1. State your knowledge of OSHA and DOT safety regulations
  2. Emphasize your transferable skills
  3. Include the certifications and licenses that qualify you for the job

For example, if you have experience in customer service or logistics, highlight how these skills can be applied to a career in truck driving, like in the following example:

“I’ve gained valuable skills from my previous work experience as a furniture delivery driver and logistics coordinator. As a delivery driver, I quickly learned to load and unload cases up to 70 lbs and increase my stamina. I’m skilled at managing my time efficiently to meet deadlines and excel at route planning, inventory management, and navigating over 4 types of vehicles, including performing daily maintenance checks. 

I possess a valid CDL A and an OSHA Safety Certificate, and am able to secure a DOT Health Card as required in the job description. I’m confident that my skills and qualifications will allow me to excel in this position and make me an invaluable member of your organization.” 

Lauren Mastroni, a staff writer at Resume Genius
Written by

Lauren Mastroni

Lauren Mastroni is a Digital Content Writer dedicated to creating engaging content and providing actionable advice that empowers people in their job searches. An enthusiastic contributor to the Resume Genius team, Lauren has a passion for developing valuable resources for job seekers. Lauren holds an M.S. in Psychology from University of Derby and currently lives in Taipei, Taiwan. She enjoys learning all she can about the career space, and is committed to helping job seekers of all experience levels navigate the job hunt and advance their careers. She has been cited in HuffPost, Newsweek, Forbes, and more. You can reach Lauren at lauren@resumegenius.com.