Professional Truck Driving | Western Dakota Technical College

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 53-3032.00

Skills

Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringMonitoringReading ComprehensionSpeakingCritical ThinkingTroubleshootingTime Management

Knowledge

TransportationPublic Safety and SecurityCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageLaw and Government

Abilities

Far VisionSpatial OrientationControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationResponse OrientationRate ControlReaction TimeProblem SensitivityNear VisionDepth Perception

Tasks

Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.

Technology

Word processing softwareTime accounting softwareRoute navigation softwareInventory management softwareData base user interface and query software

Tools

4-ranger tower trucksAir compressorsBlocks and tackleBoom trucksCargo hoistsCell phonesDump trucksElectric handtrucksFlatbed trucksForkliftsFrequency modulation FM two way radiosFront load dumpstersGlobal positioning system GPS devicesGlobal positioning system GPS receiversHandheld bar code scanners

Work Values

SupportIndependenceWorking ConditionsRelationshipsAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: high53-3032.00	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers	title_inference	$57,440 median$78,800 top	+4%	8,930

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Certificate)

Multi-stop routes within a region — execute reliably across 3–5 deliveries per shift.
Adverse-weather driving (rain, snow, crosswinds) — judge correctly when to slow down or shut down.
Customer-site etiquette at warehouses and retail DCs — handle check-in, dock assignment, and lumper services routinely.
Light mechanical troubleshooting (tire pressure, fluid checks, fuse swaps) — perform roadside without dispatch.
DOT roadside inspection — present documents and walk an officer through the rig confidently.
Load securement (chains, straps, dunnage) — apply correctly to dry-van and flatbed configurations.
Refrigerated trailer ops (set-point, pre-cool, temperature recorder) — operate reliably on perishable loads.
Newer drivers on familiar routes — accompany during their first solo weeks.
Fuel efficiency techniques (cruise control, idle reduction, RPM management) — apply to meet a company MPG target.
Trip logs and settlement statements — reconcile with dispatch on a weekly basis without errors.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.