How to write a job-winning resume as a professional driver

Have you finally come around to writing your professional driver resume but don't know where to start? Relax, we've got you covered! Follow our comprehensive guide and discover templates you can adjust to your liking, extensive examples, resume writing tips, and samples submitted by your fellow professional drivers. In short, everything you need to make your resume shine!

DoorDash Driver Resume Example

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Hired by:

DoorDash

Valet Driver Resume Sample

Cab Driver Resume Example

In this guide, we walk you through the key steps to writing a job-winning resume as a professional driver. Keep reading to learn all about:

• The dos and don'ts of resume writing from real-life resume samples
• Picking the right resume format as a driver
• Choosing between resume summary and resume objective 
• Presenting the right skills on your driver resume
• Making the most out of your achievements and experience 
• Elevating your driver resume through the use of action verbs
• Dealing with the education section effectively
• Selecting relevant optional sections for your driver resume 
• Steering clear of mistakes that can sabotage your resume 
• Accompanying your driver resume with a matching cover letter
• Finding the best resources for job-seeking professional drivers
• Exploring average salary and job outlook for professional drivers 

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Driver resume example 

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Hired by DoorDash

Why does this resume example work?

• A separate certificates section: The applicant clearly lists certifications in a dedicated section, which makes it easy for recruiters to find important credentials at a glance. Certifications like OSHA, HIPAA, CPR, and Medical Billing/Coding are valuable — and relevant to both healthcare and logistics-related roles. Having them grouped separately keeps the resume clean and easy to scan.
• Varied skills section: The resume lists both technical skills (like “Coding ICD-10 / CPT”) and soft skills (like bilingual fluency). For roles in logistics or driving, especially those involving customer service or documentation, being detail-oriented and communicative is a major plus.

What could be improved?

• More emphasis on results: Right now, the work experience section mostly lists what the candidate was expected to do in each role. Instead of just stating duties, the candidate could briefly reflect on the impact of their actions or the approach they took. For example, instead of “Waited for passengers at designated high-volume locations,” this resume could say “Selected high-traffic pick-up zones to shorten rider wait times and boost satisfaction.”
• Resume summary could've been sharper: The summary uses general terms like “dedicated,” “action-oriented,” and “problem-solving,” which could apply to almost anyone. Clichés like this can water down your summary and make it blend in rather than stand out.

Warehouse driver resume sample

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Why does this resume example work?

• Emphasizing physical fitness: The resume clearly highlights the candidate’s physical stamina and involvement in sports, including boxing and team activities. For a warehouse driver — especially one expected to load, unload, or assist in warehouse duties — physical ability and endurance are essential.
• Mentioning a professional recognition: The resume includes a specific recognition (Employee of the Month). Being recognized in the workplace adds credibility and shows that the applicant's efforts were noticed and valued. It gives hiring managers an easy indicator of high performance and a positive workplace reputation.

What could be improved?

• Including quantifiable data: The resume lists solid responsibilities, but doesn’t include any numbers to show scale or impact. The candidate could include simple metrics like how many orders they delivered per day, how many miles they drove, how many team members they coordinated with, or how often they met delivery deadlines. 

Truck driver resume example

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Why does this resume example work?

• Use of strong action verbs: The resume opens each bullet point with confident, specific action verbs like “Utilized,” “Operated,” “Managed,” and “Executed.” Action verbs immediately give energy and direction to the candidate’s experience. They make each line feel purposeful and help convey a sense of ownership.
• Highlighting language proficiencies: The applicant clearly lists three languages (Polish, English, and German) in the skills section. For a truck driver, especially one operating across different regions, being multilingual is a real asset. It can improve communication with clients, coworkers, and dispatch across borders.

What could be improved?

• Placing skills above education: The “Skills” section comes after “Education,” even though the applicant has already been in the workforce for several years and the gymnasium-level education isn't directly relevant to the job. Hiring managers usually care more about recent, relevant strengths — especially for practical roles like truck driving. In this case, the applicant’s skills are more likely to catch the eye than school clubs. This could be fixed by simply reordering the sections (putting “Skills” above “Education”).
• Including more specific details: While the resume lists responsibilities, it stays mostly general (e.g., “Successfully delivered a variety of equipment…”). In this case, a bit more detail could make the resume even stronger. For example, the applicant could briefly describe the types of routes they drove (long-haul? regional?), the kinds of cargo they handled, or any specific tools or systems used. A few extra words go a long way.

1. Which resume format is best for a professional driver

The first big decision to make when writing a resume as a professional driver is which format to use.

In general, drivers should use a resume format that focuses on their work experience, as employers will typically care the most about how much driving experience an applicant has.

The format that is best for this purpose is the reverse-chronological resume. This format focuses almost entirely on work experience, listing your most recent position first and working backward from there.

However, if you're new to the industry and lack an extensive work history, you may need to consider one of the following alternative formats:

• Functional resume: Functional resumes focus on education, skills, and unpaid experience rather than work experience. This format is well-suited for current students or recent graduates who have extensive academic experience but lack formal work experience.
• Hybrid resumes: Hybrid resumes eliminate the emphasis on one section in particular, instead spreading the focus of the document out between all sections. This format works well for applicants changing career paths or returning from large gaps or breaks in their careers.

Whichever resume format you choose, make sure to follow a few general formatting best practices that apply to all. These will help keep your resume clean, easy to read, and accessible:

• Use a simple, professional font like Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica
• Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points 
• Stick to a one-page layout unless you have 10+ years of highly relevant experience
• Use clearly defined sections with bold headings (e.g., "Work Experience", "Skills")
• Maintain consistent spacing and margins — typically 1 inch on all sides
• Use bullet points to make your resume easier to scan
• Avoid dense blocks of text — white space is your friend
• Save your resume as a PDF unless the job posting asks for a different format

And if formatting isn’t your favorite part of the job search? Our professionally designed resume templates can do the heavy lifting for you — keeping things visually sharp, while letting your content shine.

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2. How to choose between resume summary and resume objective 

The first thing your resume needs is a strong opener — and that’s where either a resume summary or a resume objective comes in (each with 3–5 sentences).

Both serve the same purpose: catching the hiring manager’s eye right away and encouraging them to keep reading. That’s crucial, because recruiters often spend less than 7 seconds skimming a resume before deciding whether it’s worth a closer look.

But here’s the key question: Should you use a resume summary or a resume objective?

Let’s break it down for you.

When to use a resume summary

Go for a resume summary if you’ve already been working as a professional driver — especially in logistics, delivery, or long-haul transport — and want to shine a spotlight on your experience and accomplishments.

A great summary should include:

• Your job title (e.g. CDL Truck Driver, Delivery Driver, Logistics Coordinator)
• Years of experience
• Key driving-related skills 
• Any impressive achievements or stats (e.g. “98% on-time delivery rate” or “logged over 500,000 accident-free miles”)

What makes this example sound so weak? Because it doesn’t tell the hiring manager much. It’s vague, filled with cliches, and could describe just about anyone. This type of summary does little to pique their interest. 

What exactly makes this example so effective? This version is much more detailed and specific. It provides concrete numbers, which help build credibility and showcase the driver’s reliability and skill. It's clear, concise, and offers valuable insight into how the driver can contribute to a new team. 

When to use a resume objective

Use a resume objective if you’re just getting started in the industry, switching careers, or don’t yet have a long work history behind the wheel. 

A great objective should include:

• Your career goal (e.g. “to begin a long-term career in logistics driving”)
• Your most relevant skills or training
• What makes you a good fit for the role, even without years of experience
• A hint at your work ethic or motivation

Why does this objective fall flat? This objective doesn’t really offer much. While it mentions that the person is new to the field, it doesn’t provide any real insight into their skills, experience, or what they can contribute. Saying "I just got my license" shows the bare minimum, but it doesn’t stand out or demonstrate any specific strengths. 

What makes this objective work? This one stands out because it gives a clear picture of what the candidate brings to the table — even as a new driver. It mentions specific training, including the length of the program and the number of supervised hours, which shows real preparation and commitment. On top of that, it’s tailored to the company by mentioning SwiftLine Logistics and showing interest in contributing to their goals. Overall, it’s focused, specific, and shows potential.

Whether you decide to go with a resume summary or an objective, keep in mind that you have limited space to work with. So, try to avoid clichés like “hardworking,” “motivated,” or “dedicated.” Recruiters see these expressions on every single resume and know they don’t hold much value.

3. What key skills a professional driver should include on a resume

In the world of logistics, your skills reign supreme. But building a successful resume doesn't require you to list all of them. It’s about showing the skills that matter most to the job you’re applying for. 

So how do you decide which ones to list?

1. Start with the job ad
   If a company needs someone with “hazmat certification,” “GPS routing experience,” or “strong time management,” you want those keywords on your resume.
   
   
2. Tailor your skills to match
   Don’t just copy-paste a generic list. Highlight the skills you actually have that match their needs. Every driving job is different, so take a few minutes to tweak your resume for each one. Customizing your resume makes all the difference.

It might be tempting to include a skill just because it shows up in the job ad — even if you don’t actually have it yet. But that’s not the move. Hiring managers can usually spot it pretty quickly, and it could lead to awkward questions (or worse) down the line. 

Becoming a professional driver requires you to have both the technical ability to safely operate a vehicle as well as the interpersonal ability to build and maintain client relationships.

Your resume should include a dedicated skills section. But the best way to really show off your skills is by weaving them into your work experience section. Mention how you used your skills to solve problems, meet delivery targets, or improve operations.

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4. How to describe work experience on a resume as a driver

Your work experience section is the heart and soul of your resume. Whether you’ve been behind the wheel for decades or just started in logistics, this is where you prove you’re the real deal (with real skills and real accomplishments).

So, what does a solid work experience entry actually look like?

• Start with your job title and the name of your employer.
• Add dates of employment (month and year format is standard).
• List a few key responsibilities, but keep it brief.
• Focus on results (what achieved, not just what you did)
• Back it up with numbers (metrics make your impact tangible)
• Use action verbs to lead your bullet points (more on that later)

Why doesn’t this work? It’s not technically wrong — but it’s generic. It doesn’t tell us how this driver went above and beyond, what kind of loads they handled, or how reliable they were. This kind of description could apply to any driver.

Why does this one work so much better? Because it tells a story. You get a clear picture of someone who’s dependable, efficient, and safe behind the wheel. The numbers add credibility, and the mention of mentoring others shows leadership and teamwork.This kind of detail that will make you stand out from the other candidates. 

Tips for newcomers to the profession

If you're just starting out in logistics, you can still create a strong experience section — even if you haven’t held a full-time driving role yet. Here's a list of things you can draw from: 

• Any related jobs, like warehouse work, delivery gigs, or rideshare driving
• Training programs or driving certifications
• Military driving or transport experience
• Volunteering experience
• Any situation where you’ve shown up on time, handled responsibilities, and taken care of vehicles or cargo

Your experience section should do more than show where you’ve worked — it should show how you worked. Use numbers, mention achievements, and always keep your focus on how you kept things moving safely, efficiently, and on time.

5. How to elevate your driver resume through the use of action verbs

Want to make your resume more powerful? Then you should definitely perk up your ears, because we're about to share a little secret that can take your resume to the next level: action verbs.

They help your resume sound more confident, more professional, and more active. In other words, they make sure you come across as someone who gets things done, not someone who just goes through the motions.

For drivers, especially in logistics, that means highlighting how you kept things moving — efficiently, safely, and on time.

Let’s take a look at how action verbs can transform a dull sentence into a powerful one:

It’s easy to fall into the trap of repeating the same verb over and over again. But using “delivered” five times in a row? That gets boring fast. Try to mix things up. Not every bullet point has to be a masterpiece, but using a range of action verbs keeps your resume dynamic and engaging.

6. Where to list education and certifications on a resume as a driver

When it comes to the education section on your resume, there’s no need to overthink it. Most driving jobs don’t require a college degree — but that doesn’t mean this section should be blank.

You still need to show that you’ve had the right training, earned the right licenses, and know your stuff behind the wheel.

So if there’s no “Bachelor’s in Professional Driving,” what should you include instead?

Here are a few solid options that work just as well (and sometimes even better):

• High school diploma or GED: Still the baseline requirement for most jobs. Quick and easy to list — and worth including.
• CDL training programs: If you completed a course to earn your Commercial Driver’s License, this goes here. It proves you’ve had real-world training and are ready for the road.
• Apprenticeships or company-sponsored training: Whether it was a formal program or informal, hands-on experience, this shows you’ve learned the ropes in a structured way.
• Driving certifications & endorsements: Got a Hazmat endorsement? Certified to drive tankers or double trailers? These certifications show your range and give you an edge.
• Warehouse or equipment training: If your role includes more than just driving, like loading or operating machinery, certifications like forklift training are definitely worth listing.

By keeping this section concise and focused on the training, licenses, and certifications that actually matter, you’re showing employers that you’ve put in the work and are ready to hit the road safely and confidently. 

7. How to select relevant optional sections for your driver resume 

Let’s underline one key word here: optional.

If you’ve already nailed the basics — work experience, skills, education or training, and a solid resume summary — you’re in good shape. You’ve got everything a logistics company needs to see. Your resume could end right there and still be a strong contender.

But let’s say you’ve got more to offer — achievements, background info, or other credentials that don’t quite fit neatly into the core sections. That’s where optional sections come in.

When should you include more sections?

Yes, go for it, if:

• You’ve got something valuable to share that doesn’t belong elsewhere.
• There’s still space on the page (without it getting cluttered).
• This new section adds value and makes your resume stronger.

Maybe skip it, if:

• You’re just trying to fill space to make your resume look longer.
• You’re reaching for something unrelated to the job just to have more content.
• You’d have to exaggerate or bend the truth to make it sound important.

Here are some extra sections that might make sense for logistics or commercial drivers — if you’ve got the content to support them:

• Certifications & Licenses: Got your CDL? Hazmat endorsement? First aid training? This is the place for it.
• Awards or recognitions: Ever been named “Driver of the Month” or maintained a spotless safety record? Mention It!
• Professional affiliations: Member of a trucking association or logistics group? It shows industry involvement.
• Volunteer work: Driven for a charity event? Delivered goods during a crisis? That’s worth including.
• Projects or specialized experience: Managed long-haul trips across borders? Handled time-sensitive medical deliveries? This is where that goes.
• Technical proficiencies: Experience with GPS systems, route planning tools, or fleet management software? Employers love tech-savvy drivers.

If you've already listed your certificates and licenses in the education section, don’t repeat them in additional sections. Doing so would just add unnecessary repetition to your resume.

At the end of the day, everything you put on your resume needs to add value to your application. Don’t include more just for the sake of making it look longer — recruiters can spot filler from a mile away, and it’s not a good look. Stick to what’s relevant.

8. How to steer clear of mistakes that can sabotage your resume

You've put your resume together, listed your experience, skills, and licenses — and you’re ready to hit send. But before you do, let’s make sure you’re not making some easy-to-miss mistakes that could sabotage your job application.

Even the most qualified drivers can get overlooked if their resume has issues that make it hard to read, hard to trust, or just plain confusing.

Here’s how to avoid some of the most common resume slip-ups in the trucking and logistics world:

• Typos and grammar errors: A resume full of small mistakes sends the wrong message. Driving may not be a writing job, but showing attention to detail still matters. Run spell check. Read it out loud. 
• Sloppy formatting: Keep it clean and simple: bold section headers, consistent bullet points, legible font (no script or squiggly text), and white space to make everything breathable.
• Sending the same resume to every job: Not all driving jobs are created equal. A long-haul position has different demands than a local delivery role or a hazmat transport job. Customize your resume to reflect the priorities of the company and the specific job posting.
• Listing duties, not results: “Delivered freight on time” is fine — but “Maintained a 98% on-time delivery rate over 2 years” is better. Numbers speak louder than general statements. Give hiring managers something they can measure.
• Outdated or wrong contact info: Triple-check that your phone number is current and your email address looks professional. And if you list a LinkedIn profile, make sure it matches your resume — especially if you’ve added any new licenses or endorsements there.
• Ignoring keywords from the job description: If the posting says they need someone with reefer trailer experience, or someone who knows ELD compliance inside and out — echo those terms in your resume (if they apply to you, of course). It helps you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and shows that you actually read the ad.
• Padding your resume with unrelated fluff: Unless your side gig delivering pizza involved DOT compliance and logbook accuracy (doubtful), leave it out. Same goes for overly personal info or hobbies that don’t tie back to the job. Keep it focused and relevant.

Before you submit, take one more look. Trim the excess, tighten up the details, and make sure everything you’ve included strengthens your case as a capable, reliable, and safe driver. That extra five minutes of editing could be what gets you the interview.

9. How to pair your driver resume with a matching cover letter

You’ve got your resume polished and ready to roll — but if you really want to stand out, don’t skip the driver cover letter. It’s the extra step that shows you're serious, thoughtful, and ready to go the extra mile (pun intended).

Sure, some job ads say a cover letter is optional. But here’s the thing: optional doesn’t mean unnecessary. A strong cover letter can make the difference between getting called in or passed over, especially in a competitive field like logistics.

What should a cover letter actually do?

It should answer the following:

• Who are you?
• Why do you want this specific job?
• Why this company?
• What value do you bring to their operation?

You don’t need to tell your whole life story. Just connect the dots between your experience and what the company is looking for.

Cover letter vs. resume: what’s the difference?

Essentially, resumes and cover letters each serve their own purpose and speak to recruiters in different ways:

• Resumes are skimmable (bullet points, dates, facts)
• Cover letters are conversational (full sentences, complete thoughts, a bit of personality)
• Resumes show what you’ve done.
• Cover letters show why it matters — and why you care.

When it comes to content, keep them consistent, but don’t copy and paste. Your cover letter should expand on key achievements or explain career changes that the resume only briefly mentions.

How to make your cover letter and resume visually consistent

It’s not a must, but recruiters might find it jarring to receive a resume and cover letter that don’t look at least somewhat alike. Here are a few quick tips to help you keep both documents visually in sync:

• Use the same header: Include your name and contact info at the top of both documents (same font, same layout).
• Stick to one font family: Don’t switch styles between documents. 
• Align margins and spacing: Use the same formatting rules for both (line spacing, margins, paragraph spacing).
• Use the same color palette: If your resume includes a pop of color for section headers, mirror that in the cover letter.
• Match tone and style: If your resume has a modern, clean feel, your cover letter should, too — no need for overly formal language unless it suits the role.
• Use templates to achieve a unified look: For example, each of Kickresume’s professionally designed resume templates is paired with a matching cover letter template. The only problem you'll face is the dilemma of choosing which design you like the most! 

Even in a field where what you do matters more than how you say it, communication still counts. A clear, confident cover letter paired with your resume shows that you’re a professional who takes pride in doing things right from start to finish.

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10. Top resources for job-seeking professional drivers

The fact that you've made it here means that you're more than well-equipped to write a professional driver resume that impresses even the most demanding hiring managers. But that alone isn't enough to secure you the job you want. Because, before you even start putting your resume together, you must find a job posting that's worth responding to. These resources might help you with that: 

• Ride-hailing apps: Platforms such as Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing apps offer opportunities for individuals to become independent contractor drivers. You can sign up and start driving for these services after meeting their driver requirements.
• Taxi driver associations: Based on your location, you can reach out to professional organizations like the New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA), the United Taxi Workers of San Diego (UTWSD), or the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association (LTDA).
• Job boards for truckers: TruckingJobNow.com, TruckDriver.com, and Drive My Way are just a few drops in the sea of work opportunities for talented truck drivers. 
• Professional trucker associations: Organizations like the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Truck Driver Institute (TDI), or the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) can give you access to job listings, industry news, certification and licensure programs, and so much more. 
• Personal chauffeur companies: If you'd like to find employment as a chauffeur, try contacting companies like Carey International, LimoLink, or The Driver Provider that provide services for corporate travel, airport transfers, and special events.

While searching for job opportunities on websites that cater to your profession specifically is a great strategic move, don't overlook platforms that are much broader in their focus. For example, LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, or Monster can also yield interesting results.