Pick a clean, professional template with a reverse-chronological layout. Recruiters for Tractor Trailer Driver roles scan for safety records, endorsements, and recent driving history first. This layout puts your most relevant work at the top and helps applicant tracking systems read your file.
Keep length tight. One page works for entry or mid-career drivers. Use two pages only if you have long, relevant driving history and multiple certifications.
Use ATS-friendly fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Set body text to 10–12pt and headers to 14–16pt. Leave white space between sections so the reader can find certifications, endorsements, and routes quickly.
Choose simple formatting over creative layouts. Heavy graphics, multiple columns, and unusual fonts often break ATS parsing. Use standard bullet lists for duties and short, metric-focused bullets for achievements.
Avoid common mistakes. Do not use columns or embedded images of badges. Don’t cram too much text or remove white space to save room. Keep dates and job titles aligned for quick scanning.
Use clear section headings like Contact, Summary, Experience, Licenses & Endorsements, Safety Record, Skills, and Education. Put CDL class and endorsements near the top. List recent employer names, city, state, dates, and 3–6 bullets showing routes, loads, miles, and safety metrics.