You may want to consider a position as a driver/sales worker if you’re looking for Houston sales jobs (Click here) that are somewhat unconventional.

Some truck drivers are responsible for selling various items to establishments on their routes, such as food products, restaurant take-out items, and pick-up and delivery items like laundry. They also may be responsible for taking orders and collecting payments.

Requirements to become any type of truck driver vary depending on the truck you want to drive. For instance, those driving smaller trucks are usually only required to undergo some on-the-job training, while those driving larger trucks must obtain a commercial driver’s license.

Anyone driving a truck with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, a vehicle carrying hazardous materials, or a vehicle with over-sized loads must get their CDL. Most applicants can prepare for the CDL test by taking classes at a technical or vocational school.

In order to qualify for a CDL, you must have a clean driving record, pass written tests on rules and regulations, and prove that you can safely operate a commercial truck. In addition, all truck drivers are required by federal law to undergo periodic alcohol and drug testing.

There were about 3.2 million truck drivers and driver/sales workers throughout America during 2008, and that number is expected to grow by 9 percent by 2018, while employment of driver/sales workers should increase by 4 percent during that time.

About 56 percent of employees are heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers, while 31 percent are light or delivery services truck drivers, and 13 percent are driver/sales workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Around 27 percent of employees work for the truck transportation industry, while 26 percent work for wholesale or retail trade companies, and 8 percent are self-employed.

Employment of drivers/sales workers in the Houston area is expected to increase from 7,250 workers during 2006 to 8,200 workers by 2016, resulting in 950 additional jobs and an overall growth rate of 13.10 percent, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

Throughout all of Texas, employment is anticipated to grow from 30,750 workers during 2006 to 32,850 workers by 2016, accounting for 2,100 additional jobs and an overall increase of 6.8 percent.

The top industries that employ drivers/sales workers in the Houston area include:

  • Limited-service eating places – 30.40 percent
  • Grocery and related product merchant wholesalers – 22.23 percent
  • Beer, wine, and distilled alcoholic beverage merchant wholesalers – 3.94 percent
  • Beverage manufacturing – 2.85 percent
  • Full-service restaurants – 2.71 percent
  • Drycleaning and laundry services – 2.45 percent

During 2009, the average wage for drivers/sales workers in the Houston area was $10.95 per hour, while the average wage across Texas was $11.76 per hour and the average wage throughout the nation was $12.83 per hour.

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