Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 6,874 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 34% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
AI could do much of this on its own
Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
AI could do much of this on its own
Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.
AI could do much of this on its own
Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
AI could do much of this on its own
Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chain, binders, or covers.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Follow appropriate safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
Very similar work+5% pay1,700 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 5% more—$66,371 vs your $63,406 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Static Strength
- Multilimb Coordination
- Reaction Time
- Far Vision
- Mechanical
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Crane and Tower Operators
Very similar work+38% pay131 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 38% more—$87,725 vs your $63,406 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with less than 5 years of experience, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Far Vision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Control Precision
- Reaction Time
- Rate Control
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Similar work+36% pay3,323 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 36% more—$86,327 vs your $63,406 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
- Far Vision
- Response Orientation
- Reaction Time
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Similar work+29% pay720 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 29% more—$81,747 vs your $63,406 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Transportation
- Far Vision
- Public Safety and Security
- Reaction Time
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Coordination
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Persuasion
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Somewhat similar work+14% pay2,106 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 14% more—$72,078 vs your $63,406 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Transportation
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- English Language
- Operations Monitoring
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Repairing
- Chemistry
- Education and Training
- Troubleshooting
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Somewhat similar work+31% pay1,580 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 31% more—$83,178 vs your $63,406 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Multilimb Coordination
- Control Precision
- Operation and Control
- Reaction Time
- Depth Perception
New skills to build
- Mechanical