Truck Driver Duties: A Truck Driver Position Description

7 May Blog

There are varying requirements that companies have for their truck drivers. Some are as simple as having a head on your shoulders. However we’ve outlined some of the main things to tick off when looking for a truck driver, or if you’re looking to become one.

Truck Driver Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive and operate trucks. Depending on the kind of truck you want to drive, you will need to obtain a Heavy Vehicle Licence. See below, types of Heavy vehicle Licenses.
• Follow instructions; locate and read location and road maps.
• Pre-inspect truck.
• Pick up goods and materials, verify loads for accuracy, and deliver them as instructed.
• Load and unload cargo.
• Responsible for basic vehicle maintenance; comply with all safe work practices, policies, and processes at all times.
• Complete and verify paperwork for accuracy.
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organisations.
• Strong knowledge of traffic laws, particularly truck driving rules and regulations.
• A clean driving record (not always required but very often).

Candidates with experience working in a warehousing or logistics environment, for example, as a warehouse worker or forklift operator, are usually highly regarded because they have skills that can be easily transferred to a driver position.

For certain positions, you may be required to undergo a pre-employment medical examination or drug test.

Types of Heavy Vehicle Licences

The primary way to obtain a heavy vehicle license is through a Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVBCA) with a Registered Training Organisation. Here are the different types of heavy Vehicle Licences you can obtain:

• LR – Light Rigid – small buses or trucks.
• MR – Medium Rigid – medium rigid trucks or buses.
• HR – Heavy Rigid – heavy rigid trucks or buses (including articulated buses).
• HC – Heavy Combination – heavy articulated vehicles.
• MC – Multi Combination – B-doubles, prime mover, low loader dolly and low loader combinations, road trains.

You can also drive vehicles covered by a lighter licence class (all those that are above your licence class in this list). This does not include motorcycles.

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