A Truck Driver's job involves safely transporting goods by operating heavy trucks, which includes planning routes, loading/unloading cargo, performing pre/post-trip vehicle inspections, adhering to traffic laws and company policies, completing paperwork, and maintaining vehicle logs and maintenance records. Key responsibilities also include coordinating with dispatchers, communicating with customers, and ensuring timely and secure delivery of goods from departure points to their final destinations.
Key Responsibilities
Transportation and Delivery: Drive long-distance or local routes to deliver various goods and materials to manufacturing plants, retail centers, and distribution facilities.
Safety and Inspections: Conduct thorough pre- and post-trip inspections of the truck to identify and report any mechanical issues or defects, ensuring the vehicle is in safe operating condition.
Cargo Management: Supervise and assist with the loading and unloading of cargo, ensuring it is properly stowed, secured, and balanced within the truck.
Route Planning: Plan and follow the most efficient routes, utilizing GPS or other systems, to meet delivery schedules and deadlines.
Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed logs of working hours, driving activities, miles driven, and fuel/toll expenses, in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Communication: Effectively communicate with dispatchers, customers, and other team members to report delays, traffic conditions, or any incidents encountered.
Legal Compliance: Adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local traffic laws, safety regulations, and company policies and procedures.
Vehicle Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance on the truck, such as refueling and cleaning, and report serious mechanical problems to maintenance personnel.
Common Duties
Customer Interaction: Interact with customers in a professional manner to confirm delivery and obtain signatures as proof of receipt.
Paperwork: Complete and verify paperwork related to pick-ups and deliveries for accuracy and to ensure all documentation is handed over to the appropriate personnel.
Vehicle Condition: Ensure the truck and its associated equipment are kept clean and in good working order at all times.
Emergency Procedures: Follow proper procedures in case of an accident or other unexpected situations, such as breakdowns or significant weather conditions.