Truck Driver
Truck drivers use heavy vehicles to transport goods and
materials from one area to another.
A truck driver may perform the following tasks:
- check brakes, oil, tyres and electrical systems
- drive defensively and handle hazardous road conditions
- load goods onto the truck either by hand, or by using a
forklift or other lifting equipment
- make sure that the load is correctly placed and secure
it by using ropes and chains to avoid damage to the truck or
the goods
- calculate and estimate the weight of loads to comply
with load limits
- couple and uncouple trailers
- change heavy tyres and clean and maintain vehicles
- cover the load with tarpaulin
- drive vehicles to their destination and unload
- check items against inventory, noting breakage and
damage
- collect payments and issue receipts
- maintain a log book with details of trips, including
rest breaks on long trips.
Truck drivers may drive company-owned vehicles or be
owner-drivers. Owner-drivers must obtain their own delivery
work. Truck drivers carry a wide variety of goods, including
flammable substances, raw materials, building materials,
manufactured goods, livestock and refrigerated products. Being
a truck driver may mean early starts and days away from family
and friends. Modern technology has improved the driver's
comfort with some trucks equipped with bunks, televisions,
refrigerators and ergonomically designed seats.
A truck driver may specialise as a:
Bulk Liquid/Pressurised Gas Driver who carries
liquids/pressurised gases in specially designed trailers
(tankers), usually for chemical companies or mining
organisations. Drivers need to be aware of safety issues
regarding loading, unloading, handling, separation of
dangerous goods and emergency response. Drivers must also
comply with the Australian Institute of Petroleum's code of
practice.
Car Carrier Driver who transports vehicles between
the ports and holding depots or car dealerships in the
metropolitan area. They may also carry out long-distance
transport of vehicles interstate. Car carrier drivers may be
required to work long shifts.
Cash in Transit Operator who drives armoured
vehicles carrying cash and other valuables. They provide
surveillance, manually handle cash, operate ATM combinations
and service ATMs. They operate vehicle security and emergency
communication devices, control access to the vehicle and
handle firearms and other personal protection devices. Cash in
transit operators usually require a security guard licence, a
firearms licence and a first aid certificate.
Concrete Agitator Operator who transports concrete
between cement plants and building sites, using specially
designed vehicles which agitate the concrete to prevent it
from setting.
Dangerous Goods/Explosives Driver who carries
dangerous goods and/or explosives, usually for chemical
companies or mining organisations. Drivers need to be aware of
safety issues regarding loading, unloading, handling,
separation of dangerous goods and emergency response.
Heavy Haulage Driver who transports oversized loads
such as transportable houses or machinery using specially
designed trailers. Some oversized loads are required to be
accompanied by a pilot vehicle operator. Heavy haulage drivers
may be required to drive to remote locations and spend
extended periods away from home.
Heavy Truck Driver who drives heavy trucks,
requiring a special licence, to transport bulky goods or
materials. They may in turn specialise as livestock
transporters, log haulers, multi-combination drivers and
tanker drivers. Heavy truck drivers usually deliver goods to
the country or interstate, and may be required to drive for
long periods of time over long distances.
Livestock Transport Driver who transports livestock,
usually sheep or cattle, between farms and abattoirs or ports
for export. They usually work long hours, which often involves
extended periods of physical activity outdoors while loading
and unloading stock. They may be required to drive in remote
rural areas and on unsealed roads.
Logging Truck Driver who carries unprocessed timber
between plantations and timber mills. Trucks/trailers are
usually fitted with a log loading device, which requires a
licence to operate.
Pilot Vehicle Operator who accompanies trucks
carrying oversized loads above the length or width regulated
by the transport department. The load movement may be within
the metropolitan area, intra - or interstate. Pilots warn
other road users that an oversized load is ahead or oncoming
and when required clear the way for the oversized load, or
prevent other road users from overtaking or interfering with
the cargo. Pilots in some states and territories may also have
the power to direct traffic.
Refrigerated Goods Driver who transports
refrigerated goods in specially designed vehicles or trailers
which are heavily insulated or fitted with refrigeration
equipment. Drivers will be required to service the
refrigeration equipment and check the temperature of the
refrigerated areas at regular intervals. Drivers must also
adhere to health and food hygiene regulations.
Tip Truck Operator who transports bulk solid
materials to and from building sites and/or mine sites. Tip
truck operators are usually required to work off-road,
sometimes in remote locations.
Tow Truck Driver who removes broken down or crashed
cars and trucks from the roadway. Tow truck drivers may be
called out at all hours of the night and in bad weather. Tow
truck drivers require a police clearance.
Required Skills - Truck Driver
- enjoy practical work
- mechanical aptitude
- safe driving record
- physically fit
- meet any age limits which may apply
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