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.
- Maintains radio or telephone contact with base or supervisor to receive instructions or be dispatched to new location.
- Maintains truck log according to state and federal regulations.
- Keeps record of materials and products transported.
- Position blocks and ties rope around items to secure cargo for transport.
- Cleans, inspects, and services vehicle.
- Operates equipment on vehicle to load, unload, or disperse cargo or materials.
- Obtains customer signature or collects payment for goods delivered and delivery charges.
- Assists in loading and unloading truck manually.
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.
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, within the state 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.
