Position Overview
A CDL Class A truck driver is a seasoned truck driver who has trained in the arena from a dedicated school or training institute.
Class A covers vehicles that have the capacity of towing greater than 10,000 pounds, which is why it is important for truck drivers to be properly trained in this area.
Working as a CDL Class A truck driver is definitely not easy.
You have to drive for long hours and unless you have a co-driver with you, long hauls can be quite jarring.
You will need to possess deep insight into federal DOT regulations and be able to follow all company rules and regulations in order to ensure safe and timely delivery of shipments.
Position Requirements
Apart from obtaining a Class A licensure, a CDL Class A truck driver may need to possess a high school diploma or equivalent to be able to qualify for this work.
Previous experience driving and maintaining big delivery trucks over long routes is important, along with knowledge of handling shipments and loads.
Class A truck drivers are much in demand, with more and more trucking companies now hoping to hire people who are trained and do not need much (read that as any) on-the-job training.
CDL Class A Truck Driver Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Take and comprehend orders for delivering shipments to within city/state and/or in other cities/states.
• Perform all paperwork, including documents and bills with each shipment.
• Perform pre-trip inspections on assigned vehicles to ensure that they are in good working order.
• Map appropriate routes (short and safe ones) on either conventional maps or GPS and follow mapped routes to reach destinations.
• Drive assigned vehicles over mapped routes by keeping speed limits in check.
• Take alternate routes in cases of roadblocks or other emergencies.
• Reach destinations within assigned timelines and verify recipient information according to company protocols.
• Assist in unloading shipments by using equipment such as pallet jacks trolleys.
• Obtain customers’ / recipients’ signatures on receipts and communicate each delivery to the station or dispatcher.
• Drive assigned vehicle back to the company and ensure that it is docked in its proper space.
• Perform regular and preventative maintenance on assigned vehicles and report any problems or repair issues to the supervisor.
• Maintain trip records and logs according to designated company protocols and procedures.