Position Overview
A transfer driver does almost the same things as a delivery driver does. He or she may be employed in a commercial or corporate setting and will be provided with a haul that needs to be transferred between locations.
Depending on where you want to work, you may be asked to transfer cargo from one place to another, or even drive a dump truck to transport trash to assigned locations.
Education & License
Working as a transfer driver requires a high school diploma or a GED at the very least.
In addition to this, you will need a valid truck driver’s license – for the type of truck that an employer expects you to drive.
Skills
Working in this role means that you will be on your feet most of the time, assisting with loading and unloading, securing hauls, and ensuring that all paperwork is in order.
Transfer drivers usually work individually but you need to be able to work with people as well since there is a lot of interaction with other employees, and individuals that they meet at destinations.
Transfer drivers usually drive on a predetermined route, but you may also be asked to change your routes which involves good map-reading skills.
If you are an expert driver, do not mind spending a lot of time on the roads, and possess exceptional skills in navigating routes, this is the job for you.
Here is a list of duties that you will be performing as a transfer driver:
Transfer Driver Duties and Responsibilities
• Check assigned trucks for roadworthiness on a daily basis and perform minor repair and maintenance work on them.
• Ensure that assigned trucks are fueled at the end of the day and those engine fluids are properly topped up at the beginning of each day.
• Acquire orders from supervisors regarding types of hauls to transfer/deliver and specific timelines.
• Assist dock workers in loading freight or waste onto the truck and ensuring that it is properly secured.
• Chart out routes on standard maps or by using GPS to determine the shortest and fastest routes to the destination.
• Drive assigned trucks to destinations, placing a special focus on abiding by traffic rules and regulations.
• Keep the dispatcher informed of whereabouts, especially during rush hours or crisis situations.
• Deliver freight or waste to specified destinations and assist dock workers in unloading hauls and placing them in specified areas.
• Contact dispatchers at destinations to provide them with information on successful deliveries.
• Ensure that all paperwork is complete and signed by the parties, and returned to the sender.
• Drive assigned trucks back to the facility and ensure that it is parked in assigned areas.