Truck Driver Job Description
Truck drivers drive different types of trucks and heavy vehicles to make deliveries, dump chemicals, and waste and transporting materials from one place to another.
Not only these professionals drive trucks, but also there is a whole lot more to this position as truck drivers are expected to manage other duties related to this position. This may include loading and unloading trucks, performing inspections and preventative maintenance, and keeping the exterior and interior of their vehicles clean and tidy.
Apart from physical work, truck drivers are also required to plan and chart routes because they need to know where to go before they set out to save time. Since big rigs cannot travel the same way as passenger vehicles can, truck drivers are expected to chart out which detours to take and figure out how much longer each route will take.
Truck drivers maintain contact with the base or supervisor through radio or telephone and are therefore expected to understand the need for this communication. They maintain track logs and obtain customers’ signatures on payment documents.
Some truck drivers are also required to take payments from customers. In the event of an accident, a truck driver is expected to fix minor problems or manage issues related to damages.
Job Duties and Responsibilities for a Truck Driver Resume
- Operated and drove different kinds of trucks to transport goods and materials over long distances
- Planned trip logistics and obtained necessary documents to transport goods
- Loaded and unloaded cargo
- Ensured that cargo is secured properly compliant with safety requirements
- Followed safety procedures for transporting hazardous goods
- Performed pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspection of the vehicle
- Recorded cargo information, hours of service, distance traveled, and fuel expenditure
- Managed bills of lading
- Maintained logbooks
- Communicated with the dispatcher, other drivers, and customers using wireless devices and onboard computers
- Reported any incidents to a dispatcher
- Followed all appropriate traffic laws
- Reported serious mechanical problems to the managers
- Kept the truck and associated equipment tidy and in good working order
How to Become a Successful Truck Driver?
Becoming a successful truck driver is not easy. That said, you have to drive for long distances which means you have to sit for long hours.
Similarly, driving in extreme conditions is not easy which is why they need to be extra vigilant to avoid disasters on the road.