Truck Driver
Truck drivers drive trucks with or without trailers. They transport materials, livestock, machinery, liquids, general freight, and sometimes hazardous substances.
What you would do:
- carry out routine checks on your truck
- pick up daily delivery instructions
- make sure you understand the instructions and know the route
- weigh the truck before and after it is loaded
- supervise or help with the loading of the truck
- check the condition of the load and that it is securely fastened
- follow the correct safety procedures if the goods being transported are dangerous
- handle livestock
- check all the documentation related to the loads
- drive a truck to make deliveries or pick up goods
- keep a log book of the hours you work
- carry out basic vehicle maintenance
You need to be:
- a person with excellent heavy truck driving skills
- knowledgeable of emergency procedures and how to identify and handle hazardous road conditions
- in possession of first aid skills
- knowledgeable of different methods of securing and covering loads such as tying different kinds of knots and using chains, locks and straps
- understanding of the Road Code, defensive driving techniques and relevant transport laws
- knowledgeable of the area they work in and the correct routes to take
- able to use satellite tracking equipment and on-board computers
- skilled at reading maps
- a person with good decision-making skills
- punctual
- reliable and responsible
- able to follow instructions
- able to remain calm in emergencies
- able to work well under pressure
- courteous and law-abiding on the road
Truck drivers need to be reasonably fit and healthy, without any back, heart or neurological conditions. They also need to have good eyesight (with or without corrective lenses) and good hearing.
You will require:
You can become a truck driver without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job, but you will need to obtain one or more heavy vehicle licences before working as a truck driver. Applicants will need to undertake a practical and written test.
You can also become a truck driver through a traineeship in Transport and Distribution (Road Transport). Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.
Improve your chances by:
Maintaining a clean driving record and passing your medical examinations.
What you will earn:
Salaries are dependent on experience and on the size of the vehicle. Grade four drivers may earn $24,336 a year, with grade eight earning $69,900. Some earn an hourly rate of $12.33. Those that go bush may earn more money. Remuneration can vary.
Long term possibilities:
Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Transport and Distribution Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.
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