truck driver job description

A truck driver performs the following tasks: loading and unloading trucks: as a truck driver, you load the cargo or loads onto the trucks before departure. Depending on your company, you may load the goods using forklifts, lifting or tipping devices. Some goods are also loaded by hand. You inspect the goods before departure to ensure the cargo is secure to prevent damage or loss in transit. When you arrive at your destination, you assist in offloading the materials or loads, which often involves manoeuvring the trucks. verifying loading documents and certification of delivery: when picking up raw materials or goods from a warehouse or manufacturer, it is crucial to obtain loading documents. The documents are helpful for verifying deliveries. They should contain the quantity, weight and condition of items before transit. When you finish offloading goods, ensure you receive a certificate of delivery from the recipient detailing the state of the delivered items and the time of delivery. driving trucks: as a truck driver, your primary responsibility is to drive the trucks ferrying goods from one location to another. You should adhere to road safety regulations and follow traffic laws. It is also essential to stick to the delivery schedule and avoid delays. In case of a breakdown, you call the dispatcher to get the needed assistance. maintaining transport logs: as a truck driver, you maintain time sheets with details of journeys. Having a work diary or transport logs helps you keep track of the deliveries made on a particular day in case of disputes. inspecting goods and trucks: as a truck driver, your job involves checking the goods and products mid-trip to ensure they are in perfect condition. You also perform security checks on the trucks to guarantee a safe drive. If you spot any problems on the truck, you should seek assistance from the dispatcher.

As a truck driver, you spend most of your career on the road. One of the advantages of working outdoors is the scenic views. You also spend a significant time inside vehicles. Some companies have internal policies limiting driving times, but driving for eight to ten hours is not unusual. Truck drivers usually take advantage of truck stops and designated rest areas to relax. Since you traverse long-distance routes, you may be away from home for weeks or days. Some companies provide uniforms for truck drivers, while other employers have flexible dress codes.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include dispatchers, logistics managers and warehouse managers. You might also be working close to forklift drivers , production worker and warehouse workers , as well as other specialists that could include, but are not limited to, procurement managers, merchandiser , inventory specialists and mechanics .

The work schedule of a truck driver varies daily depending on transport schedules and routes. If you cover long-distance routes, you will likely drive to the destination for days to complete a single assignment. Company regulations usually determine the driving hours, and you may drive for 10 hours a day before resting. Company policies dictate generally how often you can rest and any scheduled stops. Sometimes, you drive overnight or early morning to avoid missing delivery schedules. Working as a truck driver keeps you away from home for days or weeks. Hence, most companies provide leave days between trips.

Truck drivers have numerous growth opportunities. For instance, you could progress to logistics or procurement roles. Some truck drivers move to warehouse and inventory management roles, while others specialise in truck maintenance or become forklift operators. Alternatively, specialise in various truck driver specialisms like driving specialised trucks, heavy trucks or road trains.

advantages of finding a truck driver job through randstad

Finding your truck driver job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a truck driver is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

is truck driving a good job in Australia?

Becoming a truck driver is an exciting job that allows you to travel and enjoy the outdoors. Truck drivers earn a good salary and other benefits. The work schedules are also quite flexible, especially for long-distance destinations. You have diverse specialisation options since you can work in various industries.

what do you need to become a truck driver in Australia?

To become a truck driver, you require a driver's licence and a good driving record. Some employers prefer candidates with a Certificate III in driving operations and special licences for transporting hazardous and special materials.

what do truck drivers do?

As a truck driver, you deliver materials or goods from one location to another over land. You transport cargo to retail or distribution centres. You also supply materials to various industries.

what skills does a truck driver need?

As a truck driver, you require time management skills to meet delivery deadlines. Organisation skills are also important for planning routes.

how do I apply for a truck driver vacancy?

Applying for a truck driver job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our truck driver job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

Working as a truck driver

what is a truck driver?

As a truck driver, you pick up goods from one location and drive them to their destinations. You deliver a variety of items depending on the industry you work in. For instance, your job may involve delivering raw materials to a construction site or manufacturing company. As a truck driver, your primary focus is transporting cargo safely and efficiently. You use the recommended routes and ensure you meet the delivery schedule. Your job might also involve taking care of the receipt and delivery cargo.

Aside from driving trucks, you also perform other duties like loading and unloading goods. You are also responsible for vehicle maintenance, like cleaning the trucks and completing minor repairs before using the vehicles. Since you move cargo long distances, knowing all the traffic laws in Australia is essential. You also ensure your cargo doesn't exceed the recommended weight. Most companies and warehouses have weighbridges to measure the weight of the trucks as they leave the warehouses. Your job also involves dealing with timesheets and you carefully log safety incidents.

Truck drivers work for various industries that rely on road transport to deliver goods. Aside from transporting solid raw materials and products, truck drivers also use tankers to transport oil or liquid products.

truck driver jobs

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average truck driver salary

As a truck driver, your average remuneration package is $75,000 annually. New truck drivers with minimal experience take home $50,000 annually, while experienced truck drivers earn over $100,000 yearly. Some employers provide additional allowances like medical and life insurance schemes for employees. Other companies offer bonuses and overtime pay to incentivise truck drivers. You may also enjoy non-monetary benefits like annual sick leave.

what factors affect the salary of a truck driver?

Your remuneration package fluctuates depending on your qualifications and experience. While truck drivers don't require formal education, having a Certificate III in driving operations improves your salary prospects. Driving experience also determines your earnings. With an exceptional driving record, you will likely earn more than a new driver with minimal knowledge of driving heavy trucks.

The industry you work in also determines your remuneration package. For instance, working in manufacturing or construction companies may attract a higher salary due to the complexity of the role. Transporting liquids like oils in tankers also improves your earnings since they are high-risk products. The vehicle sizes also influence your salary. Operating large vehicles is physically demanding and often attracts higher wages than driving medium-sized cargo trucks.

Want to know what you will earn as a truck driver? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

truck driver salary

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types of truck drivers

Some of the types of truck drivers include:

heavy truck drivers: as a heavy truck driver, you drive heavy trucks to carry bulky goods or raw materials. You usually transport large equipment or machinery to manufacturing companies or a work site. Sometimes, you transport heavy loads in specially designed trailers attached to the truck. You rely on a pilot vehicle operator to stay safe on the roads.
tow truck drivers: you ferry damaged vehicles from the roadway to the mechanic's shop. The role involves working all hours, including nights. You also work in rigourous weather to assist stranded vehicle owners.
bulk liquid drivers: as a bulk liquid driver, you carry pressurised gases or liquids in large quantities in a tanker. The tankers are specially designed to transport the liquids safely. Bulk liquid drivers usually work for the chemical and mining industries.
livestock transport drivers: as a livestock driver, you transport sheep and cattle between farms or ports for export. Since you transport large numbers of livestock, you require experience transporting bulky goods and live animals. You will likely work in remote areas and should be familiar with driving on unsealed roads.

Smiling male wearing glasses driving a truck.

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working as a truck driver

If you are looking for an outdoor career that allows you to travel, find out more about the work schedules and specific tasks involved in the role.

truck driver job description
A truck driver performs the following tasks:
- loading and unloading trucks: as a truck driver, you load the cargo or loads onto the trucks before departure. Depending on your company, you may load the goods using forklifts, lifting or tipping devices. Some goods are also loaded by hand. You inspect the goods before departure to ensure the cargo is secure to prevent damage or loss in transit. When you arrive at your destination, you assist in offloading the materials or loads, which often involves manoeuvring the trucks.
- verifying loading documents and certification of delivery: when picking up raw materials or goods from a warehouse or manufacturer, it is crucial to obtain loading documents. The documents are helpful for verifying deliveries. They should contain the quantity, weight and condition of items before transit. When you finish offloading goods, ensure you receive a certificate of delivery from the recipient detailing the state of the delivered items and the time of delivery.
- driving trucks: as a truck driver, your primary responsibility is to drive the trucks ferrying goods from one location to another. You should adhere to road safety regulations and follow traffic laws. It is also essential to stick to the delivery schedule and avoid delays. In case of a breakdown, you call the dispatcher to get the needed assistance.
- maintaining transport logs: as a truck driver, you maintain time sheets with details of journeys. Having a work diary or transport logs helps you keep track of the deliveries made on a particular day in case of disputes.
- inspecting goods and trucks: as a truck driver, your job involves checking the goods and products mid-trip to ensure they are in perfect condition. You also perform security checks on the trucks to guarantee a safe drive. If you spot any problems on the truck, you should seek assistance from the dispatcher.
work environment

As a truck driver, you spend most of your career on the road. One of the advantages of working outdoors is the scenic views. You also spend a significant time inside vehicles. Some companies have internal policies limiting driving times, but driving for eight to ten hours is not unusual. Truck drivers usually take advantage of truck stops and designated rest areas to relax. Since you traverse long-distance routes, you may be away from home for weeks or days. Some companies provide uniforms for truck drivers, while other employers have flexible dress codes.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include dispatchers, logistics managers and warehouse managers. You might also be working close to forklift drivers, production worker and warehouse workers, as well as other specialists that could include, but are not limited to, procurement managers, merchandiser, inventory specialists and mechanics.
work schedule

The work schedule of a truck driver varies daily depending on transport schedules and routes. If you cover long-distance routes, you will likely drive to the destination for days to complete a single assignment. Company regulations usually determine the driving hours, and you may drive for 10 hours a day before resting. Company policies dictate generally how often you can rest and any scheduled stops. Sometimes, you drive overnight or early morning to avoid missing delivery schedules. Working as a truck driver keeps you away from home for days or weeks. Hence, most companies provide leave days between trips.
job outlook

Truck drivers have numerous growth opportunities. For instance, you could progress to logistics or procurement roles. Some truck drivers move to warehouse and inventory management roles, while others specialise in truck maintenance or become forklift operators. Alternatively, specialise in various truck driver specialisms like driving specialised trucks, heavy trucks or road trains.
advantages of finding a truck driver job through randstad
Finding your truck driver job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a truck driver is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

Most employers provide on-the-job training, so you don't need formal qualifications. However, you should complete Year 10 education and obtain an unrestricted driver's licence from the state licencing authority. Your employer expects you to have an impeccable driving record. Since trucks are heavy vehicles, completing a Heavy Vehicle Competency Assessment test in your preferred vehicle category is necessary.

Completing a Certificate III or IV in driving operations through a TAFE institution or a registered training organisation is also helpful. The course equips you with truck-driving knowledge, from managing fatigue to basic maintenance tasks. You may need special licences when you drive cargo like hazardous liquids.

truck driver skills and competencies

Some of the qualities necessary for truck drivers include:

time management: as a truck driver, time management skills are important for maintaining your schedule and meeting delivery deadlines. You rely on time management skills to plan your transport routes and avoid unnecessary delays.
stress management: as a truck driver, you should maintain calm in emergencies and think clearly. For instance, in case of unforeseen bad weather or traffic accidents, it is important to keep calm and find quick solutions to minimise further delays.
mechanical skills: your truck may break down in transit or require an unexpected vehicle maintenance task. Having mechanical skills saves you the trouble of waiting for a mechanic to fix a minor problem.

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FAQs about working as a truck driver

Here are the most asked questions about working as a truck driver:

is truck driving a good job in Australia?

Becoming a truck driver is an exciting job that allows you to travel and enjoy the outdoors. Truck drivers earn a good salary and other benefits. The work schedules are also quite flexible, especially for long-distance destinations. You have diverse specialisation options since you can work in various industries.
what do you need to become a truck driver in Australia?

To become a truck driver, you require a driver's licence and a good driving record. Some employers prefer candidates with a Certificate III in driving operations and special licences for transporting hazardous and special materials.
what do truck drivers do?

As a truck driver, you deliver materials or goods from one location to another over land. You transport cargo to retail or distribution centres. You also supply materials to various industries.
what skills does a truck driver need?

As a truck driver, you require time management skills to meet delivery deadlines. Organisation skills are also important for planning routes.
how do I apply for a truck driver vacancy?

Applying for a truck driver job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our truck driver job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

truck driver.