Job Description and Duties
All blue collar jobs require a high level of manual labor and attentiveness simultaneously. A truck driver needs to take care of a lot of things before he embarks on his journey. A truck driver should inspect the truck before the loading to ensure it is in good running condition. The same is done once the goods have been delivered. This ensures timely repair and maintenance of the truck. The procedure involves checking the oil, fuel and the radiator fluid as well as spare tires. Ensuring that the chains and binders are secure is important and should be done under supervision. Carelessness in such matters can cost lives and lead to losses.
Other important responsibilities given to a truck driver include inspecting goods, checking that they are well wrapped and packed;, instructing helpers while doing the packing, maneuvering the truck position for proper loading and unloading are. They must also check the weight of the truck at weigh stations prior to loading and after loading to ensure that it is within the permitted limits.
Once these tasks have been completed, the driver should also read the bill of lading and its details carefully. A truck driver should know what materials are being transported, and whether or not they are fragile or perishable. This helps in proper handling of products being transported. The driver should also have the delivery receipt signed by the customer and collect the payment if he or she is instructed to do so. Verifying payment details with the company before hand is always best. All drivers need to maintain a proper log as per state and company requirements.
Skills Needed and Basic Requirements
- A truck driver should have full knowledge of the vehicle he or she is driving. Knowledge for repairing the truck is important during an emergency situation. This needs a fair knowledge of machinery parts and how they work. It also requires good supervision skills, ability to locate problems, comprehensive thinking, proper hand and eye coordination and physical strength to climb, load or unload goods and undertake strenuous physical activity.
- One should also have basic comprehensive skills to read the bill of lading and its details, enter and record traveling distance and other related data, either electronically or in written form.
- Good communication skills are required to work with co workers, supervisors and customers.
- Good vision and manual dexterity, proper hand and eye coordination, proper hand and body coordination, excellent reflex timing and rate control are also essential requirements for blue collar employees.
The salary of a truck driver depends on the kind of vehicle that he drives, the number of years of experience he or she has and the number of holidays requested by him. A truck driver who is required to drive overnight will earn more than daytime workers. Weekend drivers will also have a higher rate compared to those who do not work on weekends.
