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Truck Driver

State/Territory Specific Information

Truck drivers use heavy vehicles to transport goods and materials from one location to another.

Truck drivers may perform the following tasks:

  • drive defensively and handle hazardous road conditions
  • load goods onto the truck either by hand, or by using a forklift or other lifting equipment
  • make sure loads are correctly placed and secured with ropes and chains to avoid damage to the truck or the goods
  • couple and uncouple trailers
  • perform pre- and mid-trip vehicle and security inspections
  • carry out vehicle maintenance, such as checking brakes, oil, tyres and electrical systems, and changing tyres
  • drive vehicles to their destination and unload
  • carry out administrative duties, such as checking items against the inventory, recording damage, collecting payments and issuing receipts
  • maintain a logbook with details of trips, including rest breaks on long trips.

Specialisations:

Bulk Liquid/Pressurised Gas Driver

A bulk liquid/pressurised gas driver carries liquids/pressurised gases in specially designed trailers (tankers), usually for chemical companies or mining organisations. Drivers need to be aware of safety issues regarding loading, unloading, handling, separation of dangerous goods and emergency response. Drivers must also follow the Australian Institute of Petroleum's code of practice.

Car Carrier Driver

A car carrier driver transports vehicles between the ports and holding depots or car dealerships in the metropolitan area.

Cash in Transit Operator

A cash in transit operator drives armoured vehicles carrying cash and other valuables. They provide surveillance, manually handle cash, operate Automated Teller Machine (ATM) combinations and service ATMs. They operate vehicle security and emergency communication devices and handle firearms and other personal protection devices. Cash in transit operators usually require a security guard licence, a firearms licence and a first aid certificate.

Concrete Agitator Operator

A concrete agitator operator transports concrete between cement plants and building sites, using specially designed vehicles that mix the concrete to prevent it from setting.

Dangerous Goods/Explosives Driver

A dangerous goods/explosives driver carries dangerous goods and/or explosives, usually for chemical companies or mining organisations. Drivers need to be aware of safety issues regarding loading, unloading, handling, separation of dangerous goods and emergency response.

Heavy Haulage Driver

A heavy haulage driver transports oversized loads such as transportable houses or machinery using specially designed trailers. Some oversized loads are required to be accompanied by a pilot vehicle operator.

Heavy Truck Driver

A heavy truck driver drives heavy trucks, requiring a special licence, to transport bulky goods or materials. They may specialise as livestock transporters, log haulers, multi-combination drivers and tanker drivers.

Livestock Transport Driver

A livestock transport driver transports livestock, usually sheep or cattle, between farms and abattoirs or ports for export. Their work often involves long hours and extended periods of physical activity outdoors while loading and unloading stock. They may be required to drive in remote rural areas and on unsealed roads.

Logging Truck Driver

A logging truck driver carries unprocessed timber between plantations and timber mills. Trucks/trailers are usually fitted with a log loading device, which requires a licence to operate.

Pilot Vehicle Operator

A pilot vehicle operator accompanies trucks carrying oversized loads above the length or width regulated by the transport department. Pilots warn other road users that an oversized load is ahead or oncoming and, when required, clear the way for the oversized load, or prevent other road users from overtaking or interfering with the cargo. Pilots in some states and territories may also have the power to direct traffic.

Refrigerated Goods Driver

A refrigerated goods driver transports refrigerated goods in specially designed vehicles or trailers that are heavily insulated or fitted with refrigeration equipment. Drivers will be required to service the refrigeration equipment and check the temperature of the refrigerated areas at regular intervals. Drivers must also adhere to health and food hygiene regulations.

Tipper Truck Operator

A tipper truck operator transports bulk solid materials to and from building sites and/or mine sites. Tipper truck operators are usually required to work off-road.

Tow Truck Driver

A tow truck driver removes broken down or crashed vehicles from the roadway. Tow truck drivers may be called out at all hours of the night and in bad weather. Tow truck drivers require a police clearance.

Truck drivers may drive company-owned vehicles or be owner-drivers. Owner-drivers must obtain their own delivery work. Truck drivers carry a wide variety of goods, including flammable substances, raw materials, building materials, manufactured goods, livestock and refrigerated products. Being a truck driver may mean early starts, long shifts, days away from home, and travelling long distances to country, interstate or remote areas. Some trucks are equipped with bunks, televisions, refrigerators and ergonomically designed seats.

Personal Requirements:

  • enjoy practical work
  • mechanical aptitude
  • able to drive safely
  • physically fit
  • meet any age limits which may apply.

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