Truck drivers transport cargo to and from specified destinations. The route may be a long city-to-city haul, a drive within a city or even short trips inside construction or mining compounds. They may also do regular long-distance runs on the same route, sometimes sharing the driving with another driver.
Truck drivers are responsible for driving these heavy vehicles safely, in accordance with road regulations and with maximum efficiency. They are responsible for checking the condition and safety of the trucks before leaving but may also have to perform emergency roadside repairs if problems are experienced on the journey.
Other responsibilities of truck drivers include:
- supervising the loading and unloading of merchandise
- handing customers delivery forms and asking them to sign receipts
- accepting money
- keeping a log of the journey and reporting repairs that need to be made to the truck
- transporting perishable or hazardous substances necessitates truck drivers to adhere strictly to the regulations established for the transit of such cargo
Satisfying Aspects
- working without close supervision
- taking responsibility for the safety of the truck and its cargo
- generally steady work and reasonable remuneration
- travelling
Demanding aspects
- working weekends, evenings or holidays
- working under pressure
- driving in rush hour traffic
- being away from home for long periods
- driving in adverse weather conditions
Requirements
A truck driver should:
- have physical fitness and stamina;
- have excellent eyesight;
- have good perception;
- be responsible with sober habits;
- have mental stability;
- have mechanical aptitude to perform emergency repairs;
- be able to drive for long hours without losing concentration.
School Subjects
Grade 8 Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: None
Training
DRIVER TRAINING CENTRE:
The following centres check the performance of the driver, upgrade skills accordingly and offer specialised courses for conveying hazardous substances:
The Operator Training Centre
Emthonjeni Training Centre
Bloemfontein Training Centre
Apex Group Training Centre
Driver Training Scheme at Luipaardsvlei
In-service training:
Drivers are normally accompanied by an experienced driver until they are familiar with routes and procedures.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
If you want to become a truck driver you must:
- be at least 18 years old;
- be in possession of a heavy-vehicle driver's licence (code 10, 11, 13 or 14);
- undergo a medical examination (which is repeated from time to time), to ensure that you are physically fit to do the work
Employer
- transport companies
- Spoornet
- government departments
- retail food chains
- companies that need to transport goods
- self-employment, with enough experience and capital, can buy own heavy vehicles to start own business
Contact
Any of the above-mentioned training centres or potential employers.
The Public Carriers Association
P O Box 7
Randburg, 2125
The Managing Director
Apex Regional Training Centre
P O Box 1704
Benoni, 1500.
Various private transport companies.