Any quarry/mining dump truck drivers?

I was wondering what the qualifications are for eventually operating a mining dump truck like a CAT 772? These are run off-road on private property. Are DIT regulations still applicable? Or is their operation governed by MSHA? Nominally it is a straight truck so is a Class A even needed? Do guys get into these after driving regular dump truck fir a few years?

I just started driving a water truck in a quarry and it is totally different than road driving. No stopping to look for traffic. You keep awareness of everything coming and going and time your transits of areas between the mining trucks and loaders movements. Have to blend into the traffic flow and not be stopping and obstructing or confusing other drivers (my 10-wheel 4000 gal tanker being the smallest and slowest vehicle).

Just wondering what the job path is to operate a mining truck. Any insights into quarry driving or operator jobs is appreciated. Thx!

 

Well today I got to ride along in the 50-ton haul truck (CAT 772). And make 5 of the dump runs hauling rock under the guidance of the driver. Wow! Thank God for pneumatic cushion seats!! Looks like they need more haul drivers and willing to train me. I was hoping within a year I might get a chance, and the very next day Boom! We went through pre-trip, warm up, using the auto shift on steep hills, watching for cracks in road indicating ready to slump off, backing to the cliff edge berm, bucket control for dumping, importance of level since it is so top heavy when the bucket is up, starting and stopping under load (280K lbs GVW), dash controls and monitor read outs, travel on the quarry roads and radio usage, coordinating with the loader and line up for getting loaded. Real great guys, the loader is very laid back and patient but very skilled. Tons more to learn but it was a fun intro.

I guess the secret to learning quarry equipment is to show up! If there is a vacancy and you are doing OK in a current job then you will likely get a shot at moving to other equipment.