So you want to be a truck driver?

I am getting out of the Truck Driving business, not because I don't love the job, or I'm angry with someone. I slipped while getting out of a truck in October. My back was injured to the point that I can no longer do the job. The BWC has me going through Occupational Rehab right now, and we are working on making a resume, and cover letter. We are also talking about what skills I have to offer another employer. So I was asked to basically sit down, and wright a job description. Up to this point I never really though about everything we do. Most of these tasks we do without thinking, its just part of our programming. We do it without thinking. Some of the things I came up with I had to learn from the school of hard knock. While others were taught to be by the Veterans of the highways. Even if it was asking what most driver thought was a stupid question on the CB. There was always someone out there that was willing to help. So I though I would share some of the things I came up with for all of you out there that are trying to decide if trucking is right for you.




Essential Functions:
1)Have a valid class A CDL with Hazmat endorsement.
2)Be able to pass a DOT Physical and Drug Screen.
3)Have a working knowledge of the FMSCR, to ensure that the vehicle is operated in a safe and legal manner.
4)Have a working knowledge of how to keep a logbook, and hours of service regulations. The 11, 14, and 70 hrs rule, how to log trips legal manner.
5)Know how to read and right in English.
6)Be able to learn how to use a Quelcom on board computer.
7)Be able to accurately relay load information, Hrs of service you have available to run another load, or breakdown information over the OBC.
8)Be able to retrieve load, trip plan, routing, and general messaging from the OBC.
9)Be able to keep accurate counts of material as it is being on or off loaded.
10)Be able to supervise how a truck is loaded to ensure that the total vehicle weight is less than 80,000lbs.
11)Scale load and shift tandems to ensure leangle axel and gross weight regulations are not exceeded.
12)Be able to communicate with customer, to ensure that all of their load requirements are being met. I.E. trailer sweep out before loading, tie downs, blocking and bracing, skid pads, trailer seals ect.
13)Supervise Lumpers that you hire to unload your truck.
14)Higher lumpers when required, and communicate the cost back to dispatch so that they can be paid after the job is finished.
15)Be able to Wright out a com-check.
16)Be able to perform a walk around safety inspection. To ensure that your equipment is not operated in a manner that would cause a public hazard, or break the laws contained in the FMCSR.
17)Be able to read a map, and plan a route that will keep you within 10% of books miles.
18)Be able to calculate weather you can make a run in the allotted time. To make an on-time delivery every time. If not relay to dispatch that you can not make pick-up/delivery appt. on time, and when you can be there.
19)Be able to stand your ground respectfully when being asked to do something that is against the law. Example falsify a log book to make an on time delivery.
20)Be able to follow the chain of command to voice concerns about being pressured about 19.
21)Be a customer representative for you company. ("You are the first point of contact with that customer").
22)Be able to Display a positive image about your company, and the trucking industry as a whole. By being a safe, and courteous driver even in the worst driving conditions.

HAZMAT OPERATIONS
1)Be able to communicate on the phone to dispatch, and the Safety Department EXACTLY what you are hauling.
a)Be able to read Hazmat Manifest
b)Know were the to find the DOT description, HAZMAT class, id number, and quantity being shipped.
c)Ensure that the truck has the correct placards and that they are placed in the right locations on the trailer.
d)Do mandatory walk around and tier inspections to ensure that none of the contents of the shipment are leaking,

e)Insure that all manifests and a Hazmat Guide are in the door pouch or on the drivers seat when you are not in the vehicle. Have manifest and Hazmat guide within drivers reach while driving.
f)Be able to communicate in English with police, fire, HAZMAT officials, and the safety department in the event of an accident or spill.

*note Failure to follow any of the above can in the Hazmat section result in a fine that starts at $10,000 and goes up.

you can bet who is going to have to pay that fine.


Well thats about all I can think of for now. This exercise made me REALLY stop, and think about what job skills we really bring to the table. Still think you have what it takes to be a Truck Driver. Good luck out there, and be safe. If any of you Veterans can think of something I have forgotten feel free to add to my list.

Be Blessed
Storm Crow