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PORTCAREERS.COM.AU
TRUCK DRIVER
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Truck drivers are employed to transport freight efficiently and safely between two locations.

 

 

What does a port-based truck driver do?

Would you prefer to be your own boss in a workplace where you are on the move and outdoors?

A truck driver based at a port moves freight and containers on behalf of customers between a range of locations including:

  • wharfs
  • transit depots where freight is held while clearing customs and AQIS procedures
  • container parks where empty containers are stored
  • customer locations.

 

Truck drivers working at a port can drive three different types of vehicles.  These are:

  • semi-trailers that carry a variety of bulk goods including goods arranged on a palate
  • B Double trucks that carry three 20 foot containers
  • Super B Double trucks that carry four 20 foot containers
  • Swinglift trucks that enable drivers to lift a container on board the truck and secure it.

What tasks does truck driving involve:

  • driving the vehicle into position for loading or unloading
  • assisting with loading to make sure goods are correctly and safely stowed
  • calculating and estimating load weight to comply with load limits
  • coupling and uncoupling trailers
  • checking, updating and maintaining loading and delivery documents
  • planning and driving the shortest delivery route (in terms of distance and time)
  • using a two-way radio and/or data screens to keep in contact with a depot or base
  • arranging/assisting in unloading and obtain a receipt for goods delivered
  • reporting vehicle maintenance needs.

 

CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS & CHALLENGES

 

Achievements & highlights

Driving means the freedom that comes with being your own boss; you are responsible for your truck and ensuring the cargo arrives on time and safely. It also means not working indoors or being in one place constantly during the working day.

Drivers based at a port also enjoy favourable working hours. There is the possibility to work only day shifts.

Challenges

From time to time there can be operational difficulties at the wharfs and these can cause delays for drivers waiting to collect or deliver cargo.

 

QUALIFICATION & ADVICE

 

Job prospects

Truck Drivers continue to be in demand; this includes long-distance and interstate drivers.

You can become a self employed sub-contractor buying your own truck. This means you can decide who you work for and the types of cargo you carry.

If you decide you would like to move on from driving:

  • Fleet Controllers manage a company's fleet of trucks
  • Transport Supervisors manage the distribution of goods.

What to study at school

  • Computer skills will help you with computers and GPS included in cabs for receiving instructions.
  • Trade Maths will provide you with the numeracy skills needed for the paper work associated with the role.
  • English Communications will help to develop the written and spoken skill useful in this role.

 

Training and Study

  • Various truck licences – LR, MR, HR, HC, or MC
  • Certificates I, II, III and IV in Transport and Distribution (Road Transport)
  • Drive Heavy Combination Vehicle (TLI Unit)
  • Drive Heavy Combination Vehicles - C (TDT Unit)
  • Drive Heavy Rigid Vehicle (TLI Unit)
  • Drive Medium Rigid Vehicle (TLI Unit)
  • Drive Multi-combination Vehicle (TLI Unit)
  • Apply Fatigue Management Strategies (TLI Unit)
  • Drive Multi-combination Vehicles (TDT Unit)

Gaining experience

It takes time to gain a licence to drive a heavy-combination or semi-trailer truck. You can work towards this by driving smaller trucks such as the light-or medium-rigid trucks. You can gain a light-or medium-rigid licence after holding your open licence for one year.

You can also learn about the logistics industry by working in a warehouse where you can work towards gaining your forklift ticket. Working in warehouses and transit depots is important to understand the warehousing procedures and how they relate customs and AQIS.