During the COVID-19-related lockdowns—and probably for the entirety of the pandemic when mobility is limited—trucks have been the key instruments in getting people fed, cured, and comforted. Businesses of all sizes depend on the trucking industry to safely deliver products all over the country, as well as maintain fast delivery times. Without trucks, goods can never move from airports, rail yards, and ports to their final destinations.
Behind the wheel are truck drivers whose basic responsibilities are picking up and delivering materials and goods from one place to another. It may be from a manufacturer to a distribution center, from a distribution center to a customer, or vice versa. Apart from the mandatory delivery of goods, truck drivers are also responsible for a long list of other tasks.
Primary Responsibilities
As a truck driver, the common tasks are:
- Receiving training for driver qualification requirements, driver wellness, and hours of service (if you are an entry-level driver). Self-employed drivers must also practice the responsibilities of both drivers and employers.
- Inspecting the cargo to ensure it’s safe. Make sure that all your cargo is loaded safely and fastened properly. Also, meet the individual needs for particular shipments, if any (e.g., special fastening for fragile cargo, refrigerate food, and proper loading of livestock).
- Obtaining receipts for deliveries of goods transported. Deliver signed receipts to your employer
- Determining whether the cargo has been properly distributed, located, and secured. Be familiar with procedures and methods for securing the cargo in or on the trucks you drive. Secure your loads in a manner that will prevent spilling, leaking, falling or blowing from or within the truck
- Knowing the working load limit of security systems and devices, as well as the number of placement for each device depending on the load’s weight, dimensions, and specific requirements.
- Using flashers and setting up warning devices as prescribed by law.
- Setting the truck into unloading and loading positions at designated areas. Follow instructions of the loading and unloading crew and only operate loading and unloading machines when needed.
- Performing mechanical checks to ensure your truck is in proper working condition. It includes inspecting all parts and functions of the vehicle. After each inspection, file a report based on the results and report any malfunctioning vehicles.
- Performing primary and routine vehicle maintenance tasks (e.g., making minor repairs or changing and adding fuel, motor oil, cooling liquid, etc.).
- Keeping records of traffic violations, infractions, or damage due to accidents. In case you experience fines and violations along the way, report them to your employer ASAP.
- Refraining from using controlled substances or drinking alcohol. All truck drivers must possess information, training, and referral regarding the use of controlled substances and alcohol misuse.
Other job duties vary according to the type of truck driver you are. Consider the following:
- Light driver. Light truck drivers transport cargo within a small region or municipality — commonly from a distribution center to individual households or businesses. You are required to load your truck once a day and deliver several loads through the day or single packages to multiple locations.
- Tractor-trailer and heavy truck driver. These drivers operate vans or trucks with a load capacity of at least 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW). A majority of these drivers are considered long-haul or over-the-road-drivers, which means they deliver goods over intercity routes. Their drives can cover several states.
- Long-haul driver. Long-haul drivers are in charge of operating heavy tractor-trailer rigs. You must plan your route according to your given deadline and destination while complying with state and federal guidelines on rest time and road access.
- Route driver. Route drivers are hybrids of a sales worker and a truck driver; therefore, these drivers are called driver/sales workers. As a route driver, you arrange and deliver products to retail stores. If you work for a rental company, you are responsible for replacing soiled or worn items. Route drivers can also seek new customers on their routes, as well as recommend stores to increase their inventory of a specific product or stock new products.
- Specialized driver. Specialized drivers carry unusual loads like hazardous industrial chemicals, hazardous waste, oversized loads, and cars. Companies that rent towels, linens, or uniforms hire specialized drivers to replace soiled laundry. As a specialized driver, you must follow strict transport procedures and safety regulations.
Remember Your Limitations, Too
While you are responsible for a long list of tasks, your trucking job does not require you to do everything.
For example, you must not drive if your alertness is impaired due to over-fatigue or an illness. In case of a grave emergency where the ceasing of operations would be hazardous, however, you can continue to operate your truck to the nearest place until the cause of danger is removed.
Truck drivers must not drive vehicles that are unsafe or in a condition likely to cause an accident or break down. Repair the truck first, if possible. If your vehicle is beyond your repair capabilities, let your employer know ASAP. Driving is also not encouraged during unfavorable weather conditions.
Be mindful of your driving hours. You may be expected to work up to 70 hours over an eight-day period. In terms of rest breaks, you can only drive if eight hours or less have passed since your last off-duty or you’ve had a sleeper berth of at least 30 minutes. Following the hours-of-service regulations keep fatigued drivers off the road, reducing the number of accidents.
The Bottom Line
Knowing your responsibilities and limitations gives you an idea of today’s to-do list, as well as allows you to plan for the successful execution of a job. It is essential to keeping you safe and protecting your rights.
If you have questions about your rights as a truck driver or if you’re facing issues with your employer, Truck Driver Rights attorneys are at your service. We represent truck drivers in hour and wage class actions, as well as in lawsuits and claims for work-related injuries.
Trust our client-centered, results-oriented representation to build the best case on your behalf. Protect your rights by getting in touch with us today.