Cargo vehicle driver

Cargo vehicle drivers operate vehicles such as trucks and vans. They may also take care of the loading and unloading of cargo.

The following job titles also refer to cargo vehicle driver:

courier delivery driver
teamster
delivery driver
heavy goods vehicle driver
trucker
van driver
HGV driver
truckie
driver of cargo vehicles
lorry driver
truck driver
courier
freight driver
package delivery driver

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a cargo vehicle driver.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Cargo vehicle driver is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to cargo vehicle driver.

dangerous goods driver
bus driver
taxi driver
trolley bus driver
private chauffeur

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of cargo vehicle driver. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of cargo vehicle driver with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

freight inspector
deck officer
forestry technician
aviation safety officer
air traffic controller

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of cargo vehicle driver.

• Types of cargo: Distinguish different types of cargo e.g. bulk cargo, liquid bulk cargo and heavy materials.
• Road traffic laws: Understand road traffic laws and the rules of the road.
• Road transport legislation: Know road transport regulations at regional, national, and European level in matters of safety and environmental requirements.
• Mechanical components of vehicles: Know the mechanical components used in vehicles and identify and resolve potential malfunctions.
• Vehicle cargo capacity: The capacity and the limits of the commissioned vehicle in terms of weight, type of cargo it can handle, and other cargo loading specifications.
• Effective perception of transport environment: Know the local transport topography, including roads, traffic hotspots, and alternative routes to reach a destination. Use knowledge to transport the vehicle to its destination in the most time and fuel efficient manner, and minimising safety risks.

These skills are necessary for the role of cargo vehicle driver.

• Control the performance of the vehicle: Understand and anticipate the performance and behaviour of a vehicle. Comprehend concepts such as lateral stability, acceleration, and braking distance.
• Read maps: Read maps effectively.
• Supervise unloading of cargo: Supervise unloading processes for equipment, cargo, goods and other items. Ensure that everything is handled and stored correctly in accordance with regulations and standards.
• Anticipate foreseeable problems on the road: Anticipate problems on the road such as punctures, pursuit driving, understeering or, oversteering.
• Supervise loading of cargo: Supervise the process of loading equipment, cargo, goods and other items. Ensure that all cargo is handled and stored properly in accordance with regulations and standards.
• Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
• Practice emergency stops: Practice emergency stops. Know the interchange with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), as this must be disabled before the execution of an emergency stop.
• Stay alert: Stay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.
• Use communication devices: Operate communication devices in order to interact with customers, colleagues, and others.
• Operate GPS systems: Use GPS Systems.
• Maintain concentration for long periods: Stay concentrated over a long period of time in order to make correct judgements and appropriate decisions.
• Parallel park vehicles: Parallel park motorised vehicles in a variety of spaces.
• Interpret traffic signals: Observe lights on the road, road conditions, nearby traffic, and prescribed speed limits to ensure safety. Interpret traffic signals and act accordingly.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of cargo vehicle driver. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Manoeuvre heavy trucks: Drive, manoeuvre and park tractors, trailers and lorries on roads, around tight corners, and in parking spaces.

8332 – Heavy truck and lorry drivers

References

1. Cargo vehicle driver – ESCO
2. Featured image: Photo by Solomia Bunij