skills for truck drivers in canada

Nature of Work

Truck drivers operate heavy trucks to transport goods and materials over urban, interurban, provincial and international routes. They are employed by transportation companies, manufacturing and distribution companies, moving companies and employment service agencies, or they may be self‑employed.

Example Titles

bulk goods truck driver

dump truck driver

flatbed truck driver

logging truck driver

long haul truck driver

moving van driver

tow truck driver

truck driver

truck driver, heavy truck

truck driver, tractor‑trailer

Main Duties

Long‑haul truck drivers perform some or all of the following duties:

‑ Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks, weighing over 4600 kg with three or more axles to transport goods and material to destinations

‑ Oversee all aspects of vehicles, such as condition of equipment, loading and unloading, and safety and security of cargo

‑ Perform pre‑trip inspection of vehicle systems and equipment such as tires, lights, brakes and cold storage

‑ Perform emergency roadside repairs

‑ Obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes

‑ Record cargo information, distance travelled, fuel consumption and other information in log book or on on‑board computer

‑ Communicate with dispatcher and other drivers using citizens' band (CB) radio, cellular telephone and on‑board computer

‑ May drive as part of a two‑person team or convoy

‑ May transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.

Line‑haul and local truck drivers perform some or all of the following duties:

‑ Operate and drive straight trucks to transport goods and materials over urban and short inter‑urban routes

‑ May drive lighter, special purpose trucks such as tow trucks, dump trucks, hydrovac trucks or cement mixing trucks

‑ Perform pre‑trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicles such as condition of equipment, and loading and unloading of cargo.

Employment Requirements

‑ Completion of secondary school is usually required.

‑ On‑the‑job training is provided.

‑ A Class‑D licence is required to drive straight trucks.

‑ A Class‑A licence is required to drive articulated trucks.

‑ Air brake endorsement (Z) is required for drivers who operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.

‑ Transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) certification is required for drivers who transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.

Additional Information

‑ Progression to supervisory positions or to non‑driving occupations, such as driver trainers, safety officers or truck dispatchers is possible with additional training or experience.

Related Occupations

‑ Drivers of light trucks (in 7414 Delivery and Courier Service Drivers)

‑ Snowplough, and garbage truck drivers (in 7422 Public Works Maintenance Equipment Operators)

‑ Supervisors, Motor Transport and Other Ground Transit Operators (7222)

‑ Truck dispatchers (in 1475 Dispatchers and Radio Operators)

‑ Truck driver trainers (in 4131 College and Other Vocational Instructors)

Long‑haul truck drivers perform some or all of the following duties:

* Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks, weighing over 4600 kg with three or more axles to transport goods and material to destinations

* Oversee all aspects of vehicles, such as condition of equipment, loading and unloading, and safety and security of cargo

* Perform pre‑trip inspection of vehicle systems and equipment such as tires, lights, brakes and cold storage

* Perform emergency roadside repairs

* Obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes

* Record cargo information, distance travelled, fuel consumption and other information in log book or on on‑board computer

* Communicate with dispatcher and other drivers using citizens' band (CB) radio, cellular telephone and on‑board computer

* May drive as part of a two‑person team or convoy

* May transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.

Line‑haul and local truck drivers perform some or all of the following duties:

* Operate and drive straight trucks to transport goods and materials over urban and short inter‑urban routes

* May drive lighter, special purpose trucks such as tow trucks, dump trucks, hydrovac trucks or cement mixing trucks

* Perform pre‑trip inspection and oversee all aspects of vehicles such as condition of equipment, and loading and unloading of cargo.

Employment requirements

* Completion of secondary school is usually required.

* On‑the‑job training is provided.

* A Class 3 or D licence is required to drive straight trucks.

* A Class 1 or A licence is required to drive articulated trucks.

* Air brake endorsement (Z) is required for drivers who operate vehicles equipped with air brakes.

* Transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) certification is required for drivers who transport hazardous products or dangerous goods.

Additional information

* Progression to supervisory positions or to non‑driving occupations, such as driver trainers, safety officers or truck dispatchers is possible with additional training or experience.

Classified elsewhere

* Drivers of light trucks (in 7414 Delivery and Courier Service Drivers)

* Snowplough and garbage truck drivers (in 7422 Public Works Maintenance Equipment Operators)

* Supervisors, Motor Transport and Other Ground Transit Operators (7222)

* Truck dispatchers (in 1475 Dispatchers and Radio Operators)

* Truck driver trainers (in 4131 College and Other Vocational Instructors)

Classification Structure ‑ 7

Truck Drivers NOC 7411

Introduction

Truck drivers operate heavy trucks to transport goods and materials over urban, interurban, provincial and international routes. They are employed by transportation companies, manufacturing and distribution companies, moving companies or they may be self‑employed.

The most important Essential Skills for truck drivers are:

·        Document use

·        Problem solving

Document Sections

· Reading text

· Document use

· Writing

· Numeracy

· Oral communication

· Thinking skills

   Problem solving

   Decision making

   Job task planning and organizing

   Significant use of memory

Finding information

· Working with others

· Computer use

· Continuous learning

· Other information

· Notes

· Links to other sites with information about this occupation

                    

A.Reading Text        

Tasks         

Complexity Level

Examples

Typical

Most Complex

1 to 2

1 to 3

Truck drivers:

· read Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) labels on products. (frequently) (1)

· read memos from the head office with new rules for drivers and updates on freight information. (weekly) (1)

· may read handbooks with special procedures, such as those for border crossings. (occasionally) (2)

· read trucking magazines which include industry reports and information on new products. (monthly) (2)

· may read moving van contracts which outline the hourly tariff, details of the load and the responsibilities of the company and of the customer. (2)

· may read portions of the National Safety Code and Transportation of Dangerous Goods Manuals to prepare for renewing their licences for Transporting Dangerous Goods (TDG). (occasionally) (3)

· read operators' manuals and air brakes manuals in case repairs are needed during a trip. (occasionally) (3)

Reading Profile

Type of Text        Purpose for Reading

To scan for specific information/To locate information        To skim for overall meaning, to get the 'gist'.  To read the full text to understand or to learn.       To read the full text to critique or to evaluate.

Forms         >>     >       >        

Labels        >       >                  

Notes, Letters, Memos           >       >>     >        

Manuals, Specifications, Regulations       >>>   >       >>      

Reports, Books, Journals                           >        

The symbols >, >>, and >>> are explained in the Notes section.

B.Document Use     

Tasks         

Complexity Level

Examples

Typical

Most Complex

1 to 2

1 to 3

        

Truck drivers:

· read road signs, safety signs and product labels. (1)

· refer to city and provincial maps and to tables in atlases which show the distances between various cities in North America. (2)

· interpret sketches from other drivers showing entry points and manoeuvring angles for difficult unloading situations. (2)

· refer to scale tickets at weighing stations to get the weight of the axles before leaving the check point. (1)

· refer to assembly drawings for air brakes when studying for licencing exams. (3)

· may consult tables in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Guide to identify the properties of chemicals and to make sure that the truck has the correct hazard placards showing. (2)

· read fuel tables which indicate average fuel consumption over a certain number of kilometres (2)

· read schematic drawings for the truck's electrical system to determine which fuse needs replacing. (3)

· may read U.S. customs forms to establish whether there are any restrictions on transporting a particular product. (3)

· complete drivers' logs, stating date, destination and driving and resting periods. (3)

· complete loading manifests and company bills of lading. (2)

· fill in forms to explain why shipments cannot be unloaded if there has been a mixup in delivery instructions. (2)

· complete damage and accident reports. Accident reports may include drawing a picture to show the angle of impact. (3)

· fill in drivers' checklists, verifying the safety of various parts of the truck. (1)

Document Use Profile

Truck drivers:

>>> 

Read signs, labels or lists.

>>> 

Complete forms by marking check boxes, recording numerical information or entering words, phrases, sentences or texts of a paragraph or more.

>>> 

Read completed forms containing check boxes, numerical entries, phrases, addresses, sentences or texts of a paragraph or more.

>> 

Read tables, schedules or other table‑like text.

> 

Enter information in tables, schedules or other table‑like texts.

> 

Plot information on graphs.

> 

Obtain specific information from graphs or charts.

> 

Recognize common angles such as 15, 30, 45 and 90 degrees.

>> 

Interpret scale drawings.

> 

Read assembly drawings.

> 

Read schematic drawings.

> 

Make sketches.

>> 

Obtain information from sketches, pictures or icons.

The symbols >, >>, and >>> are explained in the Notes section.

C.Writing        

     

Truck drivers:

· may write notes to other drivers with instructions on where to take the next load. (daily) (1)

· write comments on the truck inspection form provided to the mechanics, noting a defect which is not easily visible. (occasionally) (1)

· write log book entries, indicating results of Department of Transport vehicle inspections and events or problems which occurred during the trip. (daily) (2)

· following customer complaints, write memos to the company manager explaining why it was not possible to complete pickups or deliveries. (occasionally) (2)

· fill in accident report forms and write letters to advise insurance companies of the details of an accident. (rarely) (3)

D.Numeracy  

1 to 2 MoneyMath

>                

1 to 2Scheduling,Budgeting &AccountingMath

>>>           

1 to 2Measurement& CalculationMath

>                

1 to 2 Data Analysis

>>>           

1 to 2Numerical Estimation

Truck drivers:

· collect money for COD deliveries, verifying the bill, receiving payment by cash, credit card or cheque and making change if necessary. (money math) (1)

· calculate amount of pay due by multiplying mileage by pay rate. (money math) (2)

· prepare records of time and money expended during trips for presentation to the office along with time cards. (scheduling or budgeting and accounting math) (2)

· measure tire treads to establish that the tire treads are at a safe thickness. (measurement and calculation) (1)

· calculate gross weights of loads to ensure that they do not exceed load limits. (measurement and calculation) (2)

· calculate gas consumption and mileage and compare these readings to tables indicating average consumption for various types of vehicles. (data analysis) (2)

·  estimate the time between a pickup and a delivery. (numerical estimation) (2)

  

estimate the size and weight of cartons and skids to determine if they will fit in the trailer and not exceed load limits. (numerical estimation) (2)

Math Skills Profile

a.Mathematical Foundations Used

Truck drivers:

Number Concepts                   

>>> 

Whole Numbers

read and write, count, round off, add or subtract, multiply or divide whole numbers. For example, recording how many litres of fuel are in each compartment and adding to get the total; calculating change for a delivery payment.

> 

Integers

read and write, add or subtract integers. For example, using negative numbers to denote a shortage of freight at the destination.

>> 

Rational Numbers ‑ Fractions

read and write, add or subtract fractions. For example, recording fractions of an hour in the log book.

>>> 

Rational Numbers ‑ Decimals

read and write, round off, add or subtract decimals, multiply or divide decimals. For example, adding the cost of repairs in dollars and cents.

>> 

Rational Numbers ‑ Percent

read and write percents, calculate the percent one number is of another, calculate a percent of a number. For example, calculating the actual weight of a load as a percentage of the total allowable load for the vehicle.

> 

Equivalent Rational Numbers

convert between fractions and decimals or percentages. For example, converting 3/4 hr to .75 hr to multiply by their hourly rate.

Patterns and Relations           

> 

Equations and Formulae

solve problems by constructing and solving equations with one unknown, use formulae by inserting quantities for variables and solving. For example, using a formula to calculate cubic weight.

>> 

Use of Rate, Ratio and Proportion

use a rate showing comparison between two quantities with different units, use a ratio showing comparison between two quantities with the same units, use a proportion showing comparison between two ratios or rates in order to solve problems. For example, calculating the amount of fuel additive to use for a certain amount of fuel in order to obtain a particular fuel to additive ratio, such as 4 to 1.

         

See Document Used for information on:

using scale drawings.

Shape and Spatial Sense                   

>> 

Measurement Conversions

perform measurement conversions. For example, converting kilograms to pounds and litres to gallons when driving in the United States.

>> 

Areas, Perimeters, Volumes

calculate volumes. For example, calculating the volume of diesel when carrying tanker loads; or calculating the space taken up by a load in order to maintain a 95% full rate.

Truck drivers make calculations:

>>> 

In their heads.

>> 

Using a pen and paper.

>> 

Using a calculator.

>> 

c.Measurement Instruments Used

Truck drivers measure:

>>> 

Time. For example, using a clock or watch.

>> 

Weight or mass. For example, using a weigh scale or truck scale.

>>> 

Distance or dimension. For example, using an odometer or measuring tape.

>> 

Liquid volume. For example, using a graduated cylinder or fuel gauge.

>> 

Temperature. For example, using a thermometer or truck temperature gauges.

>> 

Pressure. For example, using oil pressure and air brakes gauges.

> 

Specific gravity. For example, using a hydrometer.

>> 

Using the metric measurement system.

>>> 

E.Oral Communication     

Truck drivers:

·        may talk to dock workers and other drivers as they load and unload freight. (1)

·        interact with customers when delivering a product or explaining charges. (1)

·        communicate with office staff when bringing in time sheets and expense claims. (1)

·        discuss mechanical breakdowns with mechanics. (2)

·        may interact with terminal or depot managers to discuss upcoming business. (2)

·        communicate with supervisors and dispatchers to receive orders and discuss problems. (2)

Modes of Communication Used

Truck drivers communicate:

>>> 

In person.

>>> 

Using the telephone.

>>> 

Using a two‑way radio or other such means.

>> 

Environmental Factors Impacting Communication

The sound of the truck engine can impede communication when travelling with a partner. Communication on loading docks may be hindered by noise from heavy equipment such as forklifts or cranes.

Oral Communication Profile

Type

Interact with co‑workers                 >       >>>   >>     >>       

Interact with those you supervise or direct                           >                           >

Interact with supervisor/manager              >       >>>   >>     >         

Interact with customers/clients/ public     >>               >>     >>     >       >

Interact with suppliers, servicers                         >       >                   

Participate in group discussion                            >                            

Present information to a small group                            >                            

Present information to a large group                                                           

Purpose for Oral Communication (Part II)

To discuss (exchange information, opinions)     To persuade         To facilitate, animate    To instruct, instill understanding, knowledge     To negotiate, resolve conflict          To entertain

Listening (little or no interaction)                                                       

Speaking (little or no interaction)                                                       

Interact with co‑workers        >>                                              

Interact with those you supervise or direct                                     >                   

Interact with supervisor/manager    >>                                              

Interact with customers/clients/ public     >       >                >       >         

Interact with suppliers, servicers     >                                                

Participate in group discussion        >                                               

Present information to a small group                                                          

Present information to a large group                                                           

The symbols >, >>, and >>> are explained in the Notes section.

F.Thinking Skills     

Truck drivers:

· may encounter weather delays which will mean the shipment will arrive late. They phone loading dock personnel to arrange for a late arrival. (1)

· may find that loads do not fit in the truck. They call dispatchers to explain the problem and to request a replacement vehicle or to arrange to share the load with a co‑worker. (1)

· may find that no forklifts are available to receive the load at the destination or there is no space to unload. They attempt to call customers to discover what preparations they have made for the delivery. (2)

· may find that the refrigeration system develops a major defect during a trip. They monitor the state of the shipment and may have to arrange for a replacement vehicle on an emergency basis. (3)

2. Decision Making

Truck drivers:

·        make decisions about the most practical route to a destination. (1)

·        decide if the vehicle is safe to operate. (1)

·        decide whether the load has been properly positioned so that items will not shift in transit. (2)

·        decide how to divide a load which must be delivered in two different trucks. (2)

·        decide whether to accept a cargo of dangerous goods with some poorly packaged items. (3)

3. Job Task Planning and Organizing

Truck drivers' planning tends to be short term. While customers and locations may vary, work follows a repetitive pattern of loading, driving and unloading. The schedule is prepared by a dispatcher or supervisor and the drivers have little input into scheduling.

While truck drivers have little control over their schedule, they have some flexibility in determining routes. Priorities are generally set out for them; however, in the event of truck breakdowns, they reprioritize tasks, co‑ordinating with other drivers and possibly making arrangements to transfer loads to other vehicles.

4. Significant Use of Memory

Truck drivers:

· remember routes to loading docks in many cities.

· remember phone numbers of often called contact persons at various destinations.

· remember rules and regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods.

· remember which routes have low underpasses which could pose a problem for the truck.

5. Finding Information 

         

Truck drivers:

· phone the weather office's public number for forecasts and information on road conditions. (1)

· refer to maps and atlases to find information on routes. (1)

· read bills of lading or contact customers to gain information about the contents of a load. (1)

· look up information on classifications of dangerous goods and their labels in dangerous goods manuals and charts. (2)

G.Working with Others     

Truck drivers generally drive alone, although sometimes they drive with a partner or helper who assists with unloading. They may work as members of a team when loading and unloading large cargoes.

Participate in formal discussions about work processes or product improvement.

>> 

Have opportunities to make suggestions on improving work processes.

> 

Monitor the work performance of others.

> 

Inform other workers or demonstrate to them how tasks are performed.

> 

Orient new employees.

> 

Make hiring recommendations.

> 

H.Computer Use      

Truck drivers For example:

> 

Use bookkeeping, billing and accounting software. For example, may enter predefined codes into the computer to call up bills of lading and customer account information. (2)

> 

Use other computer applications. For example, they may use function keys on computer to generate printouts of load information. (1) They may use computerized satellite equipment within the truck to show possible routes. (2)

I.Continuous Learning     

Truck drivers continue to learn through their participation in a number of courses, such as Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG), Air Brakes Class 1, defensive driving and forklift training. They may also attend information sessions to learn about safety regulations and new machinery and trucks purchased by the company.

How the Learning Occurs

Learning may be acquired:

> 

As part of regular work activity.

> 

From co‑workers.

> 

Through training offered in the workplace.

> 

Through off‑site training.

> 

Through off‑site training: during working hours at no cost to the worker.

The symbols >, >>, and >>> are explained in the Notes section.

J.Other Information         

In addition to collecting information for this Essential Skills Profile, our interviews with job incumbents also asked about the following topics.

Physical Aspects                    

The truck drivers interviewed mentioned these physical aspects of their jobs.

Body Position

Truck divers sit most of the time. They also stand and walk at the beginning and end of the route when assisting in the loading and unloading of vehicles or supervising these functions. They may stoop and bend to unload and load items.

They climb into high cabs and may have to climb onto the roof of the truck or crawl underneath the vehicle to perform maintenance checks.

Limb Co‑ordination

Truck drivers use upper and lower limb co‑ordination to drive trucks.

Strength

Truck drivers may lift fuel hoses weighing 50 pounds. They may lift boxes and containers weighing up to 100 pounds. Dollies and forklifts are used to lift items of greater weight.

Sensory

Good peripheral vision is helpful when driving a truck.

Attitudes             

The truck drivers interviewed felt that truck drivers should be patient, alert, organized and able to handle the stress of heavy traffic and tight deadlines. They should have a positive attitude and the ability to work alone for considerable periods of time.

Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills          

The trend toward a higher level of log book enforcement means that truck drivers need to be able to fill in complex documentation accurately. Some drivers may need to upgrade their document use skills to meet the more stringent requirements. With the growing use of computerized satellite systems in trucks, their drivers will need to be computer literate.

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