Career summary

Details for Truck Drivers, Light or Delivery Services


Description

Drive a truck or van with a capacity of under 26,000 GVW, primarily to deliver or pick up merchandise or to deliver packages within a specified area. May require use of automatic routing or location software. May load and unload truck.

Tasks

  • Obey traffic laws and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.
  • Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment, such as gas, oil, water, tires, lights, or brakes, to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition.
  • Report any mechanical problems encountered with vehicles.
  • Present bills and receipts and collect payments for goods delivered or loaded.
  • Load and unload trucks, vans, or automobiles.
  • Verify the contents of inventory loads against shipping papers.
  • Turn in receipts and money received from deliveries.
  • Maintain records, such as vehicle logs, records of cargo, or billing statements, in accordance with regulations.
  • Read maps and follow written or verbal geographic directions.
  • Report delays, accidents, or other traffic and transportation situations to bases or other vehicles, using telephones or mobile two-way radios.
  • Drive vehicles with capacities under three tons to transport materials to and from specified destinations, such as railroad stations, plants, residences, offices, or within industrial yards.
  • Use and maintain the tools or equipment found on commercial vehicles, such as weighing or measuring devices.
  • Perform emergency repairs, such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, fuses, tire chains, or spark plugs.
  • Sell products from truck inventory and keep records of sales.

Interests

  • Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Experience - Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Knowledge

  • Transportation -Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
  • Customer and Personal Service -Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills

None found.

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