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Jessica Baker |
Jessica Baker has a job that she says has given her independence and great time management. She may even be the envy of some male counterparts.
Truck driving is not a job that many young women would consider, but Jessica says she has grown up with the industry, so it was a natural ...
Job Overview: Heavy truck drivers drive trucks/tankers, with or without trailers. They transport a variety of materials, livestock, such as cattle, horses etc, heavy machinery, liquids, general freight, furniture, cars, fertiliser, logging and sometimes hazardous chemical substances. In addition there are forklift drivers, as well as heavy construction drivers that operate bulldozers, diggers and graders. The main areas of employment in the Taranaki region are milk tanker or logging truck drivers.
ALTERNATIVE TITLES
Lorry Driver
Tanker Driver
Truck Driver
HT Driver
Driver (Heavy Truck)
TASKS AND DUTIES
Day-to-day tasks for heavy truck drivers include:
- carry out routine checks on their trucks every time they drive them
- pick up the daily delivery instructions
- make sure they understand the instructions and know the route
- weigh the truck before and after it is loaded
- supervise or help with the loading of the truck
- check the condition of the load and that it is securely fastened
- follow the correct safety procedures if the goods being transported are dangerous
- check all the documentation related to the loads
- drive a truck or tanker to make deliveries or pick up goods
- keep a log book of the hours they work
- may carry out basic vehicle maintenance
TRAITS OF A GOOD HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVERHeavy truck drivers need to have excellent driving skills and must know the Road Code, defensive driving techniques and relevant transport laws. They also need to know about emergency procedures, first aid and how to identify and handle hazardous road conditions.
Heavy truck drivers need to be punctual, reliable and responsible. They also need to be calm in emergencies and able to work well under pressure. It is important that they are courteous and law abiding on the road. It is preferred that drivers can read maps and don't have any traffic convictions.
Heavy truck drivers will gain skills in different methods of securing and covering loads, such as tying different kinds of knots, and using chains, locks and straps. Some drivers will learn how to use satellite tracking equipment and on-board computers.
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING NEEDED
There are no specific educational requirements for heavy truck drivers; however, drivers need to be able to read and write. NCEA Level 1 in Maths and English would be useful.Applicants MUST have a Class 1 (light motor vehicle) licence first. In addition, you need to have held a full Class 1 licence for at least six months before you can apply for a Class 2 licence.
Heavy truck drivers start by passing a Class 2 licence, then they can progress through the licence stages to gain a Heavy Combination Vehicle Licence (Class 5). They must also pass a medical examination every 10 years, when they renew their licence. Some drivers need a First Aid Certificate, and if the driver carries hazardous goods, they need to have completed unit standards in dangerous goods before their drivers licence can be endorsed to allow them to do so.
The best experience for this job is to work as a truck driver's assistant. Other useful experience includes driving other heavy vehicles, working at the port, in warehouses or stores, or as a courier. New drivers often accompany more experienced drivers until they learn the travel routes, and learn how to handle the various goods being carried.
There are no specific tertiary educational requirements but a number of qualifications are available: National Certificate in Commercial Road Transport, National Certificate in Road Transport, National Certificate in Transport Warehouse and Distribution and National Certificate in Transport Office and Administration. Each of these apprenticeships are done on-the-job and can take around 3 years to complete. NP The National Certificate in Commercial Road Transport is available through Tranzqual ITO(Industry Training Organisation).
Find Training Providers in our Education Directory:
G & H Training
Land Based Training Ltd
Stratford Community Learning Centre
Taranaki FEATS
Local Industry Training Organisation (ITO)
Name: Tranzqual
Phone: (04) 499 3369
Email: office@tranzqual.org.nz
Website: http://www.tranzqual.org.nz
Local Apprenticeship Co-ordinator
Name: Bruce Morgan
Phone: 029 351 4121 or (04) 2983 430
Email: bruce.morgan@tranzqual.co.nz
Website: http://www.tranzqual.org.nz
STUDY COSTS
n/a
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Heavy truck drivers need to be reasonably fit and healthy, without any back, heart or neurological conditions. They also need good eyesight (with or without glasses) and good hearing. Hours vary, depending on the type of load and the number of deliveries. Heavy truck drivers' hours are governed by Land Transport Safety Authority regulations, and failure to respect these regulations usually results in licence suspension. Heavy truck drivers often spend hours driving alone, although they may have radio contact with other drivers in the fleet during this time.
Heavy truck drivers work in city and country areas, and their work places depend on what kind of load they carry. They may work in truck yards, warehouses, mechanical workshops, and on docksides, farms and quarries. Some heavy truck drivers travel within a small local area, while others travel long distances across the country and may stay away from home for long periods.
Heavy truck drivers are paid between $9 and $22 per hour. Pay often varies depending on the type of goods being transported, the size of the vehicle being driven and the length of the trip.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - Where can this qualification lead to in the future?
Employment opportunities for heavy truck or tanker drivers in Taranaki are good due to a nationwide shortage. The Road Transport Association (RTA) is trying to attract new drivers in all areas of New Zealand including Taranaki. The RTA is also working with Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) to help new drivers with licensing costs, training, work experience and post-placement support. The aim of this collaboration is to reduce turnover among drivers and promote greater commitment to the road transport industry.COMPANY PROFILES
Below is a list of Taranaki businesses that employ heavy vechicle drivers (these are only example businesses for you to research this particular career choice). In addition, write-ups featured in the Career Profiles section provide some insight into the work environment and opportunities available within the industry.
- Hooker Pacific, Smart Road, New Plymouth
- Fonterra (NZMP), Hawera
- J.D.Hickman Ltd, Taranaki wide
- Freight and Bulk Transport Holdings Ltd (FBT), Taranaki wide
Hilton Haulage Transport Scholarship
Tranzqual Industry Training Scholarship
RELEVANT CONTACTS
Further information on driver licensing is available from the Land Transport Safety Authority, which also provide a list of Approved Courses For Occupational Drivers.
Tranzqual ITO
| Taranaki Contact: | Bruce Morgan |
| Phone: | 029 351 4121 |
| Email: | bruce.morgan@tranzqual.org.nz |
| Website: | http://www.tranzqual.org.nz |
Master Drive Services Ltd
| Taranaki Contact: | Craig Luxmoore |
| Phone: | (06) 755 1600 |
| Email: | taranaki.branch@masterdrive.co.nz |
| Website: | http://www.masterdrive.co.nz |
Transit New Zealand
| Phone: | (04) 499 6600 |
| Website: | http://www.transit.govt.nz |
New Zealand Road and Transport Association
| Phone: | 0800 367 782 |
| Website: | http://www.nzrta.co.nz |
Central Area Road Transport Association
| Phone: | (06) 759 2049 |
| Email: | tcloke@nzrta.co.nz |
Kindly supported by Career Services Rapuara
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