Transport truck drivers drive straight trucks or tractor-trailers to transport freight. Long-haul truck drivers operate heavy trucks over urban, interurban, provincial and international routes, while short-haul and local transport truck drivers operate over urban and short interurban routes. They are employed by transportation, manufacturing, distribution and moving companies, and trucking employment service agencies, or they may be self-employed.
Long-haul transport truck drivers
Operate and drive primarily tractor-trailor, long-combination vehicle and straight-body trucks weighing over 4500 kg to transport goods and materials over long distances
Plan trip logistics and obtain required documentation to transport goods
Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspection of vehicle systems, equipment and accessories such as tires, lights and turning signals, brakes and cold storage
Ensure cargo is secured properly in accordance with safety requirements and follow safety procedures for transporting dangerous goods
Obtain special permits and other documents required to transport cargo on international routes
Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption
Administer bills of lading and manually or electronically maintain log books
Communicate with dispatcher, other drivers and customers using communication devices and on-board computers
May perform emergency roadside repairs
May drive as part of a two-person team