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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Armored Car Driver

💰 $ - $

SecurityLogisticsTransportation

🎯 Role Definition

The Armored Car Driver (also listed as Armored Truck Driver, Armored Courier, or Cash-in-Transit (CIT) Driver) is responsible for the secure, timely, and compliant transport of cash, valuables, and high-value goods between financial institutions, retail locations, ATMs, vaults, and other endpoints. This role combines advanced defensive driving, weapons proficiency (where applicable), strict adherence to chain-of-custody procedures, and customer-facing professionalism to minimize risk and ensure loss prevention.

Primary search keywords: armored car driver, armored truck driver, armored courier, cash-in-transit, CIT driver, secure transport, defensive driving, chain of custody, vault operations, cash logistics.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Security Guard (with cash handling experience)
  • Delivery Driver / Courier (with safe driving record)
  • Military or Law Enforcement Veteran transitioning into CIT

Advancement To:

  • Lead Armored Truck Driver / Route Supervisor
  • Operations Supervisor — Cash Logistics / Vault Operations
  • Branch Manager — Cash Services or CIT Operations

Lateral Moves:

  • Security Operations Specialist
  • Cash Processing Operator / Vault Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate armored vehicles safely and defensively on scheduled routes, ensuring punctual pickups and deliveries of currency and valuables while complying with DOT, company driving standards, and local traffic laws.
  • Execute strict chain-of-custody procedures for all cash and valuables handled, documenting transfers with detailed manifests, signatures, and tamper-evident sealing to maintain audit-ready custody records.
  • Load, secure, and unload currency, checks, ATM cassettes, coin rolls, and other high-value items using approved handling techniques and tools to prevent loss, damage, or contamination.
  • Maintain armed security readiness when required by company policy and local law: carry, secure, inspect, and account for issued firearms and ammunition; adhere to weapon handling protocols and safe storage procedures.
  • Perform pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections (brakes, lights, tires, locks, communications, and alarm systems), documenting mechanical or security issues and coordinating maintenance to maintain vehicle readiness.
  • Plan and follow optimal and secure routes that minimize exposure and vulnerability, adapt to real-time traffic or incident disruptions, and use GPS, route sheets, and covert route variations to reduce predictability.
  • Conduct accurate cash counts and reconciliation at point-of-service and upon return to the vault or facility, resolving discrepancies per company procedures and escalating irregularities immediately.
  • Comply with cash handling and anti-money-laundering (AML) regulations, internal controls, and company policies, including identity verification at customer sites and adherence to deposit/withdrawal limits.
  • Respond rapidly and appropriately to attempted robberies, alarms, or suspicious activity, employing defensive driving, evasive tactics, or emergency procedures to protect personnel and assets while contacting law enforcement as directed.
  • Coordinate with law enforcement, site managers, and other security personnel during incidents, providing clear, factual statements, video or log evidence, and cooperation during investigations.
  • Operate and maintain two-way radios, mobile devices, alarms, and telematics systems to report location, status updates, and emergencies in accordance with company communication protocols.
  • Ensure accurate preparation, completion, and submission of trip manifests, deposit vouchers, incident reports, daily logs, mileage reports, and vehicle inspection checklists to support audit and compliance needs.
  • Provide professional client service while performing pickups/deliveries at financial institutions, retail stores, casinos, government facilities, and ATM service points, maintaining confidentiality and a polished appearance.
  • Secure vehicle and vault compartments at all stops, using mechanical and electronic locking systems, padlocks, tamper-evident bags, and armed presence where policy dictates, preventing unauthorized access to valuables.
  • Execute vault operations and assist with in-branch cash processing tasks such as sorting, labeling, bagging, and preparing deposits in a manner consistent with cash control procedures and deposit deadlines.
  • Train and mentor new armored car drivers on route procedures, defensive driving, weapons safety (where applicable), cash handling, and customer service expectations to ensure consistency and compliance across teams.
  • Participate in regular safety briefings, firearms requalification, defensive tactics sessions, and driver training to maintain certifications and competency in risk mitigation practices.
  • Adhere to fatigue management policies, hours-of-service rules, and shift handover procedures to ensure driver alertness and regulatory compliance during extended routes or multi-driver operations.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics regarding client financial information, route details, and company security procedures; avoid social media disclosures of sensitive operational details.
  • Conduct surprise audits, inventory reconciliations, and spot checks as requested by management to validate adherence to cash control and route security processes.
  • Liaise with dispatch and operations to adjust schedules for weather, road closures, or site delays, ensuring continuity of service while minimizing exposure and liability.
  • Implement site-specific security checks at customer locations (perimeter assessment, ingress/egress monitoring, and parking selection) and advise clients on basic loss prevention measures when appropriate.
  • Safely manage and transfer non-cash valuables (documents, jewelry, pharmaceuticals) with applicable chain-of-custody and handling modifications as required by client contracts and legal requirements.
  • Maintain required licensing, permits, and mandatory training records (security guard card, firearm permits, CDL endorsements, background checks) and ensure compliance with contractor and client-specific credentialing.
  • Monitor and manage onboard surveillance, GPS tracking, and dash camera systems, preserving footage for investigations and ensuring devices are operational before departure.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist operations teams with route planning improvements, incident trend analysis, and suggestions for route hardening based on field observations.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of SOPs by providing ground-level feedback on cash handling workflows, customer interaction points, and vehicle security enhancements.
  • Support ad-hoc audit requests by providing documentation, witness statements, and detailed logs to internal audit or client compliance teams.
  • Act as subject-matter resource to operations, helping test and evaluate new armored vehicle modifications, locking systems, and communication tools.
  • Participate in cross-functional emergency response drills with company safety teams and local law enforcement to validate response timelines and coordination procedures.
  • Maintain inventory of issued uniforms, equipment, and firearms accessories; request replacements and report lost or damaged items in accordance with policy.
  • Perform light vault housekeeping, supply restocking, and basic administrative tasks to facilitate efficient branch operations outside peak route hours.
  • Collaborate with training and HR on candidate assessment for new driver hires, including ride-alongs and in-vehicle evaluations when requested.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Defensive driving techniques and advanced vehicular control specific to heavy/armored vehicles; proven ability to operate large secure vehicles under high-stress conditions.
  • Cash handling and reconciliation expertise, including accurate counting, batching, ATM cassette handling, coin roll processing, and deposit preparation.
  • Chain-of-custody management and documentation: manifests, seals, tamper-evident bags, signatures, and electronic logs to maintain audit trails.
  • Firearms proficiency and weapons safety (where required): safe handling, storage, maintenance, and qualification documentation per company and jurisdictional requirements.
  • Use and troubleshooting of vehicle security systems: locks, GPS tracking, alarm panels, CCTV/dash cameras, and telematics.
  • Incident reporting and evidence preservation: creating clear, compliant incident reports and collecting/time-stamping audiovisual evidence for investigations.
  • Radio, mobile, and dispatch communication protocols, including secure channels, emergency verbosity, and silence/muted movement procedures when applicable.
  • Basic mechanical awareness for performing pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and identifying issues that require maintenance escalation.
  • Knowledge of relevant regulations and compliance frameworks: DOT hours-of-service (if applicable), AML basics, local licensing, and security contractor requirements.
  • Route planning and situational awareness using mapping software, GPS, and covert routing practices to minimize predictability.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional situational awareness and threat detection with the ability to read environments and de-escalate potential conflicts through presence and communications.
  • High integrity, discretion, and respect for client confidentiality—trusted to handle sensitive financial assets and information.
  • Calm decision-making under pressure, especially during security incidents, traffic emergencies, or mechanical failures.
  • Strong written and verbal communication for clear logs, manifests, and incident reports, and for professional client interactions.
  • Teamwork and reliable coordination with dispatchers, co-drivers, site personnel, and law enforcement partners.
  • Customer service orientation: polite, professional demeanor at client sites while balancing security priorities.
  • Attention to detail for accurate counting, documentation, and adherence to security and compliance checklists.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity for lifting heavy cash cassettes, vault bags, and performing repetitive handling tasks safely.
  • Punctuality and time management to adhere to strict route schedules and service level agreements.
  • Adaptability and learning mindset to absorb route changes, policy updates, and new security technologies quickly.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED. Equivalent work experience in security, logistics, or law enforcement will be considered.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or vocational certification in Criminal Justice, Security Management, Logistics, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Security Studies
  • Logistics / Supply Chain
  • Transportation Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of professional driving experience; 1–3 years in armored transport, cash-in-transit, or law enforcement preferred.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of armored truck driving or CIT experience with verifiable safe driving record and documented cash handling, weapons qualification (if applicable), and chain-of-custody compliance.
  • Experience working with banks, retail cash centers, ATMs, or casino cash operations is highly desirable.
  • Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; CDL with appropriate endorsements preferred for certain fleets. Current background checks, security guard registration, and firearms permits as required by jurisdiction.
  • Successful completion of company training programs for defensive driving, weapons handling, and cash logistics procedures.