Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Armored Truck Driver
💰 $35,000 - $70,000
🎯 Role Definition
An Armored Truck Driver (also known as an armored courier or cash-in-transit driver) is responsible for safely transporting cash, valuables, and sensitive documents between banks, ATMs, retail locations, and vaults while maintaining strict security protocols. The role requires proven defensive driving, cash-handling accuracy, adherence to federal/state regulations, and the ability to respond calmly to incidents and emergencies. Ideal candidates demonstrate integrity, situational awareness, and clear communication with operations and customers.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Security Guard with cash-handling experience
- Delivery Driver (parcel or high-value logistics)
- Military or law enforcement background
Advancement To:
- Lead Armored Truck Driver / Route Lead
- Route Supervisor / Operations Supervisor
- Cash Logistics Manager / Security Manager
- Regional Operations Manager or Training Coordinator
Lateral Moves:
- Cash Vault/Teller Operations
- Fleet/Logistics Coordinator
- Loss Prevention Specialist
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Safely operate an armored vehicle on assigned routes, adhering to all traffic laws, company driving policies, and route schedules while maintaining continuous situational awareness and defensive driving techniques.
- Securely load, transport, and unload currency, checks, negotiable instruments, and high-value goods, ensuring chain-of-custody procedures are followed and documented for each pickup and delivery.
- Perform precise cash handling and count reconciliations at each stop, verifying amounts against manifests and resolving discrepancies immediately with customers and the central operations center.
- Maintain strict compliance with company security protocols and local, state, and federal regulations regarding weapons, transport of valuables, and secure vehicle operations.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, identify maintenance needs, and report safety concerns to fleet management to ensure vehicle readiness and reduce operational risk.
- Monitor and maintain all tamper-evident seals, vault locks, lockboxes, and secure containers; replace or report compromised seals per policy and log chain-of-custody changes accurately.
- Execute emergency procedures during incidents such as attempted thefts, vehicle accidents, or alarm activations; secure the vehicle, protect crew and cargo, and communicate with law enforcement and operations immediately.
- Operate onboard security systems including GPS tracking, two-way radios, alarm systems, and in-vehicle cameras; follow escalation protocols for any unusual or suspicious activity.
- Manage multiple pickups and deliveries per shift while optimizing route flow to meet strict timing and customer service requirements without compromising safety.
- Verify customer identities and access authorizations before releasing valuables, using company ID checks, code words, signatures, and electronic confirmation devices.
- Safeguard confidential customer information and transaction records, ensuring all paperwork is secured and transmitted to the vault or operations center per retention and privacy policies.
- Provide professional customer service at point-of-contact locations, representing the company with a calm, courteous demeanor while enforcing security procedures.
- Prepare and complete required operational paperwork, electronic logs, incident reports, and daily shift reports; submit all documentation accurately and on time to operations.
- Train and mentor new drivers on safe vehicle operation, route protocols, cash handling procedures, and emergency response as assigned by supervisors.
- Participate in regular safety briefings, firearms and certification renewals, and company-required training sessions to maintain qualifications and awareness of evolving procedures.
- Maintain physical control of weapons and ammunition according to company policy and legal requirements, ensuring secure storage and proper documentation when assigned.
- Collaborate with dispatch, operations, and management to update route plans, report delays, and coordinate contingency plans for weather, mechanical issues, or emergency closures.
- Conduct internal audits and spot checks as requested by management to ensure compliance with cash handling, seal integrity, and customer service standards.
- Adhere to fatigue management policies and shift scheduling rules, ensuring fitness for duty before accepting assignments and reporting concerns to supervisors.
- Assist with vault operations or temporary back-office cash processing during downtime or as assigned, following all security and reconciliation procedures.
Secondary Functions
- Support administrative tasks such as filing manifests, updating customer account notes, and digitizing paperwork to improve route efficiency.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to reduce shrinkage, streamline routes, and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Coordinate with maintenance teams to schedule vehicle servicing and preventive maintenance to minimize unscheduled downtime.
- Provide input to operations on route sequence improvements, customer access issues, and risk hotspots based on daily route observations.
- Assist in community and customer outreach efforts for onboarding new pickup locations, performing on-site security assessments when requested.
- Help maintain an organized and secure vehicle interior, including restocking supplies, securing tools, and properly storing PPE and safety equipment.
- Support ad-hoc requests from operations, such as emergency pickups, special transports, or overtime assignments with flexibility and professionalism.
- Participate in mock incident drills and post-incident debriefs to refine procedures and maintain a culture of continuous safety improvement.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Defensive driving and commercial vehicle operation with clean driving record; knowledge of DOT and local traffic regulations.
- Cash handling and reconciliation expertise, including counting, verifying, and documenting large sums under time constraints.
- Proficiency with GPS navigation, route planning software, and in-vehicle telematics/GPS tracking systems.
- Experience operating two-way radios, mobile data terminals, alarm systems, and in-cab monitoring/CCTV systems.
- Knowledge of armored vehicle locking systems, tamper-evident seals, safes, vaults, and secure container handling.
- Firearm safety and marksmanship training where applicable; certified in the safe handling, storage, and transport of company-authorized weapons (compliant with employer and state laws).
- Incident reporting and police interface skills, including preparing factual statements and assisting law enforcement during investigations.
- Ability to perform basic vehicle checks and identify mechanical issues (tires, brakes, lights) and complete standard maintenance logs.
- Familiarity with company SOPs for cash-in-transit, chain-of-custody procedures, and loss prevention controls.
- Use of electronic logging devices (ELDs), manifests, and digital reporting tools for shift reporting and reconciliation.
Soft Skills
- High integrity and trustworthiness; proven record of handling confidential and high-value assets responsibly.
- Exceptional attention to detail, especially during cash counts, seal inspections, and documentation.
- Strong situational awareness and threat assessment capabilities; remains calm and decisive under pressure.
- Excellent verbal communication skills for interacting with customers, dispatch, and law enforcement.
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to coordinate with crew members and cross-functional teams.
- Problem-solving mindset and adaptability when dealing with route changes, delays, or security incidents.
- Dependability and punctuality with a strong sense of personal accountability for shift start/finish and route commitments.
- Customer-service orientation and professional demeanor when representing the company at client sites.
- Physical stamina and dexterity for lifting, carrying, and securing heavy cash bags and containers repeatedly throughout a shift.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training, certifications, and performance feedback cycles.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High school diploma or GED.
Preferred Education:
- Associate degree or certification in criminal justice, logistics, or transportation security.
- Completion of company or third-party armored transport and firearms training programs.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Criminal Justice
- Logistics / Supply Chain
- Transportation Management
- Security Studies
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 1–5 years of professional driving experience; 1–3 years of cash-handling or security-related experience preferred.
Preferred:
- 2+ years working as an armored truck driver, armored courier, or in cash vault/cash logistics roles.
- Prior military or law enforcement experience, or experience with high-value deliveries and loss prevention.
- Valid state firearm permit and/or company-required weapons certification where applicable.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) preferred or required depending on employer and vehicle class; clean driving record and verifiable references.
Physical requirements, background checks, and drug screenings are commonly required as part of the hiring process. Employers typically evaluate candidates on driving history, criminal background, financial responsibility, and demonstrated ability to follow strict security procedures.