Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Car Driver
💰 $28,000 - $65,000
TransportationDrivingLogistics
🎯 Role Definition
We are hiring a professional Car Driver responsible for safe, timely, and customer-focused transportation of passengers and/or goods. The Car Driver will operate company vehicles in compliance with traffic laws and company policies, perform pre- and post-trip inspections, maintain accurate driving logs, and deliver an excellent on-road experience. This role is critical to operational reliability, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance across last-mile delivery, corporate transportation, and personal chauffeur services.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Delivery Driver (local courier, food delivery)
- Ride-hailing or taxi driver
- Driver's helper or vehicle attendant
Advancement To:
- Senior Driver / Lead Driver
- Fleet Supervisor / Dispatch Coordinator
- Logistics Coordinator or Route Planner
Lateral Moves:
- Courier Operations
- Warehouse or Inventory Associate
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Operate assigned car or light commercial vehicle safely and legally for scheduled passenger pickups, point-to-point transfers, or timed delivery routes, maintaining defensive driving standards and minimizing risk of accidents or traffic violations.
- Conduct thorough pre-trip inspections before each shift, checking tires, brakes, lights, fluid levels, mirrors, seatbelts, and emergency equipment; document and report any defects immediately to fleet management to ensure vehicle safety and compliance.
- Plan and follow efficient routes using GPS navigation, route-optimization software, and local traffic information to meet on-time performance targets while minimizing fuel consumption and driving time.
- Load, secure, and unload luggage, parcels, or cargo with appropriate restraint techniques and equipment to prevent damage in transit; verify shipment counts and condition against manifests or delivery orders.
- Maintain accurate driving records and logs (digital or paper), including mileage, fuel purchases, vehicle condition notes, delivery confirmations, passenger manifests, and any incidents, in accordance with company policy and regulatory requirements.
- Provide professional, courteous, and attentive customer service to passengers and customers at all times, assisting with door-to-door service, carrying bags, answering route questions, and documenting special requests or complaints.
- Follow company hours-of-service policies and local regulatory limits to prevent driver fatigue; plan breaks appropriately and notify dispatch if unable to complete a shift due to safety concerns or unexpected delays.
- Adhere to all traffic laws, DOT (or local) regulations, and company safety protocols; participate in safety training and apply defensive-driving techniques to reduce the risk of collisions and incidents.
- Respond to on-road emergencies, accidents, or vehicle malfunctions by securing the scene, rendering first aid if trained, contacting emergency services, and following company accident-reporting procedures.
- Perform routine vehicle maintenance and basic troubleshooting (oil, coolant, tire pressure, fuses), escalating mechanical issues to fleet maintenance and scheduling repairs to minimize downtime and extend vehicle life.
- Collect, verify, and process payment or signature confirmations when required, handle cash, credit card or mobile payment devices securely, and provide accurate receipts or delivery documentation to customers.
- Communicate clearly and proactively with dispatch, supervisors, and customers about delays, route changes, or delivery exceptions using radio, mobile app, or phone while adhering to hands-free and safety rules.
- Enforce company policies on passenger conduct and vehicle use, de-escalating conflicts professionally and coordinating with security or law enforcement when necessary to maintain a safe environment.
- Execute scheduled vehicle cleaning and sanitization routines between shifts to ensure a professional, hygienic passenger or cargo environment and to comply with health guidelines.
- Assist with loading dock activities, package sorting, and handoffs during peak periods to support team throughput while maintaining safe lifting and manual handling practices.
- Carry and maintain required documentation and certifications (driver’s license, insurance proof, medical certificates), presenting them as needed for inspections, audits, or customer requests.
- Optimize fuel usage through eco-driving techniques, planned refueling, and trip consolidation; log fuel purchases and report anomalous consumption to fleet operations.
- Use onboard telematics, dashcams, or mobile fleet apps to capture trip data, completion status, and vehicle diagnostics; review feedback and coachable events to improve driving performance.
- Conduct post-trip vehicle checks to identify any new damage, mechanical concerns, or safety issues; complete end-of-shift vehicle condition reports and return keys or access devices securely.
- Follow COVID-19 (or other public health) protocols when applicable, including mask policies, sanitization, and contactless handoffs, to protect passengers and fellow employees.
- Maintain confidentiality and discretion when transporting private passengers, executives, or sensitive cargo; avoid conversations about client business and secure personal belongings or documents.
- Participate in regular driver meetings, training sessions, and performance reviews, adopting corrective actions for driver scorecards, customer feedback, and safety observations.
Secondary Functions
- Support route planning by providing operational feedback on traffic patterns, delivery windows, and pickup locations to the dispatch team.
- Assist in onboarding and mentoring new drivers on company policies, route nuances, safe driving habits, and customer service expectations.
- Help manage fleet inventory such as spare keys, safety kits, and vehicle supplies; report shortages or ordering needs to fleet administration.
- Collaborate with maintenance vendors and internal mechanics to schedule preventive maintenance and reduce unplanned repairs.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by documenting recurring issues, suggesting route or process changes, and participating in pilot programs for new routing or telematics tools.
- Support administrative tasks such as scanning delivery receipts, uploading trip photos, and reconciling end-of-day paperwork to keep records current.
- Participate in periodic compliance reviews and provide requested documentation for audits, insurance claims, or regulatory inspections.
- Provide light vehicle detailing between shifts when high-level appearance is required for VIP or corporate transport services.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Valid driver's license appropriate for vehicle class (e.g., Class C, Class B, or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) where required) and a clean driving record.
- Proven experience using GPS navigation devices, mobile routing apps (Waze, Google Maps, Here), and in-vehicle telematics for route optimization.
- Strong pre-trip and post-trip inspection skills with familiarity identifying and documenting mechanical issues (tires, brakes, lights, fluids).
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation regulations including hours-of-service (HOS), weight limits, and vehicle safety standards when applicable.
- Proficiency in digital logging tools, electronic proof-of-delivery (ePOD) apps, and basic data entry for mileage, fuel, and delivery confirmations.
- Basic vehicle maintenance and troubleshooting skills (battery, tire changes, fluid top-ups) and ability to coordinate repairs with fleet services.
- Cargo handling and securement techniques (strapping, blocking, load distribution) to protect goods and comply with safety standards.
- Familiarity with customer payment processing systems (POS terminals, mobile payments) and procedures for handling cash or receipts securely.
- First aid and CPR certification preferred; ability to respond to medical emergencies until professional help arrives.
- Experience operating dashcams, telematics, and in-cab safety monitoring systems; ability to review and respond to recorded events.
Soft Skills
- Exceptional situational awareness and defensive driving temperament; remains calm under stress and reacts safely in traffic incidents.
- Strong customer service orientation with polite communication, helpfulness, and ability to read and meet customer expectations.
- Time management and punctuality with the ability to prioritize stops to meet delivery windows and passenger schedules.
- Excellent verbal communication skills for coordinating with dispatch, customers, and team members while maintaining professional tone.
- Reliability and dependability — consistent attendance, adherence to schedules, and accountability for assigned vehicles and tasks.
- Problem-solving mindset to navigate unexpected detours, traffic disruptions, or delivery issues with practical alternatives.
- Discretion and trustworthiness when transporting passengers, executives, or sensitive cargo.
- Adaptability to changing schedules, weather conditions, and operational priorities in fast-paced environments.
- Attention to detail for accurate recordkeeping, log entries, and delivery confirmation processes.
- Teamwork and collaboration — supports colleagues during peak periods and contributes to a cooperative fleet culture.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED) or relevant vocational certificate.
Preferred Education:
- Training from a certified driving school or completion of a commercial driving program.
- Coursework or certification in defensive driving, fleet safety, or logistics operations.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Transportation and Logistics
- Automotive Technology
- Occupational Safety and Fleet Management
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 1 to 5 years of professional driving experience (local delivery, corporate chauffeur, taxi/ride-hailing, or courier roles).
Preferred:
- 3+ years driving in a similar role with documented safe driving record, experience with route optimization tools, and familiarity with commercial vehicle operations or passenger transport standards. Additional preference for candidates with a clean abstract, relevant certifications (CDL, defensive driving, first aid), and prior client-facing service experience.