Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Driver

🎯 Role Definition

A Driver is a safety-first transportation professional responsible for operating light- or heavy-duty vehicles to move people or freight efficiently and securely. This role blends defensive driving, route management, cargo handling, regulatory compliance (DOT, HOS, ELD), and customer-facing professionalism to deliver on-time service while protecting company assets and reputation. Suitable for delivery drivers, CDL A/B truck drivers, shuttle and passenger drivers, couriers, and chauffeurs.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Delivery Driver (local parcel or courier)
Warehouse Associate or Loader
Recent CDL Program Graduate or Vocational Driving School

Advancement To:

Lead/Trainer Driver or Route Supervisor
Fleet Supervisor / Operations Supervisor
Dispatcher or Logistics Coordinator
Owner-Operator / Independent Contractor

Lateral Moves:

Safety & Compliance Specialist
Fleet Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate assigned vehicle (van, box truck, tractor-trailer, shuttle, or passenger car) safely and lawfully, adhering to speed limits, traffic laws, and company policies while maintaining composure in heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.
Perform thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections, documenting defects, tire and brake condition, fluid levels, lights, and other safety-critical items; report deficiencies immediately and follow maintenance escalation procedures.
Plan and execute efficient delivery or passenger routes using GPS, routing software, and manual maps, optimizing for on-time performance, fuel efficiency, and legal restrictions (e.g., weight/route limits, low bridges).
Maintain accurate and legible logs and records of hours-of-service (HOS), electronic logging device (ELD) data, trip manifests, delivery receipts, bills of lading, and inspection reports to ensure DOT and company compliance.
Load, secure, and unload freight or luggage using proper handling techniques, tie-downs, straps, pallet jacks, and hand trucks to prevent cargo shift, damage, and loss; follow load sequencing for multi-stop routes.
Deliver parcels, freight, and passengers with professional customer service, collecting signatures, obtaining proof of delivery, explaining delivery exceptions, and resolving basic customer inquiries at point of contact.
Adhere strictly to hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling and placarding procedures when certified; follow carrier-specific rules for transport, segregation, and documentation of regulated products.
Execute safe coupling, uncoupling, and basic docking maneuvers for tractor-trailer combinations, yard moves, and cross-docking operations to minimize downtime and prevent equipment damage.
Follow fuel management protocols: refuel at prescribed intervals, document fuel purchases, use fuel cards properly, and report abnormal fuel consumption for analysis.
Use and maintain onboard technology including ELDs, handheld mobile devices, scanning systems, barcode readers, dispatch apps, and telematics while keeping device security and data integrity.
Respond to on-road incidents and emergencies (accidents, breakdowns, medical events) by following emergency response procedures, securing the scene, documenting incidents, notifying dispatch, and completing required accident reports.
Support scheduled and unscheduled pickups and deliveries, including appointment-based loading/unloading, liftgate operations, and timed freight handoffs with warehouse and customer representatives.
Comply with weight and dimension compliance, securing required permits for oversized or overweight loads, and coordinate with dispatch for route approvals and special handling as needed.
Maintain professional appearance and demeanor appropriate to the role, representing the company during customer interactions, assisting passengers with mobility needs, and upholding confidentiality and privacy where applicable.
Inspect and maintain basic vehicle cleanliness and hygiene, perform minor preventive maintenance tasks (fluid top-offs, tire pressure checks), and escalate mechanical concerns to fleet maintenance per policy.
Follow safety programs and driver training requirements, participate in ongoing coaching, defensive driving courses, and performance reviews aimed at reducing incidents and improving service metrics.
Execute multi-stop route planning with attention to customer priorities and time windows, reprioritizing dynamically when route changes occur due to traffic, weather, or operational constraints.
Monitor payload distribution and securement to ensure vehicle stability and regulatory compliance, including use of tarps, straps, blocking, and bracing for mixed loads.
Participate in handoffs with other drivers, team drivers, or third-party carriers, ensuring complete transfer of manifests, keys, documentation, and verbal status updates to avoid misdelivery.
Manage cash, COD payments, electronic transactions, and return-to-origin procedures per company policy, maintaining accurate accountability and providing receipts to customers when required.
Follow company-specific security policies for high-value loads, secure parking, and theft-prevention measures including overnight parking protocols and vehicle locking procedures.
Maintain punctual attendance and time management, ensuring pre-shift readiness and adherence to shift start/end times, break schedules, and appointment windows.

Secondary Functions

Support logistics and dispatch with live status updates, proactive ETAs, and constructive feedback on recurring route problems or customer issues.
Assist warehouse teams with loading/unloading during peak periods or when manpower is limited, including staged freight organization and pallet staging.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by documenting on-road observations, route bottlenecks, and suggestions for route optimization or scheduling adjustments.
Help train new hires on safe operating procedures, vehicle inspections, and customer service expectations; act as a mentor for junior drivers when assigned.
Complete ad-hoc administrative tasks such as filing delivery paperwork, scanning signed PODs (proof of delivery), and updating inventory systems as required.
Collaborate with safety and compliance teams for random drug/alcohol testing, safety audits, and incident reviews to continuously improve fleet safety culture.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid driver's license appropriate to vehicle class (CDL Class A or B when required); endorsements as applicable (Tanker, HazMat, Doubles/Triples, Passenger).
Proficiency with Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) and familiarity with hours-of-service (HOS) regulations and DOT compliance.
Route planning and GPS/navigation expertise using industry apps (Waze, Google Maps) and dedicated routing software (Samsara, Omnitracs, Trimble) for optimized deliveries.
Pre-trip/post-trip inspection and basic preventive maintenance skills (fluid checks, tire pressure, brake inspection) with accurate defect reporting.
Cargo securement best practices, including use of ratchet straps, load bars, dunnage, and tarps; understanding of weight distribution and tie-down requirements.
Safe use of liftgates, pallet jacks, hand trucks, forklifts (if certified), and tie-down equipment for efficient loading/unloading.
Experience with proof-of-delivery systems, handheld scanners, mobile POS and signature capture devices; ability to troubleshoot common device issues.
Knowledge of defensive driving techniques and commercial vehicle maneuvering, including backing, docking, and lane management for large vehicles.
Incident reporting and basic accident scene management, including photograph documentation, witness statements, and notification protocols.
Familiarity with hazardous materials regulations and placarding when transporting regulated commodities (if applicable to the role).
Basic financial transaction handling (COD, invoicing, receipts) and reconciliation experience for delivery drivers handling customer payments.
Understanding of fuel management practices and telematics data interpretation to support fuel-efficiency initiatives.

Soft Skills

Excellent time management, punctuality, and reliability with a strong record of on-time deliveries and adherence to schedules.
Professional customer service and communication skills; ability to de-escalate conflicts and provide courteous interactions with customers and site personnel.
High attention to detail for accurate recordkeeping, delivery verification, and compliance with inspection checklists.
Strong problem-solving and situational judgment to re-route, reschedule, or coordinate repairs when disrupted by traffic, weather, or mechanical issues.
Physical stamina and ability to handle repetitive lifting, carrying, and maneuvering of cargo in a safe manner following ergonomic practices.
Adaptability to changing schedules, last-minute route modifications, and multi-tasking across delivery, documentation, and compliance duties.
Teamwork and collaboration skills to coordinate with dispatch, warehouse, and maintenance teams effectively.
Integrity and accountability for company property, sensitive deliveries, and adherence to safety policies.
Initiative to identify inefficiencies and propose practical improvements to routing, handling, or safety practices.
Calm under pressure with the ability to maintain composure during long hours, tight delivery windows, and complex driving situations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED; valid driver's license appropriate to vehicle type (non-CDL roles may accept standard state license).

Preferred Education:

Vocational training, certificate, or associate degree in Commercial Driving, Transportation, Logistics, or Automotive Technology.
Completion of accredited CDL training program or company-specific driver academy.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Commercial Vehicle Operation / CDL Training
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Automotive Technology / Mechanics
Occupational Safety and Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–5 years (entry-level to experienced professional), usually 1–3 years for routine delivery roles and 2+ years for CDL truck roles.

Preferred:

2+ years of commercial driving experience (local, regional, or long-haul) for Class A/B positions.
Demonstrated experience with ELDs/HOS, route optimization tools, and customer-facing deliveries.
Clean driving record, passable background and drug screening, and familiarity with DOT regulations for regulated carriers.