Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hauler

🎯 Role Definition

A Hauler is a professional driver responsible for transporting goods, materials, or equipment over local, regional, or long-haul routes using commercial vehicles (straight trucks, tractor-trailers, dump trucks, flatbeds, or specialized rigs). The Hauler ensures safe, efficient, and compliant delivery by planning routes, securing cargo, performing pre- and post-trip inspections, maintaining accurate logs, and communicating proactively with dispatch and customers. This role demands strong vehicle operation skills, an emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance (DOT, FMCSA), and the ability to solve logistics and operational challenges in the field.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Local delivery driver (van/cargo truck)
Yard jockey / yard driver
CDL training program graduate

Advancement To:

Lead Hauler / Lead Driver
Fleet Supervisor
Dispatch Coordinator
Operations Manager
Owner-Operator (independent contractor)

Lateral Moves:

Heavy equipment operator
Forklift operator / warehouse lead
Route driver / dedicated account driver

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate commercial vehicles (tractor-trailer, straight truck, dump truck, flatbed, or specialized hauler rigs) in a safe and lawful manner, adhering to all federal, state, and local regulations including Hours of Service (HOS) rules and DOT/FMCSA guidelines.
Plan and optimize daily routes using GPS, routing software, or company-provided maps to minimize transit time, fuel consumption, and delivery costs while meeting delivery windows and customer commitments.
Perform thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections of vehicle systems (brakes, tires, lights, coupling devices, load securement points) and complete inspection reports and defect logs promptly.
Load and unload cargo safely and efficiently or coordinate with loading crews; verify manifest details, counts, weights, and proper placement to maintain weight distribution and vehicle stability.
Secure loads using tie-downs, chains, straps, tarps, binders, and other securement devices; follow load securement standards for flatbeds, open trailers, and specialized loads to prevent shifting or loss during transit.
Maintain accurate shipping, delivery, and vehicle documentation including bills of lading, delivery receipts, weight tickets, customs documentation (if applicable), and electronic logging device (ELD) records.
Communicate proactively with dispatch, operations, and customers to report delays, route changes, traffic incidents, mechanical issues, or special handling needs; provide ETA updates and resolution plans.
Conduct basic preventative maintenance and minor vehicle repairs such as topping off fluids, replacing bulbs or fuses, and adjusting tire pressures; escalate mechanical failures to fleet maintenance as required.
Follow company safety programs and participate in safety meetings, driver training, and professional development sessions to reduce incidents and enhance operational performance.
Adhere to hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling protocols and placarding requirements when transporting regulated substances; obtain and maintain required endorsements (e.g., HAZMAT, Tanker) when applicable.
Execute pick-ups and deliveries across diverse environments (construction sites, warehouses, distribution centers, retail stores, ports) and handle special access challenges such as narrow streets, loading docks, and tight yards.
Manage time effectively to ensure on-time pickups and deliveries, including flexibility for early/late shifts, road/weather delays, and unexpected reroutes while meeting customer service expectations.
Assist with yard operations including coupling/uncoupling trailers, moving empty trailers, staging loads, and coordinating trailer swaps to support fleet fluidity and utilization.
Ensure cargo integrity through temperature monitoring (for refrigerated loads), tarping, and protection against weather exposure or contamination, following special handling instructions for fragile or high-value freight.
Verify cargo legality and documentation for cross-border or intermodal shipments, coordinate with customs brokers when necessary, and maintain chain-of-custody documentation when required.
Respond to roadside incidents, breakdowns, and accidents by following emergency procedures, completing incident reports, contacting dispatch and emergency services, and safeguarding cargo and vehicle until assistance arrives.
Monitor and manage fuel use and fuel card transactions, report discrepancies, and contribute to cost-saving initiatives through efficient driving behaviors and idling reduction.
Use mobile apps, ELDs, tablets, or onboard computers to receive dispatches, update delivery statuses, capture proof-of-delivery (POD) signatures, and upload documents or photos to centralized systems.
Maintain professional customer service interactions during deliveries, representing the company positively and resolving minor customer concerns in real time or by escalating to operations.
Support load planning by providing feedback on route issues, regular site constraints, and equipment needs to improve scheduling, load efficiency, and service reliability.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives such as safety audits, route optimization projects, fleet utilization studies, and training pilots to enhance overall operations.

Secondary Functions

Assist warehouse staff with palletizing, shrink-wrapping, staging, and inventory counting during loading or unloading to expedite turnaround time.
Support dispatch by reporting recurring route delays, customer site restrictions, and equipment trends that impact service levels or vehicle maintenance.
Train and mentor junior drivers or new hires on company procedures, vehicle operation best practices, and safe load securement techniques.
Help coordinate scheduled maintenance and downtime with fleet services to minimize operational impact and ensure record-keeping for service histories.
Participate in seasonal surge operations such as peak retail delivery periods, construction bulk hauling campaigns, or agricultural harvest transport.
Maintain cleanliness and basic interior/exterior appearance of assigned vehicles to meet company standards and regulatory requirements.
Occasionally operate specialized equipment (winches, forklifts, crane trucks) under supervision and with appropriate certifications to support single-driver load/unload scenarios.
Contribute to sustainability efforts by documenting idling times, suggesting fuel-efficient route changes, and supporting electrification or alternative fuel pilots where applicable.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A or B as required by vehicle type; endorsements such as HAZMAT, Tanker, Double/Triple, or Passenger where applicable.
Proven ability to operate heavy and medium-duty trucks, including tractor-trailers, flatbeds, dump trucks, and straight trucks across diverse road and job site conditions.
Proficiency with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), hours-of-service (HOS) compliance, and electronic documentation for driver logs and manifests.
Experience with load securement techniques and regulations, including proper use of chains, binders, straps, tarps, and blocking/bracing methods.
Familiarity with DOT/FMCSA regulations, state transport laws, weight limits, and vehicle inspection standards.
Competence using GPS navigation systems, route-planning software, mobile dispatch apps, and basic telematics dashboards.
Ability to perform routine vehicle inspections and basic preventative maintenance tasks; knowledge of reporting mechanisms for defects and mechanical failures.
Understanding of common freight patterns, bill of lading management, proof-of-delivery processes, and chain-of-custody documentation.
Basic competency in handling hazardous materials and compliance with placarding, documentation, and emergency response procedures (if HAZMAT endorsement held).
Experience working with loading docks, pallet jacks, forklifts (preferred), and warehouse procedures for safe and efficient handoffs.

Soft Skills

Strong commitment to safety, risk awareness, and adherence to company policies and regulatory compliance.
Excellent time management and organizational skills to meet delivery schedules and manage multiple stops.
Clear and professional communication with dispatch, customers, and colleagues; strong verbal and written reporting capabilities.
Problem-solving mindset and ability to make sound decisions under pressure (mechanical failure, weather, delays).
Customer-service orientation with diplomacy to handle on-site issues, tight delivery windows, and service recovery when needed.
Reliability and punctuality, with a dependable attendance record and ability to work variable hours including nights and weekends as required.
Physical stamina and dexterity for lifting, securing loads, and performing vehicle-related tasks across long shifts.
Adaptability and flexibility to support changing routes, emergency shipments, and business peak periods.
Teamwork and collaboration with warehouse, dispatch, and maintenance teams to maintain smooth operations.
Attention to detail for inspection checklists, documentation accuracy, and cargo handling requirements.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certificate in commercial driving, fleet operations, or logistics.
Safety, first aid, or HAZMAT training certifications where applicable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Transportation and Logistics
Fleet Management
Automotive Technology / Diesel Mechanics
Occupational Safety and Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1 to 5 years operating commercial vehicles in hauling, delivery, or dedicated transport roles.

Preferred:

2+ years’ experience as a hauler or commercial driver with documented safe driving record and experience handling the specific vehicle class and cargo types required for the role (e.g., flatbed, bulk, refrigerated, hazardous materials).
Prior experience using ELD systems, route optimization tools, and interacting with dispatch/operations teams.