Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Seasonal Fuel Delivery Driver

🎯 Role Definition

The Seasonal Fuel Delivery Driver is a front-line logistics professional responsible for the safe, efficient and compliant delivery of liquid fuels (gasoline, diesel, heating oil, propane) to residential, commercial and industrial customers on a temporary/seasonal basis. This role requires excellent driving skills, adherence to federal, state and company regulations (including DOT and HAZMAT where applicable), strong customer service, accurate fuel handling/dispensing, and the ability to work independently in variable weather conditions. Seasonal drivers support peak demand periods (e.g., winter heating season, summer construction season) and must maintain professional appearance, timely communication, and meticulous documentation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Local CDL-A or CDL-B driver roles (pickup/delivery, box truck)
Fuel or oil route helper / driver assistant
Warehouse or fueling station attendant transitioning to driving

Advancement To:

Full-time Fuel Delivery Driver (year-round)
Route Supervisor or Lead Driver
Fleet Safety or Compliance Coordinator
Logistics or Operations Supervisor (fuel distribution)

Lateral Moves:

Hazmat/chemical transport driver
Propane technician or service technician
On-site fueling operations coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate assigned fuel delivery vehicle safely and legally, completing daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, verifying tank integrity, hoses, meters and safety equipment before each shift to prevent leaks or mechanical failures.
Complete accurate route planning and on-time deliveries using GPS and company route-management tools, adjusting schedules for traffic, weather and customer constraints while communicating delays proactively.
Load and unload bulk fuel safely, following load securement protocols and verifying product type, quantity and product temperature against delivery orders and manifests to avoid cross-contamination or over-delivery.
Dispense gasoline, diesel, heating oil or propane at customer sites using metered pumps, manual transfer equipment or bobtail trucks, ensuring meters are calibrated and readings are recorded accurately on delivery tickets.
Maintain precise delivery documentation including bills of lading, delivery tickets, invoices and electronic logs, ensuring signatures and customer confirmations are obtained and records submitted according to company timelines.
Comply with all DOT, state and local regulations, company policies and safety standards for hazardous materials transport, including placarding, securement, logbooks, hours-of-service rules and mandatory reporting of incidents.
Perform safe product transfers using ground-level fittings, hoses and safety grounding procedures to prevent static discharge and release of fuel vapors; wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
Monitor inventory levels and report low stock, discrepancies, fuel quality concerns or suspected contamination to dispatch immediately to maintain service reliability and product integrity.
Respond to emergency situations (minor spills, leaks, overfills) with appropriate containment and notification steps per company spill response plans, including use of spill kits and immediate reporting to supervisors.
Deliver exceptional customer service at residences and businesses: confirm product and amount, explain safe usage and storage when requested, handle complaints professionally and escalate service issues promptly.
Conduct basic vehicle maintenance and cleaning: check fluid levels, tire condition, lights, brakes and safety equipment; report mechanical issues and coordinate service to minimize downtime.
Adhere to strict cash handling and payment procedures for on-site payments or account invoicing; reconcile payments, complete end-of-day settlements and report discrepancies.
Execute safe backing and tight-site maneuvers at driveways, commercial properties and construction sites, using spotters as needed and following company backing and pedestrian safety protocols.
Maintain professional appearance and tools: company uniform, identification, delivery equipment (nozzles, hoses, meters, hand tools) and keep a clean, organized truck work area.
Participate in pre-season and post-season route planning, assisting dispatch with demand forecasting, route optimization and documentation of seasonal customer needs or site access changes.
Uphold environmental protection standards: prevent soil and water contamination during transfers, follow disposal procedures for absorbents and used PPE, and document environmental incidents immediately.
Train and mentor seasonal helpers or new hires on safe fueling techniques, company policies, meter operation and customer service expectations during peak season.
Maintain up-to-date certifications and endorsements (CDL, HAZMAT, tanker endorsement if applicable), complete required safety training modules and participate in briefings related to seasonal hazards and product changes.
Enforce site-specific safety requirements at industrial and commercial locations, including lock-out/tag-out, confined space awareness, hot-work exclusion zones and adherence to customer access rules.
Coordinate with dispatch and fuel coordinators to manage backhauls, redistribute loads and support peak demand shifts, including relief driving for colleagues and assisting with emergency deliveries.
Use mobile devices and company apps to capture delivery photos, record meter readings, obtain electronic signatures and upload documentation in real time for audit and billing accuracy.
Verify and maintain compatibility of fuel types delivered to mixed-fleet customer sites (e.g., on-site tanks for diesel vs. kerosene), preventing cross-contamination by following color-coding, labeling and nozzle protocols.
Execute safe ladder usage and rooftop access procedures for deliveries that require reaching elevated tanks, ensuring fall protection and proper staging prior to completing the transfer.
Perform route-based safety checks for environmental hazards (icy driveways, unstable approaches, low-clearance obstacles) and take appropriate mitigation steps or refuse unsafe deliveries per company policy.

Secondary Functions

Assist warehouse staff with staging and loading fuel drums, filters and service parts during peak periods to speed turnaround.
Support inventory audits at satellite tanks and bulk storage facilities during season start and finish to reconcile physical counts with system records.
Provide input to dispatch and operations on route inefficiencies, recommended schedule adjustments and recurring customer-access problems to improve seasonal operations.
Participate in routine safety meetings, debriefs after incidents and contribute to updates to spill response and emergency action plans reflecting seasonal risks.
Help maintain customer account records by reporting changes in access, billing contacts or delivery instructions discovered during routes.
Assist with basic mechanical troubleshooting at delivery sites (e.g., nozzle repair, hose replacement) when safe and within scope of training.
Support cross-functional teams during high-volume events by performing supplemental logistics tasks such as fueling company vehicles, moving equipment, or assisting with on-site setup.
Maintain and charge vehicle-mounted electronic devices and sensors, ensuring communication channels remain reliable for dispatch and emergency contact.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) — Class B or A where required, with tanker (N) and/or HAZMAT (H) endorsements as applicable.
Proven experience operating bobtail trucks, tanker trucks, roll-off fuel trucks or similar vehicles safely in residential and industrial environments.
Meter operation, fuel dispensing and reconciliation: accurate reading, calibration awareness and electronic delivery ticketing.
Strong knowledge of DOT and state transportation regulations, hours-of-service laws, placarding, and hazardous materials handling procedures.
Spill containment and basic emergency response skills including use of absorbents, containment booms, and reporting protocols.
Hose handling, pump operation and safe manual transfer techniques, including grounding and bonding to prevent static discharge.
Route planning and navigation proficiency using GPS, route-optimization software and paper manifests.
Basic vehicle inspection and preventive maintenance capabilities (pre-trip/post-trip checks, fluid checks, tire and brake inspection).
Familiarity with fuel types, contamination indicators, and tank compatibility to prevent cross-contamination.
Cash handling, invoicing, and electronic payment processing experience for on-site transactions.
Experience using mobile delivery apps, electronic signatures, and photo-documentation tools on smartphones/tablets.
Ability to read and interpret technical safety data sheets (SDS) and product specifications.

Soft Skills

Strong safety mindset with attention to detail and the ability to follow structured procedures under pressure.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills; ability to represent the company professionally on-site.
Problem-solving skills to assess unsafe conditions and make on-the-spot, policy-aligned decisions.
Time-management and organizational skills to complete high-volume routes on tight schedules.
Physical stamina and dexterity to lift, climb, operate hoses and work in varied weather conditions.
Dependability, punctuality and the ability to work independently with limited supervision.
Clear written and verbal communication for accurate incident reporting and logging.
Team player attitude and willingness to assist dispatch, warehouse and operations during peaks.
Adaptability to changing routes, product types and seasonal operational demands.
Conflict resolution and customer de-escalation skills for handling billing or delivery disputes calmly.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certificate in commercial driving, transportation logistics or safety management.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Transportation / Commercial Driving
Logistics and Supply Chain
Occupational Safety and Health
Fleet or Automotive Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–4 years experience in fuel delivery, bobtail operations, tanker driving or similar commercial driving roles.

Preferred:

2+ years delivering fuel or hazardous liquids with a clean driving record and prior seasonal route experience.
Active endorsements as required (CDL with tanker and HAZMAT preferred), prior participation in spill response drills, and familiarity with winter delivery challenges.