Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Teamster (Union Driver / Freight Handler)

🎯 Role Definition

A Teamster is a unionized commercial driver and freight handling professional responsible for operating heavy and medium-duty vehicles (Class A/B), loading and securing freight, executing safe and compliant deliveries, and performing dock and yard operations. The position emphasizes DOT compliance, vehicle inspection and maintenance, accurate recordkeeping (paper and electronic), and adherence to collective bargaining agreements. Teamsters support logistics and distribution functions across local, regional, and long-haul routes and work closely with dispatch, warehouse, and customer contacts to ensure efficient, damage‑free freight movement.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Associate / Dock Worker transitioning to local driving roles
Local Delivery Driver or Shuttle Driver moving into union driving positions
Military or Commercial Driving experience entering a Teamster role

Advancement To:

Lead Driver / Senior Teamster (route lead, mentor)
Driver Trainer / Safety Trainer
Dispatcher or Yard Supervisor
Fleet Manager or Operations Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Yard Jockey / Hostler
Dock Supervisor / Shipping & Receiving Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate Class A or Class B commercial vehicles in strict compliance with DOT, state, and local regulations, performing safe on‑road driving for local, regional, or long‑haul deliveries while maintaining excellent driving records.
Conduct thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections (engine, brakes, lights, tires, coupling systems) and document findings; ensure timely reporting and corrective action for any defects.
Load, unload, stack, and secure freight using proper load‑securement techniques (chain, ratchet straps, load bars, blocking/bracing) to prevent cargo shifting and damage during transit.
Maintain accurate electronic and paper logbooks (ELD compliance), trip manifests, bills of lading, delivery receipts, and any required DOT paperwork to ensure regulatory and union compliance.
Safely operate material handling equipment (powered pallet jack, stand‑up / sit‑down forklift where certified) during dock operations to move pallets, crates, and equipment between trailer and warehouse.
Plan and follow optimized delivery routes using GPS, routing software, and communication with dispatch to meet scheduled pick‑ups and deliveries and minimize downtime.
Perform coupling and uncoupling procedures for tractor-trailer combinations, verifying secure connections (kingpin, fifth wheel, air lines, electrical), and ensuring trailer doors and lifts are safe for operation.
Execute safe backing, docking, and trailer placement in tight yard and dock environments while coordinating with spotters and yard personnel to reduce property damage and injuries.
Handle customer interactions professionally at delivery and pick‑up sites, including obtaining signatures, addressing delivery discrepancies, completing proof‑of‑delivery documentation, and escalating customer issues through proper channels.
Follow hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling procedures if certified, including proper placarding, securement, segregation, and adherence to emergency response protocols and MSDS requirements.
Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks such as fueling, checking fluid levels, greasing fittings, changing lights, and keeping the vehicle clean and roadworthy between service intervals.
Support cross‑dock and intermodal operations by unloading and reloading freight, staging pallets for transfer, and maintaining accurate staging and inventory counts for pickup windows.
Monitor and report safety incidents, near misses, and accidents immediately; cooperate with incident investigations and participate in safety stand‑downs, toolbox talks, and mandated training.
Adhere to union rules and the collective bargaining agreement, including reporting procedures, seniority enforcement, timekeeping, and grievance processes; participate in union meetings and safety committees as required.
Use electronic dispatch systems, handheld scanners, and warehouse management systems to receive runs, update delivery status in real time, and reconcile inventory and paperwork at pickup and drop‑off points.
Perform load balancing, weight distribution checks, and secure hazardous or temperature‑sensitive cargo (including refrigerated/freezer loads) to protect cargo integrity and comply with weight restrictions.
Assist in yard organization and trailer rotation, including moving trailers to/from dock doors, staging loaded trailers for dispatch, and ensuring lot security and proper documentation for in/out movements.
Mentor and train junior drivers and new hires on safe driving practices, vehicle inspection routines, union policies, customer service expectations, and site‑specific procedures.
Execute special handling procedures for oversized, overweight, high‑value, or fragile freight, coordinating escorts, permits, and route clearance when necessary.
Maintain professional appearance and communication, representing the company and the union positively in all customer and vendor interactions.
Participate in mandatory training programs (driver safety, defensive driving, HAZMAT refresher, ELD and log compliance) and maintain required certifications and endorsements through continuing education.
Coordinate with mechanics and maintenance teams to schedule repairs, follow up on service orders, and ensure out‑of‑service issues are resolved prior to returning equipment to service.
Support emergency response and recovery operations during extreme weather or incident scenarios (re‑routing, securing freight, assisting stranded vehicles) while maintaining safety of personnel and cargo.

Secondary Functions

Assist warehouse teams with periodic inventory counts, damage inspections, and pallet recovery operations to support efficient supply chain throughput.
Participate in lean initiatives and continuous improvement projects to reduce dwell time, optimize yard flow, and increase on‑time delivery percentages.
Provide constructive feedback to dispatch and operations on route inefficiencies, recurring equipment issues, or service gaps that impact productivity and customer satisfaction.
Help maintain accurate vehicle maintenance logs and fuel usage reports to support fleet cost control and sustainability initiatives.
Serve as a point of contact during customer site audits, demonstrating compliant load securement, correct paperwork, and adherence to safety procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A required; Class B or specific endorsements (as applicable) preferred.
Experience with Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) and maintaining compliant hours‑of‑service logs.
Load securement expertise: chains, binders, ratchet straps, load bars, and tarping for flatbeds and curtain‑side trailers.
Knowledge of DOT regulations, state motor carrier rules, weight and dimension restrictions, and vehicle inspection standards.
Forklift and powered industrial truck operation (certified) for dock operations and pallet handling.
HAZMAT endorsement and training for handling hazardous materials (where required by route or freight).
Experience with GPS navigation systems, route planning tools, and dispatch communication platforms.
Coupling/uncoupling and air brake system troubleshooting skills, including pre‑trip defect identification and basic maintenance follow‑up.
Familiarity with temperature‑controlled freight handling procedures, refrigeration units (reefer) checks, and cold chain protocols.
Proficiency with handheld scanners, WMS interfaces, barcode scanning, and basic digital recordkeeping.

Soft Skills

Strong safety mindset and consistent adherence to standard operating procedures and regulatory requirements.
Excellent time management and punctuality to meet strict delivery windows and customer expectations.
Clear verbal and written communication for interactions with dispatch, customers, and team members.
Customer service orientation with professional demeanor during pickups, deliveries, and site interactions.
Problem solving and situational awareness for handling route disruptions, mechanical failures, or delivery exceptions.
Team player attitude and flexibility to support dock operations, assist other drivers, and respond to changing priorities.
Reliability, integrity, and accountability in following union rules, timekeeping, and company policies.
Physical stamina and ability to lift, carry, and maneuver freight safely within required weight limits.
Attention to detail for accurate paperwork completion, load inspections, and cargo documentation.
Mentoring and training skills to onboard and coach junior drivers and promote a culture of safety.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED, with required commercial driving training and CDL qualification.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certificates in commercial driving, fleet maintenance, or logistics operations.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Commercial Driving / Trucking
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Automotive Technology / Diesel Mechanics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years commercial driving or freight handling experience for local/regional roles; 3+ years preferred for long‑haul or specialized routes.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience in a unionized environment (Teamsters or equivalent) and familiarity with collective bargaining regulations.
Proven safe driving record, DOT compliance history, and training/certifications relevant to endorsements (HAZMAT, tanker, doubles/triples, etc.).