Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an AZ Driver

An AZ driver is a professional who plays a vital role in the transportation industry. They are licensed commercial drivers responsible for operating heavy commercial vehicles, particularly tractor-trailers, to transport goods over long distances. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for AZ drivers.

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Main Responsibilities of an AZ Driver

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an AZ Driver:

Adapt to

Adapt to changing road and weather conditions to ensure safe driving.

Address

Address and resolve customer problems as appropriate.

Adhere to

Adhere to all Company and Customer Safety Standards.
Adhere to all Company Safety Policies.
Adhere to all traffic laws, regulations, and safety standards.
Adhere to company policies and procedures regarding delivery schedules and customer requirements.

Administer

Administer bills of lading and manually or electronically maintain logbooks.

Apply

Apply the necessary disciplinary measures.

Assist in

Assist customers in handling large items and treat them in a fair and consistent manner.
Assist in loading and unloading of trucks.

Assume

Assume other related duties as required or assigned.

Attend

Attend mandatory drivers meetings, training or administrative sessions as required.

Check

Check all load-related documentation to ensure that it is complete and accurate.
Check that vehicle position is correct and any special loading equipment is properly positioned.

Clean

Clean and inspect containers to ensure they are presentable for delivery to customer.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with warehouse staff to ensure efficient loading and unloading processes.

Communicate

Communicate effectively with other team members to complete daily and weekly goals.
Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.
Communicate effectively with the public, customers, and co-workers both verbally and in written form.
Communicate with dispatchers, shippers, and receivers to coordinate pickups and deliveries.
Communicate with our Dispatch team.
Communicate with site Foreman about job requirements.

Complete

Complete a daily truck inspection and keep it on file.
Complete all applicable paperwork.
Complete all necessary paperwork at the end of the shift.
Complete all reports related to vehicle usage such as run sheets, inspection reports and maintenance.
Complete data analysis and reports daily.
Complete documentation pertaining to driving and delivery of the freight.
Complete paperwork as per customer specified detail.
Complete required paperwork.
Complete scheduled deliveries to job sites in a safe and efficient manner.
Complete trips and deliveries in a safe and timely manner.

Conduct

Conduct daily pre-trip safety inspections on equipment.
Conduct regular inspections of cargo to ensure proper securing and integrity.

‪Connect

‪Connect and disconnect semi-trailer hoses.

Connect

Connect and disconnect semi-trailer hoses.

Contribute to

Contribute to monthly safety inspections of the building and keeps the record up to date.

Coordinate

Coordinate rental paperwork and payment with the customer.

Deliver

Deliver the product and proper paperwork to our customers in a courteous and timely manner.

Demonstrate

Demonstrate excellent spatial awareness and depth perception while maneuvering large vehicles.

Develop

Develop business relationships with clients through daily operations.

Dig

Dig trenches for pool construction projects with an excavator.

Discover

Discover the Dass Metal advantage for yourself.

Double

Double check delivered items to make sure customers receive exactly what they ordered.

Drive

Drive commercial vehicles over 10,000, pull 20ft trailers on occasions.

Drop off

Drop off and pick up equipment for customers.

Ensure

Ensure accuracy and record all deliveries on timesheet.
Ensure accurate recording of DEF and lubricant receipts, deliveries, inventory and invoicing.
Ensure accurate recording of deliveries for inventory management and invoicing.
Ensure all loads are properly secured and loaded and unloaded in safe manner.
Ensure customer delivery is met in a safe and professional manner.
Ensure customer delivery is met in a timely, safe and professional manner.
Ensure customer delivery windows are met in a safe and professional manner.
Ensure delivery is met in a timely, safe and professional manner.
Ensure equipment is not damaged when picked up from customer.
Ensure maintenance and repair of driver equipment.
Ensure that any debris caused by the loading / unloading of truck is cleaned up.
Ensure that material is properly protected from the outdoor elements.
Ensure the promotion of safe work practices to all staff, customers, suppliers and contractors.
Ensure the safe and timely loading, unloading and delivery of fuel to bulk plants and customers.
Ensure the truck is cleaned on a regular basis.
Ensure timely and accurate completion of all required paperwork.

Establish

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with customers and co-.

Exercise

Exercise sound judgment and decision-making skills in challenging situations.

Fill

Fill the vehicle with fuel at the end of every day.

Follow

Follow all laws, rules and regulations as per the Highway Traffic Act and Ministry of Transportation.
Follow all paperwork procedures related to the delivery and pick-up of vehicles for customers.
Follow company rules and regulations with respect to safety.
Follow company rules and regulations with respect to safety and hours of service.
Follow dispatch instructions and communicate delays, arrivals or equipment issues as required.
Follow strict protocols for handling hazardous materials, if applicable.

Give

Give cryogenic training on the road.

Inform

Inform management of new sales opportunities and job sites.
Inform supervisor of difficulties with deliveries or pickups.

Inspect

Inspect loaded truck for accuracy of order, compliance with weight.

Instruct

Instruct customers on equipment operation.

Keep

Keep a list of the expiry dates for the various qualifications and requirements up to date.
Keep the truck clean to ensure high cleanliness standards as represented by Freshouse foods.
Keep vehicles well maintained, safe, and secure.

Load

Load and unload cargo while adhering to proper handling and securing techniques.
Load and unload equipment.
Load and unload heavy equipment in a manner that is secure and damage free.
Load and unload the truck in a safe and timely manner according to UNFI procedures.
Load, secure, verify and unload cargo.

Maintain

Maintain accurate delivery and pickup records.
Maintain accurate records for submission to Fleet Office.
Maintain accurate records of working hours, mileage, and deliveries.
Maintain a clean driving record and valid AZ driver's license.
Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor while representing the company.
Maintain cleanliness and organization within the vehicle's cabin.
Maintain cleanliness of truck cab (keep free from debris inside and outside).
Maintain driver's logs and complete pre-trip inspections.
Maintain housekeeping on all areas outside the store / OSC.
Maintain inventory control documents to preserve the integrity of the Rental Management system.
Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation.
Maintain logs of travel and cargo according to federal and provincial regulations.
Maintain the Company's professional reputation to customers, the public and company employees.
Maintain trucks overall service and perform required inspections.
Maintain up-to-date Driver Log.
Maintain up-to-date Driver Log throughout the duration of each shift.

Make

Make scheduled deliveries to clients within the food industry.

Maneuver

Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew as needed.

Minimize

Minimize delays and report problems.

Monitor

Monitor and comply with weight and size restrictions for different loads.
Monitor and report any mechanical issues or abnormalities with the vehicle.

Notify

Notify Rental Coordinator or branch if behind schedule, so customers may be contacted.

Obey

Obey all legal and company regulations affecting the operation of motor vehicles.

Observe

Observe and comply with rules and regulations of the Federal Motor Vehicle.

Operate

Operate a forklift when needed.
Operate all Company vehicles in accordance with all Municipal, Provincial and Federal laws.
Operate and loads vehicle safely following and follows all relevant legislation.
Operate a tractor trailer truck that transports cargo to and from specified destinations.
Operate CCTV equipment daily, inspecting and coding defects in sewer infrastructure.
Operate flushing equipment safely and in accordance with OPSS 441 requirements.
Operate heavy excavation equipment onsite as required by foreman.
Operate mini excavators (various sizes) or back-hoe.
Operate specialized equipment, such as refrigeration units or hydraulic lifts, if necessary.
Operate the vehicle safely and follow relevant legislation at all times.
Operate tractor trailer to transport goods and materials mainly within the City of Ottawa.

Oversee

Oversee condition of vehicle and inspect tires, lights, brakes and other equipment. (.

Perform

Perform and log daily pre and post trip inspections of commercial vehicle and left.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Perform pre-trip, en route and post-trip inspections.
Perform pre-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle's mechanical fitness.
Perform routine vehicle maintenance, including refueling and checking fluid levels.
Perform trip inspections on equipment operated and load, ensuring safety and roadworthiness.
Perform vehicle inspections daily, as well as checking gas, oil and other fluid levels.

Pick

Pick up supplies and back-hauls from vendors.
Pick up and Deliver Petroleum products to local Retail and commerical gas station's and bulk Plants.
Pick up of various commodities from St. Thomas.
Pick up of vendor product as backhauls.

Plan

Plan and execute efficient routes to deliver goods within designated timeframes.

Practice

Practice defensive driving techniques to mitigate potential risks.

Prepare

Prepare driver notes as needed.

Provide

Provide exceptional customer service when interacting with clients or receivers.
Provide the highest level of customer service possible when dealing with customers.

Read

Read, interpret and augment maps with notes.
Read project sheets and perform project safety site inspections.

Record

Record cargo information, hours of service, distance travelled and fuel consumption.

Report

Report any accident immediately to the Transportation Manager.
Report any damages on equipment to dispatch supervisor.
Report any defects promptly to the Transportation Manager.
Report any delivery discrepancies or damages to the appropriate parties.
Report any required damage repairs or maintenance on the vehicle to your supervisor.
Report any workplace hazards and help to eliminate them.
Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage before and after route.
Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.

Represent

Represent the company professionally and maintain a positive public image.

Respond to

Respond promptly to any emergencies or accidents that may occur on the road.

Review

Review paperwork for completeness and accuracy.
Review traffic accidents with the accident committee.

Secure

Secure all loaded trailers.
Secure customer signature on contract, if not already signed.
Secure loaded equipment per company procedure and inspect in transit if necessary.

Set-up

Set-up bulk equipment safely at a customer's location when required.
Set-up job perimeters, inspect site to ensure a safe environment to unload.

Stay updated with

Stay updated with relevant industry regulations and compliance requirements.

Suggest

Suggest additional equipment and supplies customers may need.

Sweep

Sweep, dig, and move material at yard / jobsite.

Tag

Tag and move broken equipment to repair area.

Transport

Transport cargo and / or equipment in a safe and professional manner.
Transport TL / LTL temperature controlled shipments to and from the USA.

Travel

Travel to other cities / areas, work in a variety of settings and worksite conditions.

Turn

Turn in these forms to Branch Manager, along with pick up sheets.

Uphold

Uphold a strong work ethic and demonstrate reliability in meeting delivery deadlines.

Use

Use all personal protective equipment as required.
Use company handheld smartphone or computer for delivery verification and navigation.
Use GPS, atlases and other trip planning.
Use of a pump truck and tailgate.
Use of arms to push and push while walking.
Use of hands to grip and pinch.
Use of satellite tracking equipment.

Verify

Verify and complete required documentation, e-logs and reports.

Visit

Visit the customers to analyze delivery problems and propose solutions adapted to their needs.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an AZ Driver:

Proficient operation and control of commercial vehicles.
Knowledge of vehicle maintenance and pre-trip inspection procedures.
Expertise in route planning and navigation using GPS or other mapping tools.
Understanding of loading and unloading techniques and safety protocols.
Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs) for accurate record-keeping.
Ability to troubleshoot minor vehicle mechanical issues.
Comprehensive understanding of traffic laws and transportation regulations.
Expertise in defensive driving techniques to ensure road safety.
Competence in operating specialized equipment, such as refrigeration units or hydraulic lifts.
Proficiency in completing required paperwork accurately and efficiently.
Knowledge of hazardous material handling and compliance procedures.
Understanding of weight and size restrictions for different types of cargo.
Familiarity with various trucking technologies, including telematics and fleet management systems.
Ability to adapt to different types of trailers and vehicle configurations.
Skill in maneuvering large vehicles in tight spaces and challenging road conditions.
Knowledge of proper cargo securing methods and regulations.
Competence in performing basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as tire inspections and oil checks.
Proficiency in using communication devices, such as two-way radios or mobile phones.
Ability to assess and respond to potential safety hazards on the road.
Understanding of the principles of fuel efficiency and effective fuel management.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an AZ Driver:

Excellent communication skills to interact with dispatchers, clients, and team members effectively.
Strong time management and organizational abilities to meet delivery schedules.
Adaptability to handle unexpected changes in routes, weather conditions, or delivery requirements.
Problem-solving skills to address challenges on the road, such as traffic delays or mechanical issues.
Customer service orientation to provide a positive experience during interactions with clients.
Attention to detail in completing paperwork and ensuring accurate record-keeping.
Patience and calmness in high-pressure situations or congested traffic.
Critical thinking to make sound decisions in complex driving scenarios.
Teamwork and collaboration to coordinate with warehouse staff, dispatchers, and other drivers.
Resilience and stress management abilities to cope with long hours of driving and potential setbacks.

Conclusion

AZ drivers play a crucial role in the transportation industry, responsible for safely transporting goods over long distances. Their primary responsibilities encompass vehicle operation, cargo handling, adherence to regulations, and maintaining excellent customer service. The required skills for AZ drivers include a combination of technical expertise related to vehicle operation, navigation, safety protocols, and paperwork management, as well as essential soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. By possessing these skills, AZ drivers contribute to the smooth and efficient functioning of the transportation sector while ensuring the timely delivery of goods.