Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for CDL Driver
A CDL driver is a professional driver who possesses a commercial driver's license (CDL) that allows to operate commercial vehicles, such as large trucks, buses, tractor-trailers, and other vehicles that require a CDL due to their size, weight, or passenger capacity. They are responsible for transporting goods or passengers over short or long distances. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for CDL Drivers.
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Main Responsibilities of CDL Driver
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a CDL Driver:
Adhere to
Adhere to all local state and federal vehicular regulations while driving.
Adhere to company policies and procedures as well as local, state and federal regulations and laws.
Adjust
Adjust and maintain company owed machines and equipment.
Assist in
Assist customers at the counter with loading material.
Assist customers in the stone gallery and moves slabs with overhead crane if needed.
Assist forklift operations when loading.
Assist in loading / unloading trucks and containers.
Assist in maintaining good housekeeping in yard and warehouse.
Assist in mapping driving routes.
Assist in warehouse if driving is not required or between runs.
Assist location with duties related to merchandise (i.e., loading and unloading).
Assist supervisor, other associates and other work areas, as assigned.
Assist the Driver in maneuvering his or her vehicle by directing the Driver from the ground.
Assist with finished goods and physical inventory using scanners.
Assist with plant and warehouse duties as time allows ensuring safety procedures are followed.
Assist with stocking and cleaning of store shelves, counter areas and floors.
Attend
Attend daily and weekly safety meetings and inspections.
Build
Build Strong, positive relationships which create brand equity with customers.
Check
Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
Check all load-related documentation to ensure that it is complete and accurate.
Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
Check weather conditions and road reports before departure.
Climb
Climb and maintain body balance on ladders, scaffolding, or high structures.
Collaborate with
Collaborate with any project teams on other special initiatives, as required.
Collect
Collect and verify delivery instructions.
Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.
Collect signature at delivery locations.
Communicate
Communicate and interact with customers, vendors and co-workers.
Communicate any problems to the department supervisor and / or manufacturing manager.
Communicate any problems with deliveries or customers to Store Manager.
Communicate customer requests to Route Manager or Dispatch.
Communicate effectively with supervisors and co-workers.
Communicate regularly with the dispatcher to ensure timely product delivery at job site.
Communicate thoughts, ideas and goals in a positive way to all team members and management.
Communicate with dispatch as needed.
Communicate with dispatch support to complete.
Complete
Complete and maintain daily paperwork as required by branch.
Complete and verify paperwork for accuracy.
Complete a pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspection of tractor, trailer and securements.
Complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision.
Complete DOT driver's log and vehicle inspections on a daily basis.
Complete paperwork and related administrative duties.
Complete required paperwork and provides to the appropriate department.
Complete truck summary, drivers log and other back detail daily.
Complete truck summary, driver's log and other backup detail daily.
Conduct
Conduct inspections of vehicle before departing to deliver goods.
Confirm
Confirm contents of each shipment load matches the manifest document.
Confirm delivery / pickup date and time with customer.
Consult
Consult with customer and management alike on customer container placement.
Contact
Contact customers to confirm date and time for delivery / pickup.
Coordinate
Coordinate pilot cars as needed.
Deliver
Deliver all portable storage units to customers locally.
Deliver materials to customers in a safe and timely manner.
Deliver product or material to customer locations throughout the New England Area.
Determine
Determine condition of vehicle by inspecting vehicle before and after use.
Document
Document and log work / rest periods.
Drive
Drive a commercial vehicle safely while picking up and delivering general freight.
Drive an environment of teamwork and open communication.
Drive a straight truck and deliver product to customers.
Drive crew to site and guide helper to ensure safe unloading.
Drive bus to service center to obtain needed repairs and services.
Drive over-length vehicles in tight turning areas, highway traffic and off- road conditions.
Drive throughout the state of New York.
Drive trucks along established routes through residential streets, alleys and business areas.
Drop
Drop and hook for most loads.
Engage
Engage in clear attentive and informative dialogue with customers.
Enhance
Enhance organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests.
Ensure
Ensure contents are properly secured in a truck, flatbed to prevent damage / injury.
Ensure delivery vehicles and equipment is operated safely and efficiently.
Ensure equipment is kept in proper repair and working order.
Ensure garbage and recyclables at residences are picked up and transferred properly.
Ensure operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements.
Ensure placarding of vehicle meets DOT regulations.
Ensure products are delivered in a timely manner.
Ensure proper receipt of delivery confirmation.
Ensure safe and timely loading and unloading products.
Ensure security of equipment and cargo.
Ensure temperature is maintained throughout transit.
Ensure that truck has proper and current inspections.
Ensure the truck and trailer are labeled, flagged, placarded, etc. for the load being hauled.
Ensure the truck has all necessary paperwork for every vehicle driven daily.
Ensure truck is properly loaded and load secured.
Ensure warehouse storage facility is clean, dry, and secure at all times.
Ensure weight is distributed accordingly for the size trailer and number of axles.
Follow
Follow all company and state enforced safety requirements for loading and unloading product.
Follow all required safety policies and procedures.
Follow appropriate company safety procedures and wear all required PPE.
Follow company's attendance policy by coming to work on time and when scheduled.
Follow delivery schedule and rest at appropriate times.
Follow rules and regulations of the road at all times.
Follow the delivery schedule and rest at appropriate times.
Handle
Handle general fleet maintenance including.
Handle incoming and outgoing shipments by checking them physical.
Help
Help maintain a clean loading dock area, warehouse, parking lot.
Includes
Includes inspection under hood, check under carriage, check fluid levels and air tires.
Inform
Inform supervisor on duty of any returned merchandise from stores.
Inform Warehouse Manager of any unsafe conditions or emergency issues immediately.
Inspect
Inspect incoming and outgoing product for quality control.
Inspect and secure loads prior to transport.
Inspect cargo loads to ensure that they are packed appropriately.
Inspect truck equipment and supplies such as tires, lights, brakes, gas, oil and water.
Inspect the vehicle for defects and safe operating conditions as required by law and company policy.
Inspect trailer for properly loaded and secured freight.
Inspect truck and trailers for defects before and after loads and report any defects.
Inspect truck daily and complete inspection sheets.
Inspect vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance.
Install
Install and dismantle mobile offices at customer sites.
Install / remove foundation anchorage systems.
Insure
Insure paperwork and delivery documents are properly executed.
Interact with
Interact with customers on a daily basis to build relationships throughout your territory.
Interact with the airline representatives at the aircraft.
Keep
Keep Company vehicles clean and orderly.
Keep informed of weather conditions.
Keep and maintain records for compliance with State and Federal regulations.
Keep accurate delivery and inventory records for assigned delivery cargo.
Keep a daily record including trip reports and trailer yard inventory.
Keep
Keep shop and Haul Trucks clean and uncluttered.
Keep truck clean and washed as needed.
Keep truck interior neat and clean.
Keep truck stocked with all material needed to complete work assigned.
Lift
Lift and carry objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
Lift or move up to 100 lbs..
Load
Load and unload delivery trucks by pulling hoses from truck and attaching to fill station.
Load and unload own shipments.
Load and unload storage containers onto truck bed for delivery to storage facility.
Load outbound freight utilizing lift equipment.
Load pulling / load securement chains, straps, winch.
Load products and materials in trailers and trucks.
Load / unload trucks and containers.
Load / Unload company-owned and leased vehicles to facilitate shipping and receiving operations.
Load / Unload units with foundation materials and entry systems.
Load vehicles and secure material on trucks for delivery.
Maintain
Maintain a clean vehicle, daily driver logs and daily vehicle inspection reports.
Maintain a clean work environment.
Maintain a current Class A or B Commercial Driver's License as required.
Maintain and protect all property to ensure safe operating conditions.
Maintain an excellent, dependable level of attendance and punctuality.
Maintain clean warehouse, parking lot and area for unloading.
Maintain delivery, truck, and driving records by obtaining receipt acknowledgments.
Maintain delivery vehicle stock material levels.
Maintain detailed driving and delivery logs.
Maintain driver log and abide by all D.O.T. regulations.
Maintain driving logs and ensures rest period compliance per DOT regulations.
Maintain HOS / ELD and BOL / Shipping Documents.
Maintain maintenance logs on Trucks making certain they are in good operating condition at all times.
Maintain ongoing communication with route dispatcher.
Maintain professional appearance of vehicle.
Maintain proficiency in computerized systems and other technologies as required.
Maintain records and logs of internal and external service.
Maintain records by completing utilizing the Electronic Logging Device (ELD).
Maintain records required with compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
Maintain requirements of CDL license.
Maintain the vehicle visual appearance, cleanliness and safety.
Maintain vehicle log, according to state and federal regulations.
Maintain warehouse inventory.
Maintain written records and service responses.
Make
Make each event a "rewarding” experience.
Make safety a priority at all times.
Manage
Manage Proof of Delivery Paperwork from customers.
Maneuver
Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions.
Manipulate
Manipulate heavy equipment control levers.
Map
Map delivery routes to ensure timely deliveries.
Meet
Meet, greet and assist all customers in a pleasant and courteous manner.
Meet minimum company standards on D.O.T. physical exam.
Move
Move luxury vehicles around a vehicle processing center to support technicians.
Move waste from department floor to outside dumpsters.
Notify
Notify supervisor when licenses and permits are approaching renewal date.
Notify supervisor when service or repairs are required.
Obey
Obey all applicable traffic laws and drive according to the weather / road conditions.
Obtain
Obtain delivery confirmations from each customer.
Operate
Operate a forklift to load and unload trucks as well as to stage and organize materials in the yard.
Operate bar code scanners to move and pick inventory.
Operate handheld power tools.
Operate hoisting and lifting devices.
Operate small equipment and tools as directed by supervisor.
Operate Tractor / Trailer and Box Trucks.
Operate various pieces of equipment in accordance with company procedures and safety regulations.
Operate with a high degree of independence while reporting to the local Operations Manager.
Order
Order pilot cars as needed.
Order trip transport permits as needed.
Organize
Organize and secure load.
Oversee
Oversee loading and unloading of trucks to maintain a safe operation at all times.
Oversee maintenance of truck fleet and recommends preventive maintenance when necessary.
Pack
Pack and load products onto trucks according to the company's specifications.
Perform
Perform cleaning requirements for tractor and performs minor maintenance of equipment as required.
Perform "Customer Ready” inspections of U-Box containers prior to dispatch.
Perform daily vehicle inspections and maintain the cleanliness of vehicles.
Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as installing light bulbs and fuses.
Perform frequent lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying of freight.
Perform inspections on equipment as required.
Perform job duties within our safety guidelines.
Perform material handling functions when not on deliveries.
Perform safety checks, pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure safe operating condition.
Perform warehouse duties and assisting with warehouse administration.
Personalize
Personalize each event, phone call or customer interaction with friendly clear conversation.
Pick-up
Pick-up and safely transport goods, livestock, etc. to the intended destination.
Pick-up loads and organize goods in an ordered, logical manner.
Pre-inspect
Pre-inspect truck, load with materials and verify load for accuracy.
Prepare
Prepare DOT required log of time on duty and driving.
Prepare, receive, and provide appropriate documentation for the delivery or pick up of goods.
Prepare truck for operation by inspecting destinations, operating the truck and maintaining schedule.
Prioritize
Prioritize work by interacting with area leads.
Process
Process and complete all necessary paperwork concerning deliveries, pick-ups, and returns.
Provide
Provide backup to other Fleet Operators as assigned.
Provide basic customer training on equipment usage as needed.
Provide customer assistance to include the sale of support items.
Provide delivery of materials to customer sites or branch locations.
Provide delivery of material to customer sites or other branch locations.
Provide excellent customer service.
Provide excellent service to customers, including generating sales leads.
Provide on-the-job training to new workers and employees.
Provide outstanding customer communication and support to vendors and suppliers.
Provide outstanding customer service during delivery and pickup operations.
Provide professional and courteous service to our customers and the general public.
Provide the necessary time, patience and attention to each customer.
Provide timely communication with team members regarding the status of daily route.
Read
Read, comprehend and complete basic checklists, forms or other related documents.
Read, write and understand the English Language.
Report
Report and maintain an accurate driver's log for DOT requirements.
Report defects, accidents or violations.
Report needs for larger repairs to the appropriate parties.
Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
Respond to
Respond to requests for service and assistance.
Review
Review deliveries with customers to ensure products meet their needs.
Scan
Scan or write in confirmation of delivery upon arrival to recipient client.
Secure
Secure cargo for transport, using blocks, chains, binders, softners, straps and tarps.
Secure loads and ensure accurate deliveries.
Set up
Set up job perimeters, inspect the site to ensure a safe environment to unload.
Set up mobile offices on various sites using the proper material for each job.
Set up orders for daily shipment, delivery or pick up.
Submit
Submit all customer paperwork daily.
Take
Take responsibility for own actions.
Transport
Transport and unload product at customers' business.
Transport cargo to and from specified destinations.
Transport containers and mobile office units to and from customer sites.
Transport containers and mobile office units to and from various locations as directed by the branch.
Transport loads to and from designated locations in a timely fashion.
Transport materials from various sources located in the general area to the job site.
Transport and deliver product or material by operating a tractor / trailer truck.
Understand
Understand Federal Bridge laws, Hours of Service, and OSHA rules.
Understand refuse collection policies, procedures, guidelines and practices.
Unload
Unload goods as per client specifications.
Unload / load trucks and deliveries as needed.
Unload or assist in unloading materials by using crane, conveyor, piggybacks and / or by hand.
Wait
Wait on customers while truck is being loaded.
Walk
Walk and stand for extended periods of time on various surfaces that may be uneven or.
Work with
Work with the internal office and yard staff to complete orders.
Work with Yard Maintenance for scheduled service and repairs.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a CDL Driver:
Written and oral communication skills
Attention to detail
Reliable
Work ethic
Dependable
Professional maturity
Adaptable to changes
Communicate well with others
Detail-oriented
Interpersonal skills
Energetic
Flexible
Punctual
Time-management
