Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fuel Driver

🎯 Role Definition

A Fuel Driver (Fuel Delivery Driver / Fuel Tanker Driver) is responsible for operating tank trucks and delivery vehicles to transport, deliver and dispense petroleum products (diesel, gasoline, kerosene, lubricants, and heating oil) to service stations, commercial customers, industrial sites and residential locations. The Fuel Driver ensures safe loading and unloading, accurate metering, adherence to DOT and HAZMAT regulations, proper vehicle inspections and professional customer interactions. This role emphasizes loss prevention, environmental protection, and timely route completion while maintaining accurate delivery records and electronic logs.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Local delivery driver (non-tanker)
CDL trainee or driving school graduate
Fuel attendant or service station technician

Advancement To:

Lead Fuel Driver / Senior Tanker Driver
Fleet Supervisor / Routing Supervisor
Fuel Operations Manager / Distribution Manager

Lateral Moves:

Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Specialist Driver
Bulk Chemical/Tanker Driver
Route Coordinator / Dispatch Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and safely drive tanker trucks and delivery vehicles to transport bulk fuel and petroleum products, following assigned routes and delivery schedules while obeying all local, state and federal driving laws and DOT regulations.
Load and unload fuel using hoses, pumps, metering systems and transfer equipment, ensuring accurate delivery volumes and preventing product contamination or cross-contamination between product grades.
Perform pre-trip, en-route and post-trip vehicle inspections (including DOT-required inspections), documenting defects, completing vehicle condition reports and initiating corrective action or maintenance requests as required.
Maintain and operate metering, vapor recovery, filtration and grounding equipment to ensure safe, leak-free transfers; verify meters and gauges before and after each delivery for accuracy and compliance.
Secure loads and tank compartments, verify driver logs and placards, and ensure tanker compartment valves, baffles and seals are functional and compliant with safety standards.
Adhere to all HAZMAT, hazardous waste and environmental regulations during loading, transport and unloading operations, including proper handling of spills, leaks and product overflows.
Complete accurate delivery paperwork including bills of lading, delivery tickets, manifests, electronic logging device (ELD) logs, and customer signatures while maintaining records for audits and reconciliation.
Communicate proactively with dispatch, route planners and customers to confirm delivery windows, access restrictions, special handling instructions and any site-specific safety requirements.
Respond to and manage on-site fueling emergencies, spill incidents and customer concerns by following company emergency response procedures, containment methods and by contacting emergency services or environmental response teams when necessary.
Perform meter reconciliations, inventory checks and fuel quantity verification at loading terminals and customer sites to ensure accurate billing and inventory control.
Engage with customers professionally at point-of-delivery, providing clear instructions, verifying product and quantity, and addressing routine questions about fuel delivery and site safety.
Follow all required personal protective equipment (PPE) policies, grounding/ bonding procedures during transfer, and confined space restrictions when performing site work.
Navigate complex delivery sites (industrial plants, construction sites, marinas, retail service stations) safely by assessing site conditions, communicating site hazards, and coordinating with on-site personnel for secure access and offloading.
Maintain fuel truck cleanliness, equipment calibration and operational readiness by performing routine maintenance tasks such as checking tires, brakes, lights, fluid levels, hoses and couplings and arranging timely repairs.
Operate electronic dispatch tools, GPS navigation and route optimization applications to improve on-time delivery performance and reduce fuel consumption.
Follow company security and loss-prevention practices to protect fuel inventory, prevent theft or unauthorized transfers, and report suspicious activity to management immediately.
Adhere to company attendance, timekeeping and driver conduct policies; maintain valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with required endorsements (tanker, HAZMAT) and current DOT medical certification.
Participate in safety meetings, driver training, and continuing education programs to stay current with regulatory changes, safe driving practices and new fueling technologies.
Conduct routine checks and documentation for vapor recovery systems, automatic shutoffs and overfill protection devices on delivery equipment and at customer sites.
Coordinate return of empty drums, pallets or auxiliary equipment, and ensure proper disposal or return of contaminated materials consistent with environmental regulations.
Assist with terminal operations as needed, including loading trucks, verifying product grades, reconciling loading tickets and maintaining clean and safe fueling/loading areas.
Report near-misses, vehicle incidents, environmental exposures, and customer property damage through the company’s incident reporting system and participate in incident investigations when requested.

Secondary Functions

Support dispatch with real-time route updates, unexpected delays and alternate delivery sequencing to maximize route efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Assist terminal personnel with inventory audits, product sampling, and stock rotation when on-site between deliveries.
Help maintain fueling facility safety signage, spill kits, and PPE supplies; restock or replenish items as directed.
Train new or less-experienced drivers in company delivery procedures, safety protocols and customer service expectations when assigned.
Participate in pilot programs or equipment trials (e.g., new metering technology, ELD enhancements) and provide practical driver feedback for process improvements.
Provide occasional support for non-fuel bulk deliveries (lubricants, DEF, propane where certified) according to company cross-training policies.
Maintain accurate expense and fuel usage records when responsible for company fuel cards or vehicle expense reporting.
Facilitate collection of customer purchase orders, site permits and access credentials to ensure compliant site entry and on-time deliveries.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A or B as required by employer, with Tanker (N) endorsement and Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement preferred.
Current DOT medical certificate and ability to pass pre-employment and random drug & alcohol screens.
Demonstrated knowledge of DOT, EPA and local HAZMAT transport regulations, including placarding, shipping papers and emergency response procedures.
Proficiency operating tanker trucks, pump and metering systems, vapor recovery equipment and overfill protection devices.
Strong pre-trip and post-trip inspection skills with the ability to identify mechanical defects and report repair needs.
Experience using Electronic Logging Devices (ELD), GPS navigation units and route optimization or dispatch software.
Ability to perform accurate meter reconciliations, read delivery tickets/bills of lading and complete inventory verification tasks.
Knowledge of fuel handling safety protocols: bonding/grounding, hot-work restrictions, boom placement and spill containment.
Basic mechanical aptitude for on-road troubleshooting, minor maintenance and reporting mechanical issues to fleet maintenance.
Familiarity with customer site fueling systems (underground tanks, dispensers, hydrants, manifold systems) and safe connection practices.
Experience in emergency spill response, containment, reporting and use of spill kits and environmental control measures.
Competence with mobile devices and basic office software for record keeping, email and delivery documentation.

Soft Skills

Strong safety-first mindset with the ability to consistently apply policies and influence others to follow procedures.
Excellent time management and route planning skills to achieve on-time deliveries and meet customer expectations.
Professional customer service presence and clear communication skills when interacting with on-site personnel and dispatch.
High attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, meter readings and fuel reconciliation to prevent billing errors and product loss.
Problem-solving orientation to respond to access issues, equipment failures or delivery exceptions with calm and practical solutions.
Reliability and dependability with consistent attendance, punctuality and the ability to work variable hours or overtime when required.
Teamwork and cooperation with terminal staff, dispatchers, operations and maintenance teams.
Physical stamina and dexterity to handle hoses, climb access ladders, and work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
Integrity and accountability in handling company inventory, cashless payment processes and protecting company assets.
Adaptability to changing routes, customer requirements and regulatory updates.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Vocational or technical training in transportation, logistics or heavy vehicle operations; coursework in HAZMAT handling, DOT compliance or occupational safety.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Commercial Driving / CDL Training
Transportation and Logistics
Occupational Safety & Health
Mechanical or Automotive Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–5 years driving commercial vehicles; 1–3 years operating tank trucks or bulk fuel delivery preferred.

Preferred: 2–5 years of fuel/tanker delivery experience with CDL and HAZMAT/Tanker endorsements, strong safety record and prior experience with ELDs, metering equipment and DOT compliance.