Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Lorry Driver

🎯 Role Definition

As a professional Lorry Driver, you are the backbone of our supply chain, ensuring that goods are delivered safely, efficiently, and on schedule. This role requires more than just driving; it demands a high level of responsibility, meticulous attention to detail, and a steadfast commitment to safety regulations. You will operate state-of-the-art heavy goods vehicles, navigate diverse routes, and serve as a key point of contact with our customers and warehouse teams. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated individual with a clean driving record and a deep understanding of transportation logistics and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Your performance directly impacts our operational success and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Newly Licensed CDL Holder / Driving School Graduate
Warehouse Associate or Forklift Operator
Driver's Helper or Lumper

Advancement To:

Owner-Operator
Fleet Manager or Supervisor
Driver Trainer or Safety Manager
Logistics Coordinator or Dispatcher

Lateral Moves:

Heavy Equipment Operator
Bus Driver
Dispatcher

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely operate a heavy-duty truck (e.g., tractor-trailer, straight truck) to transport freight over local, regional, or long-distance routes.
Execute thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections of the vehicle's systems, equipment, and accessories to ensure full operational safety.
Meticulously plan driving routes and schedules to ensure timely delivery, considering road conditions, traffic, and legal driving hour limitations.
Properly and securely load, unload, and arrange cargo, utilizing straps, chains, binders, and tarps to prevent shifting or damage during transit.
Adhere strictly to all traffic laws and regulations, as well as company policies and procedures, to maintain a high standard of safety on the road.
Maintain accurate and compliant records of working hours, vehicle service status, and mileage using an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) or paper logs as required.
Verify all shipping documentation, including bills of lading, manifests, and customs paperwork, ensuring accuracy for pickup and delivery.
Maneuver the vehicle into tight loading or unloading positions at depots, warehouses, and customer sites with precision and care.
Monitor vehicle performance and mechanical condition, promptly reporting any defects, malfunctions, or necessary repairs to the maintenance team.
Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations regarding cargo weight, securing procedures, and transportation of hazardous materials (if applicable).
Maintain constant communication with dispatchers to provide updates on delivery status, delays, and any unforeseen incidents.
Handle all freight with care to prevent damage and ensure it arrives at its destination in its original condition.
Collect and verify delivery instructions, obtaining necessary signatures and proof of delivery (POD) documents from customers upon completion of a run.
Proactively manage rest periods and comply with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to prevent fatigue and ensure road safety.

Secondary Functions

Act as a brand ambassador by providing exceptional customer service during pickups and deliveries, professionally addressing any customer inquiries.
Assist in the training and mentoring of new or less-experienced drivers on company procedures and best practices.
Perform minor preventative maintenance on the truck, such as checking and refilling fluid levels and changing light bulbs.
Keep the truck cab and trailer clean and presentable, reflecting the company's commitment to professionalism.
Report all accidents, traffic violations, and vehicle damage immediately to management and assist in completing required reports.
Retain and submit all necessary receipts for fuel, tolls, and other road expenses in a timely manner for reimbursement and accounting.
Stay informed about changes in transportation regulations and best practices through company training and self-study.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid and current Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A.
Clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) with a proven history of safe driving.
Deep understanding of Department of Transportation (DOT) and Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
Proficiency in operating Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) and GPS navigation systems.
Ability to perform comprehensive pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
Basic mechanical knowledge for identifying and reporting vehicle issues.
Skill in maneuvering large vehicles in various weather conditions and tight spaces.
Experience with proper cargo securement techniques and weight distribution principles.

Soft Skills

Exceptional time management and organizational skills to meet strict deadlines.
Strong sense of independence, self-motivation, and reliability.
Clear and professional communication skills for interacting with dispatch, customers, and team members.
High level of situational awareness and a strong commitment to safety protocols.
Problem-solving ability to handle unexpected situations like traffic, delays, or mechanical issues.
Strong work ethic and dependability.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate of completion from an accredited professional truck driving school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Transportation and Logistics
Automotive Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-10+ years of verifiable commercial driving experience.

Preferred: 2+ years of over-the-road (OTR) or regional tractor-trailer driving experience. Experience with specific trailer types (e.g., flatbed, reefer, tanker) may be preferred depending on the role. A hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement is a significant plus.