Truck drivers use big, heavy vehicles to transport goods and materials from one area to another.

Truck drivers may be owner-drivers or  drive company-owned vehicles. Truck drivers carry a wide variety of goods, including dangerous or flammable substances, manufactured goods, livestock and refrigerated products.

Truck drivers may perform the following tasks:

• load goods onto the truck either by hand, or by using a forklift or other lifting equipment
• ensure that the load is correctly placed
• secure the load using ropes and chains to avoid damage to the truck or the goods
• cover the load with tarpaulin
• drive vehicles to their destination and unload
• maintain a log book with details of trips

Truck drivers need to be aware of laws governing the transport of some loads. Some heavy truck drivers require special classes of license, to transport bulky goods or materials. Heavy truck drivers usually deliver goods interstate, and may be required to drive for long periods of time over vast distances.

In order to keep up with the demands long hours and vast distances place on both the driver and truck, truck drivers need to demonstrate:

• the ability to do some mechanical work
• a safe driving record
• a degree of physical fitness