The job of heavy goods vehicle driver: skills, responsibilities and prospects

The road freight transport sector is based on heavy goods vehicle drivers, essential professionals to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of goods across the roads.

These road drivers play a key role in the logistics of transport companies, driving trucks and heavy goods vehicles as part of road freight transport.

In this article, we will explore the required skills, associated responsibilities and career prospects for truck drivers in road freight transport. In addition, we will discuss the importance of FIMO (Mandatory Minimum Initial Training) for transporters and the logistical aspects related to goods management.

1- Skills required to be a heavy goods vehicle driver :

• Appropriate driving license : To practice this profession, it is essential to obtain the appropriate driving license for heavy goods vehicles. This can include C, CE, or even the EC license for international transport.

• Knowledge of driving and safety rules : Heavy goods vehicle drivers must master the rules of driving regarding road safety. They must also be aware of the specific regulations for the transport of dangerous or sensitive goods.

• Planning and organizational skills : Time management and effective route planning are essential to meet delivery deadlines. Truck drivers must be able to establish realistic schedules and manage their driving and rest time effectively.

• Technical skills : Basic knowledge of mechanics and vehicle maintenance skills are important to perform regular checks and resolve minor technical problems that may arise along the way.

2- Responsibilities and tasks of the heavy goods vehicle driver

• Transport of goods : The main role of a truck driver is to ensure the safe and reliable transportation of goods. This involves loading and unloading goods, ensuring their safety during transport and following specific procedures for different types of cargo.

• Vehicle maintenance : HGV drivers must ensure that their vehicle is in good working order. This includes regular maintenance, preventive checks and reporting potential mechanical problems.

• Communication and customer service : Truck drivers often come into direct contact with customers and supply chain stakeholders, so they need to have good communication skills to provide delivery status updates, handle any issues, and provide quality customer service.

3- Career prospects and developments

• Progression to supervisory positions : With experience, truck drivers can progress to supervisory roles, such as team leader or fleet manager.These positions involve managing a team of drivers and coordinating transportation operations.

• Possibility of becoming independent : Some truck drivers choose to become self-employed by setting up their own transport company. This gives them the freedom to manage their own clients and set their own rates.

• Continuing education and specialization : To remain competitive in the job market, truck drivers can specialize in areas such as refrigerated transport, hazardous materials transport or international transport. Additional training and specific certifications are available to acquire these specialized skills.

Conclusion

The profession of heavy goods vehicle driver and goods delivery driver is of capital importance in the field of road transport. These professionals play a key role in ensuring safe deliveries and road transport of goods. With varied employment opportunities, including temporary positions, in SPL (Super Poids Lourd), and requirements such as the CACES (Certificate of Aptitude for Safe Driving) for handling, this profession offers interesting professional prospects.

To work in this profession, it is necessary to hold the appropriate license and have skills in unloading and handling goods. Truck drivers can also benefit from specialized training such as a Bac-Pro in the field of transport.

Thanks to the constant demand in the freight and road transport sector, heavy goods vehicle drivers have the opportunity to find stable jobs, such as CDI (Contrats à Durée Indeterminée), thus offering professional stability.

In conclusion, the job of truck driver and goods delivery driver is a dynamic and stimulating career in the field of road transport. With a growing demand for transport and delivery services, truck drivers play a vital role in the smooth running of logistics and trade.