Long haul truck driver job description template

Table 1: Position Identification

1. Position Summary

The Long Haul Truck Driver operates heavy commercial motor vehicles to transport freight, goods, and materials across provincial and international road transport networks. This role is responsible for the safe navigation of tractor-trailer units over extended distances, ensuring cargo arrives intact, secure, and on schedule. The position functions with high operational independence while adhering strictly to statutory commercial transport regulations, national safety code standards, and organizational safety policies. The primary outcome of this role is reliable, incident-free freight delivery that preserves fleet assets, protects public safety, and maintains positive customer and border relations.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Commercial Vehicle Operation (40% of Time)

• Operates heavy tractor-trailer combinations safely across regional, interprovincial, and cross-border highway routes under varied traffic, terrain, and weather conditions.
• Applies defensive driving techniques to prevent traffic incidents, reduce vehicle wear, and optimize fuel efficiency.
• Adjusts vehicle speed, following distance, and braking according to road conditions, visibility, and heavy vehicle load dynamics.
• Maneuvers vehicles into tight loading docks, commercial yards, urban delivery points, and public weigh scales without incident.

2.2 Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Monitoring (15% of Time)

• Conducts mandatory pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip vehicle inspections daily, examining tires, lights, brakes, steering, suspension, and coupling devices.
• Identifies, documents, and immediately reports mechanical defects, safety hazards, and needed repairs to [REPORTS_TO_TITLE].
• Verifies that mandatory safety equipment, emergency flares, tire chains, and required fluids are present and functional before dispatch.
• Performs minor, operator-level preventative maintenance, including topping up fluids, replacing blown wiper blades, and cleaning exterior lighting.

2.3 Cargo Security, Loading, and Temperature Control (15% of Time)

• Verifies cargo counts, piece counts, and packaging integrity against transport manifests and bills of lading prior to departure.
• Inspects cargo securement devices, including straps, chains, load bars, and dunnage, ensuring compliance with commercial cargo securement standards.
• Monitors specialized transport systems, including refrigeration unit setpoints, cargo temperature data logs, and dangerous goods placards as required.
• Supervises loading and unloading at customer facilities to prevent improper weight distribution across vehicle axles.

2.4 Regulatory Compliance, Hours of Service, and Logs (15% of Time)

• Records duty status, driving hours, on-duty time, and rest breaks accurately using approved Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) in compliance with hours-of-service regulations.
• Plans daily travel routes, mandatory rest intervals, and refueling stops to maintain full statutory compliance and eliminate driver fatigue.
• Submits completed trip documentation, inspection logs, toll slips, and fuel receipts to [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] within [N_BUSINESS_DAYS] of trip completion.
• Cooperates with commercial vehicle safety enforcement officers and participates in mandatory roadside inspections as required.

2.5 Border Clearance and Freight Documentation (10% of Time)

• Validates international customs documentation, commercial invoices, and electronic pre-arrival clearance manifests prior to reaching border crossings.
• Executes standard clearance protocols with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and corresponding foreign customs authorities.
• Obtains authorized customer signatures on physical or digital bills of lading, delivery receipts, and proof of delivery forms at every delivery point.
• Reports customs delays, documentation discrepancies, or inspection holds to dispatch personnel immediately.

2.6 Communication and Dispatch Coordination (5% of Time)

• Maintains regular communication with dispatch and fleet management regarding transit progress, estimated delivery times, and schedule variances.
• Informs [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] promptly of mechanical breakdowns, traffic delays, severe weather disruptions, or road closures.
• Represents [ORGANIZATION_NAME] professionally during direct interactions with shippers, receivers, customs brokers, and the public.

3. Qualifications & Experience

Table 2: Position Qualifications and Experience

4. Competencies

Table 3: Core Role Competencies

5. Working Conditions & Performance Measures

5.1 Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical and environmental demands described below represent those required to perform the essential duties of this role successfully. These criteria establish objective benchmarks to guide recruitment, occupational health management, and duty to accommodate assessments.

Table 4: Working Conditions and Physical Demands

5.2 Performance Measures

Table 5: Key Performance Indicators

6. Career Path and Progression

6.1 Typical Prior Experience

• Local Pick-up and Delivery (P&D) Commercial Driver.
• Regional / Shorthaul Commercial Truck Driver.
• Shunt / Yard Truck Operator.
• Heavy Equipment Operator with commercial transport licence.

6.2 Potential Advancement Opportunities

• Senior / Lead Long Haul Driver (specialized heavy haul or oversize transport).
• Driver Trainer and Safety Mentor.
• Fleet Safety and Compliance Coordinator.
• Dispatcher / Freight Operations Coordinator.

7. Position Acknowledgement and Sign-off

This job description outlines the primary duties, essential functions, and minimum requirements for the Long Haul Truck Driver position at [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Operational needs, routes, schedules, and responsibilities may be adjusted or amended by [ORGANIZATION_NAME] with reasonable notice, in accordance with applicable employment standards and operational requirements.

Employee Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understood this job description. I confirm that I am capable of performing the essential functions and physical demands of the position, with any accommodation required under applicable human rights legislation.

Employee Name (Printed): ________

Employee Signature: _____________

Date (DD-MMM-YYYY): ____________

Manager Approval

I confirm that this job description accurately represents the operational requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications established for this role.

Manager Name (Printed): _________

Manager Title: [REPORTS_TO_TITLE]

Manager Signature: ________

Date (DD-MMM-YYYY): ____________

What to fill in