The number one task for a Truck Driver is to operate light or heavy load transport trucks to deliver goods between locations. To put driving up front and center is only to emphasize that the driving portion of this job is of the utmost importance when safety matters are concerned. If the driver cannot arrive at their destination safely, there are repercussions for their employer, not to mention the condition of the cargo the driver is shipping. Truck Drivers should always adhere to all applicable traffic laws for the type of vehicle they operate during the drive during every trip.  
  
Other highlights for Truck Drivers are maintaining the shipping inventory and securing everything before and after loading. Some cargo requires special equipment when on or offloading, so operating additional equipment can be expected before or after the trip. There is also some administrative work to be considered. Drivers could also be responsible for obtaining signed receipts after delivering goods or keeping records of their activities during transport. 
  
Lastly, drivers can expect to run daily vehicle inspections for malfunctions, performing minor repairs and maintenance to the vehicle as needed. Long-haul trips should be expected as well, over a 24–48-hour period or longer depending on the distance. Rest periods are mandatory during long or cross-country journeys for health and safety purposes.  

Roles & Responsibilities of a Truck Driver
If you ever find yourself wondering what tasks Truck Drivers complete on an average day, check out the breakdown below. Remember that some drivers will experience their day differently, whether performing mechanical checks, the length of the drive to transport goods, and the varied provisions needed to accommodate different cargo. Our non-exhaustive list of everyday tasks is only a glimpse of the bigger picture.  
Here's what to expect on the job:   
  

• Performing mechanical checks to ensure the vehicle is in proper working conditions.  
• Inspecting all parts and functions of the vehicle, filling a report based on inspection results, and reporting malfunctioning vehicles.  
• Adhering to the applicable traffic laws for the type of vehicle they operate and following safety procedures and protocols.  
• Driving only through designated roads and lanes while adhering to driving time restrictions.  
• Inspecting the cargo to ensure it is safe and making sure all cargo is safely loaded.  
• Checking cargo documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy.  
• Ensuring that all cargo is securely fastened while also attending to any special provisions for the shipment, if any (e.g., refrigerating food, special fastening for fragile cargo, and proper livestock loading).  
• Operating light or heavy loads trucks, driving the vehicle to specialized weighting facilities before and after loading cargo.  
• Steering the vehicle into loading and unloading positions at designated areas while also following instructions from loading and unloading crews.  
• Operating loading and unloading machines when needed.
• Performing basic and routine vehicle maintenance tasks (e.g., changing or adding motor oil, fuel, radiator cooling liquid, or making minor repairs).
• Maintaining records of working hours, goods transported, and vehicle repair status.
• Completing status reports and documentation and filing them with their employer.
• Keeping records of infractions, traffic violations, or damages caused by accidents.
• Reporting all infractions, fines, and other violations to the employer.
• Notifying the employer about accidents, crashes, or other hazards experienced during the trip (e.g., flat tires, malfunctioning motor, or overheating).
• Obtaining signed receipts of delivery for transported goods.
• Collecting transport fees when necessary and delivering signed receipts back to the employer’s headquarters.