Freight Handler
(Rail or Road)
Truck Driver's Offsider
Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
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.
A truck driver drives trucks for commercial freight
and transport purposes. Truck drivers assemble, load, secure, and unload
vehicles, transport goods and materials, and perform routine vehicle
inspections and maintenance. They may be an owner driver or drive
company-owned vehicles. Truck drivers transport and handle a wide variety of
loads. Some truck drivers transport food, while others may transport
hazardous or pressurised materials. There are truck drivers that use small
vehicles and others that drive very large road trains. All truck drivers,
regardless of truck size or load type, are responsible for the stability of
their load and require one or more special licences.
ANZSCO ID: 733111
Specialisations: The truck drivers below are specialised - some we have described in separate pages. These truck drivers are denoted in bold and are linked to their separate pages.
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Bulk Liquid/Pressurised Gas Driver A bulk liquid/pressurised gas driver carries liquids/pressurised gases in specially designed trailers (tankers), usually for chemical companies or mining organisations. Drivers need to be aware of safety issues regarding loading, unloading, handling, separation of dangerous goods and emergency response. Drivers must also follow the Australian Institute of Petroleum's code of practice. |
 (Source: ACP) |
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Car Carrier Driver A car carrier driver transports vehicles between the ports and holding depots or car dealerships in the metropolitan area. |
 (Source: Driver Jobs) |
Cash in Transit Operator
or Armoured Car Escort
 A cash in transit operator drives armoured vehicles carrying cash and other valuables. They provide surveillance, manually handle cash, operate Automated Teller Machine (ATM) combinations and service ATMs. |
 (Source: Your Career) They operate vehicle security and emergency communication devices and handle firearms and other personal protection devices. Cash in transit operators usually require a security guard licence, a firearms licence and a first aid certificate. |
Compact Driver (Rubblish
Collection) -
Garbage Collector |
 (Source: Waste Management World) |
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Concrete/Cement Agitator Operator A concrete agitator operator transports concrete between cement plants and building sites, using specially designed vehicles that mix the concrete to prevent it from setting. Sometimes called a Concrete Mixer. |
 (Source: Driver Jobs) |
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Dangerous Goods/Explosives Driver A dangerous goods/explosives driver carries dangerous goods and/or explosives, usually for chemical companies or mining organisations. Drivers need to be aware of safety issues regarding loading, unloading, handling, separation of dangerous goods and emergency response. |
 (Source: Holding Redlich) |
Delivery
Truck Driver  |
 Milk Delivery Truck (Source: ABC News) |
Furniture Removalist
 |
 (Source: Man with a Van) |
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Heavy Haulage Driver A heavy haulage driver transports oversized loads such as transportable houses or machinery using specially designed trailers. Some oversized loads are required to be accompanied by a pilot vehicle operator. |
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Heavy Truck Driver A heavy truck driver drives heavy trucks, requiring a special licence, to transport bulky goods or materials. They may specialise as livestock transporters, log haulers, multi-combination drivers and tanker drivers. |
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Livestock Transport Driver A livestock transport driver transports livestock, usually sheep or cattle, between farms and abattoirs or ports for export. Their work often involves long hours and extended periods of physical activity outdoors while loading and unloading stock. They may be required to drive in remote rural areas and on unsealed roads. |
 (Source: RSPCA) |
Logging Truck Driver A logging truck driver carries unprocessed timber between plantations and timber mills. Trucks/trailers are usually fitted with a log loading device, which requires a licence to operate. |
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Pilot Vehicle Operator Or Oversize Load Pilot
 A pilot vehicle operator accompanies trucks carrying oversized loads above the length or width regulated by the transport department. |
 (Source: Forrest Logistics) Pilots warn other road users that an oversized load is ahead or oncoming and, when required, clear the way for the oversized load, or prevent other road users from overtaking or interfering with the cargo. Pilots in some states and territories may also have the power to direct traffic. |
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Refrigerated Goods Driver A refrigerated goods driver transports refrigerated goods in specially designed vehicles or trailers that are heavily insulated or fitted with refrigeration equipment. Drivers will be required to service the refrigeration equipment and check the temperature of the refrigerated areas at regular intervals. Drivers must also adhere to health and food hygiene regulations. |
 (Source: Shazhou) |
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Rendering Truck
Driver/Rendering Maintenance A rendering truck driver or rendering maintenance professional is responsible for transporting and processing deceased animals to create byproducts. In this case of rendering, animals have already died due to natural causes, disease, or euthanization and are therefore not meant for human consumption. Animal remains from meat processing facilities are also often rendered to create other products such as livestock or pet food and biodiesel. |
 (Source: Loadman) Duties and Tasks *Schedule and coordinate load schedules with farms and livestock facilities as well as rendering plants *Visit farms and livestock facilities regularly and on-demand to collect remains of deceased animals *Transport remains to rendering plants *Accurately enter rendering sales orders and invoices *Observe all government and company regulations at all times *Responsible for any and all needed maintenance on tractor or trailer *Perform pre-trip inspections including tyres, fuel, and oil *Regularly clean the truck following load completions and refuel * Comply with all rules and regulations as well as biosecurity requirements * Maintain and clean expeller units * Operate a forklift if necessary * Maintain a safe and professional working environment Education and training/entrance requirements A high school diploma is required to work as a rendering truck driver or in rendering maintenance. If driving truck, you will need a valid Truck License Employment Opportunities Rendering and biofuel facilities as well as food, livestock production, and animal/pet food companies employ rendering truck drivers and rendering maintenance professionals. |
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Tipper Truck Operator Also called Dump Truck Operators. A tipper truck operator transports bulk solid materials to and from building sites and/or mine sites. Tipper truck operators are usually required to work off-road. |
 (Source: I Seek Plant) |
Tow Truck Driver A tow truck driver removes broken down or crashed vehicles from the roadway. Tow truck drivers may be called out at all hours of the night and in bad weather. Tow truck drivers require a police clearance. Recovery Mechanic [Army] |
 (Source: Autoguru) |
Knowledge, skills and attributes
- enjoy practical work
- mechanical aptitude
- able to drive safely
- physically fit
- meet any age limits which may apply.
Duties and Tasks
Truck drivers may perform the following tasks:
- load goods onto the truck either by hand, or by using a forklift or other lifting equipment
- Manoeuvres vehicles into position for loading and unloading.
- Loads and unloads vehicles using lifting and tipping devices.
- Observes safety requirements when loading and unloading vehicles.
- Makes regular quality checks of vehicles to ensure they can be driven safely.
- Estimates weights to comply with load limitations and ensure safe distribution of weight.
- Ensures goods are stowed and securely covered to prevent loss and damage.
- Verifies loading documents, checks condition of goods and obtain certification of deliveries.
- 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
(Source:
Adelaide Now)
Working conditions
Truck drivers may drive company-owned vehicles or be owner-drivers. Owner-drivers must obtain their own delivery work. Truck drivers carry a wide variety of goods, including flammable substances, raw materials, building materials, manufactured goods, livestock and refrigerated products. Being a truck driver may mean early starts, long shifts, days away from home, and travelling long distances to country, interstate or remote areas. Some trucks are equipped with bunks, televisions, refrigerators and ergonomically designed seats.
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 truck driver can be
expected to work irregular hours, make early starts and spend days away from
home making deliveries all over Australia.
Before beginning a trip, paper work is required to be filled out correctly.
The truck driver is also required to maintain a log book detailing hours of
driving, fatigue breaks, fuel consumption and reports of accidents or any
problems with the vehicle. In addition to this administrative work, a truck
driver needs to check brakes, oil, tyres, electrical systems, water,
hydraulics and air, prior to each trip.
New generation of female truck drivers hitting the
roads |ABC 7.30 November 2022
https://youtu.be/INTCEVVMbYg
Tools and technologies
A core piece of technology used in the trucking industry is the Global
Positioning System (GPS). Not only can drivers use a GPS to get to their
destination, trucks can be tracked so that customers can be told when to
expect their delivery, and management can keep an eye on progress.
Another important piece of technology for truck drivers is the road relay
system that keeps drivers informed of the correct matching of the engine and
road speeds to preferred power output and fuel economy. This technology
assists truck drivers to improve their driving practices, which can save
companies thousands of dollars in fuel costs annually.
Truck drivers are responsible for the stability of the load they carry and
are often required to assist with loading and unloading cargo. Therefore,
they need to know how to use tarpaulins, ropes, tie down straps and moving
equipment to secure or move cargo.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Truck Driver (General) without formal qualifications and get training on the job. A course in driving operations might be helpful.
You can also become qualified to work as a truck driver by completing a traineeship in road transport yard operations (freight handler). This traineeship can take between 12 and 36 months to complete.
You will probably get some informal training on the
job. Applicants must also undertake practical and written tests and obtain
one or more heavy vehicle licences before commencing work. Contact Roads and
Maritime Services NSW or ACT Road Transport Authority for more information.
You can also become a truck driver through a traineeship in Driving
Operations.
Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional Information
Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised,
additional skills under the Transport and Logistics Training Package that
will expand your career opportunities within this industry.
You may be required to hold special licences when transporting certain cargoes, especially if you carry dangerous substances. In order to qualify for these licences, you may need to submit a medical certificate, an acceptable driving record and provide evidence of attending a competency training course administered by a Registered Training Organisation. Contact SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe ACT for more information.
When operating forklifts, you will require a High Risk
Work Licence. For more information, refer to the separate entry for
Forklift Operator.
Truck drivers may be employed by commercial firms, mining, manufacturing and
transport companies, and government authorities, or they may be
self-employed. Demand for truck drivers depends upon the economy and on
competition from other carriers such as rail and air freighters.
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Did You Know? Making a nation: “Afghans” and their camels for Australian inland transport  It’s estimated that about 20,000 camels were brought from India during the second half of the 19th century to work in the vast internal areas of Australia. Accompanying the camels were Afghan drivers. The term “Afghan” is really a misnomer as few came from Afghanistan but rather more came from parts of India and present-day Pakistan. The Afghans, or Ghans as they became known, were extremely competent at working lines of camels and had great knowledge about the care of their charges, a skill which Europeans failed to master.  Afghan camel train on the Wanaaring Road, north west NSW. Camel trains varied from 20 to 80 camels,1890-1917, photograph by George Bell, MAAS collection, 85/1284-765 By the turn of the 20th century, camel trains were providing transport for almost every major Australian inland development project. These included hauling poles, wire and boulders for the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line and stations, carrying sleepers, food, water and supplies to the men building the desert railways to Oodnadatta and Alice Springs and hauling equipment for the Transcontinental Railway from Port Augusta to Kalgoorlie from 1912 to 1917. (Source: Powerhouse Museum) |
Truck Driver Offsiders (Jockey) load and
unload trucks and containers.
Truck offsiders may work in a range of industries, including furniture
removals and retail. In some cases, where carriers travel long distances
and interstate, offsiders may spend days away from home.
They may also share driving duties if they hold the required truck
drivers licence.
ANZSCO ID: 891112
Specialisations:
Furniture Removalist's Assistant;
Freight Handler (Rail Or Road)
Alternative names: Truck Driver's Jockey,
Knowledge, skills and attributes
- Enjoy practical work
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- Capable of lifting and carrying heavy items
- Able to follow instructions.
(Source:
Absolute Balance)
Duties and Tasks
Truck offsiders may perform the following tasks:
- Carry heavy items up and down stairs
- Make sure items are protected from scratches and pack delicate items in a secure manner so they will not break during a move
- Complete paperwork -Label goods with customers' details and destinations
- Assist with navigation and truck maintenance on long-distance trips
- Direct drivers when reversing into tight spots.
- Working with a truck driver: labelling goods with customers' details and destinations.
- Loading goods into trucks, containers and rail wagons, and securing loads.
- Assisting to tie down loads and cover them with tarpaulins.
- Guiding truck drivers into loading bays and through confined spaces.
- Performing clerical functions to record and check cargo on arrival, storage and dispatch.
- Transferring loads using moving equipment and directing equipment operations using communication systems.
Working conditions
Truck offsiders may work in a range of industries, including furniture
removals and retail. In some cases, where carriers travel long distances
and interstate, offsiders may spend days away from home. They may also
share driving duties if they hold the required truck drivers licence.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Truck Driver's Offsider without formal qualifications,
however, they may be useful. Truck Driver's Offsiders often complete a
certificate III or IV.
Additional Information
Some employers prefer truck offsiders to have a truck drivers licence.
Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised,
additional skills under the Transport and Logistics Training Package
that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.
Employment Opportunities
Opportunities for truck offsiders are mainly in the private sector,
although some offsiders are employed by government organisations. Work
may be on a casual basis.
Freight Handlers (Rail or Road) load and unload
freight trucks, containers and rail cars. Freight
handlers manage the movement and storage of incoming and outgoing
freight. Their duties include loading and unloading materials, ensuring
the safety of goods being moved, and maintaining freight records.
Freight handlers are also required to keep track of the storage
locations of freight within a facility.
A freight handler makes sure cargo transport operations go smoothly for
merchandise warehouses. The qualifications you need for this career are
a high school diploma, physical stamina, and a strong work ethic.
Previous experience with warehouse work is beneficial. As a freight
handler, your job duties are loading and unloading truck trailers,
guiding truck drivers into loading docks, using forklifts and other
equipment, and keeping detailed freight records. You need strong
teamwork skills, safety awareness, and organizational skills.
ANZSCO description:
891111
Alternative names: Freight Loader
Knowledge, skills and attributes
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High School Certificate
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Forklift Certification preferred.
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Proficiency in Warehouse Management Software (WMS), such as IntelliTrack and mobe3 WMS.
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Extensive experience in coordinating the movement of freight throughout a storage facility.
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Experience in maintaining accurate freight records and tracking freight locations.
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Advanced ability to operate specialized freight moving equipment and to prevent damage.
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Working knowledge of office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
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Ability to adhere to safety regulations and promote a safe work environment.
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Excellent organizational and communication skills.
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Ability to stand, bend, and walk for extended periods and lift up to 23K
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Ability to pass a background check and drug test
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Reliable transportation
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Flexible schedule
(Source:
ZipRecruiter)
Duties and Tasks
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Loading, unloading, and moving freight between delivery and storage areas as instructed.
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Coordinating the movement of freight with other workers via radio communication.
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Scanning or documenting freight, as well as marking items with identifying information.
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Moving freight manually or with specialized machinery, such as forklifts, reach trucks, and pallet jacks.
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Stacking freight at specified locations using boards or pallets.
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Preventing damage to transported freight by using protective devices such as padding and straps.
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Adhering to weight restrictions, as well as stabilizing and guiding lifted freight with slings and hooks.
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Maintaining records of the number of units handled per day, as well as their location and condition.
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Performing prescribed safety checks on freight handling equipment and adhering to safety regulations.
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Labels goods with customers' details and destinations.
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Loads goods into trucks, containers and rail wagons, and secures loads.
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Ties down loads and covers them with tarpaulins.
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Guides truck drivers into loading bays and through confined spaces.
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Performs clerical functions to record and check cargo on arrival, storage and dispatch.
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Opens and closes hatches and secures cargo to prevent shifting during voyages.
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Transfers loads using moving equipment and directs equipment operations using communication systems.
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Pack and label outbound shipments and load them onto trucks
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Input every shipment into the inventory system
Working conditions
Qualifications often include being able to work odd hours because
many warehouses operate 24/7. Your duties require you to be able to
lift and move heavy objects, making physical skills essential.
Tools and technologies
Forklift, Electric pallet jack and
other warehouse equipment.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can work as a Freight Handler (Rail or Road) without formal qualifications. Some on the job training may be provided. A certificate II in transport and logistics (rail operations), road transport (freight handler) or warehousing operations might be helpful.
Obtaining a position as a freight handler requires being at least 18
years old and having a clean background check. High school diplomas
are an asset, but they are not always necessary. Large product
volume retailers, wholesalers, and any other business with a
warehouse consistently hire freight handlers. Other responsibilities
of a freight handler involve operating hand trucks and lifts, so
prior certification as a lift operator helps when applying.
Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA
[Truck
Drivers (General); ]
CareersOnline [Truck
Driver;
Truck Offsider; ]
Good Universities Guide [Truck
Offsider; ]
AgCareers [Rendering
Truck Driver; ]
BetterTeam [Freight
Handler; ]
ZipRecruiter [Freight
Handler; ]
Your Career [Truck
Driver (General);Truck
Driver Offsider;
Freight Handler;
]
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