Reid State Technical College

On-the-job Training

• Maintain a safe vehicle with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Check vehicle to make sure that mechanical, safety and emergency equipment is in good working order
  • Maintain accurate logs of working hours, engine miles, vehicle service and repair status to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations
  • Complete a vehicle inspection report
• Properly and safely prepare vehicle, including loading
  • Conduct pre-trip inspection of critical vehicle components and complete Driver Vehicle Inspection Report
  • Perform en route inspections to ensure proper and safe operation of vehicle
  • Perform post-trip inspection and make notes of actual or suspected abnormalities or malfunctions
  • Couple tractor and trailer safely and properly
  • Uncouple tractor and trailer safely and properly
  • Make efficient trip plans taking into account fuel use, ease of transport, hazards mitigation, and state regulations
• Safely travel and transport goods (if loaded) to correct location, meeting or exceeding deadlines
  • Enter and start the vehicle properly
  • Put vehicle in motion and drive properly and safely
  • Operate vehicle in reverse and dock in an appropriate and safe manner
  • Bring vehicle to a stop, including parking
  • Conduct preemptive visual search to stay alert to and enable appropriate defensive response to hazards
  • Manage speed to ensure safe passage and conformance with state and federal laws and regulations
  • Maintain proper vehicle spacing for safe operation and hazard response
  • Exercise appropriate precautions at railroad crossings
• Pick up and deliver cargo on time and in good condition
  • Verify cargo types, nature, amount, and condition of cargo at pick-up and delivery
  • Load, secure, and cover cargo as necessary and deliver to appropriate location
  • Obtain necessary permits to transport cargo, if necessary
  • Appropriately secure and protect high risk and high value cargo, obtaining necessary approvals and insurance coverage if necessary
  • Accurately weigh loads and maintain weight distribution requirements
• Utilize appropriate vehicle communication devices; communicate with others regarding vehicle operation and maintenance, safe driving protocols, and cargo transportation and delivery
  • Use appropriate signals and vehicle communications technology to communicate with other drivers
  • Communicate appropriate signals and vehicle communications technology to communicate with other drivers
  • Communicate appropriately with company dispatch operators and others engaged in the loading and receiving of goods
  • Report malfunctions, breakdowns, or maintenance needs accurately and promptly
  • Document cargo transportation and delivery specifications and actions
  • Seek manager authorizations when necessary
  • Maintain positive customer relations
  • Seek roadside assistance from appropriate sources, when necessary
• Maintain accurate and complete records related to travel times, distances, expenses, and delivery of products
  • Maintain accurate records regarding trip route, time, estimated fuel requirement and cargo
  • Follow regulations and procedures to obtain special permits when necessary
  • Correctly complete and submit cargo claims in the event of loss, damage, or refusal upon delivery
  • Maintain records regarding load weights
• Drive truck during the day and at night, in a variety of weather situations and road conditions
  • Operate vehicle safely at night
  • Operate vehicle safely in cold weather
  • Operate vehicle safely in hot weather
  • Operate vehicle safely in mountainous terrain
  • Operate vehicle safely in wet conditions
  • Operate vehicle safely in windy conditions
  • Operate vehicle safely ion construction zones
  • Scan, detect, and respond properly to potential dangers in the driving environment
  • Use emergency maneuvers to avoid or recover from skids
• Operate according to health, safety, and environmental standards, best practices, and requirements
  • Comply with hours of service requirements
  • Operate in a way that minimizes negative impact of transportation on environmental health and safety
  • Respond appropriately and complete proper documentation in the event of an accident
  • Manage life on the road to minimize stress and maintain health