A heavy equipment operator drives or controls construction equipment, including bulldozers, forklifts, backhoes, dump trucks, cargo trucks, and hydraulic truck cranes. They operate this equipment to assist in the construction of structures, including bridges, roads, and buildings.
Heavy equipment operators usually specialize in one of three areas. Construction equipment operators, also called operating engineers, handle loading and excavation machines. They use these machines to dig and lift sand, gravel, or earth. Paving and surface equipment operators use machines to spread concrete and asphalt during the construction of roadways. Pile-driver operators control equipment to hammer heavy beams of wood, concrete, and steel, called piles, into the ground.
1) Drive vehicles with capacities under three tons in order to transport materials to and from specified destinations such as railroad stations, plants, residences and offices, or within industrial yards.
2) Inspect and maintain vehicle supplies and equipment, such as gas, oil, water, tires, lights, and brakes in order to ensure that vehicles are in proper working condition.
3) Load and unload trucks, vans, or automobiles.
4) Obey traffic laws, and follow established traffic and transportation procedures.
5) Read maps, and follow written and verbal geographic directions.
6) Verify the contents of inventory loads against shipping papers.
7) Maintain records such as vehicle logs, records of cargo, or billing statements in accordance with regulations.
8) Perform emergency repairs such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, fuses, tire chains, and spark plugs.
9) Present bills and receipts, and collect payments for goods delivered or loaded.
10) Report any mechanical problems encountered with vehicles.
11) Report delays, accidents, or other traffic and transportation situations to bases or other vehicles, using telephones or mobile two-way radios.
12) Turn in receipts and money received from deliveries.
13) Drive trucks equipped with public address systems through city streets in order to broadcast announcements for advertising or publicity purposes.
14) Sell and keep records of sales for products from truck inventory.
15) Use and maintain the tools and equipment found on commercial vehicles, such as weighing and measuring devices.
Heavy truck drivers are excellent drivers, able to safely operate their trucks to deliver loads that weigh several tons. Companies hire candidates who have CDL licenses, along with the following skills:
Driving and vehicle operation – a heavy truck driver safely operates and maneuvers a truck carrying loads weighing more than three tons; a clean driving record, the ability to drive for hours, and excellent driving skills are necessary
Route logistics – heavy truck drivers are comfortable planning and altering routes to make deliveries and pickups efficiently and according to schedule
Vehicle maintenance – heavy truck drivers have a solid grasp on vehicle inspection and maintenance, ensuring their trucks remain safe and efficient while conducting deliveries
Time management – managing a schedule is important for heavy truck drivers, as well as ensuring that hours worked are within limits set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Verbal communication – heavy truck drivers should be able to effectively communicate with dispatchers, logistics personnel, and team members at pickup and delivery locations
