Long Haul Truck Driver/MOVER needed At Two Way Logistics Toronto, Ontario, Canada

A long-haul truck driver, also known as a mover in the transportation industry, is a skilled professional responsible for transporting goods over long distances. These individuals operate large commercial vehicles, typically tractor-trailers or semis, to deliver cargo between cities, states, or even across the country.

Their duties include loading and unloading goods, adhering to safety regulations, planning efficient routes, and ensuring timely and secure deliveries. Long-haul truck drivers play a crucial role in the logistics chain, facilitating the movement of goods essential to various industries and the economy.

Long Haul Truck Driver/MOVER needed

Pay – $0.70/mile

Supplemental pay types:

• Hourly pay
• Mileage pay
• Layover pay
• Bonus pay

Job Types – Full-time, Permanent, Freelance

Salary – From $37.00 per hour

Schedule – On call

Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses – AZ class license, TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)

Qualifications and Skills Required for the Long Haul Truck Driver/Mover Position

Class A Driver’s License

A Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the fundamental requirement for anyone pursuing a career as a long-haul truck driver in Canada. This license authorizes the individual to operate heavy trucks and vehicles that weigh over a certain threshold. In the case of Two Way Logistics, drivers will be handling large, articulated trucks and trailers, which require extensive training and competency in handling such equipment.

To obtain a Class A CDL, drivers must pass both a written exam and a road test, demonstrating their knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures. Additionally, maintaining a clean driving record is crucial. This includes adhering to traffic rules, avoiding accidents, and keeping a steady driving history to meet the company’s standards.

Experience in Long-Haul Trucking

While entry-level drivers may be considered for the position, significant experience in long-haul trucking is highly valued. Long-haul drivers often face a range of challenges, from adverse weather conditions to navigating unfamiliar roads. Those with previous experience bring invaluable knowledge about efficient route planning, handling traffic delays, and adjusting to various road conditions.

Experienced drivers will also be better equipped to manage the stress that comes with long periods on the road, particularly when it involves overnight stays or multi-day trips. Experience helps in handling the responsibilities associated with maintaining the vehicle, conducting safety checks, and troubleshooting minor mechanical issues without delay.

Physical Fitness and Stamina

As the position also includes moving and unloading goods, it requires physical strength, stamina, and the ability to work in varying conditions. Lifting, carrying, and arranging heavy or bulky items such as furniture, appliances, and boxes is a regular part of the job. Movers must have the endurance to perform these tasks over long hours without compromising safety or the quality of service.

Maintaining physical fitness is essential to preventing injuries from repetitive lifting and bending. Additionally, stamina is needed for drivers to stay alert and focused while on the road for extended periods, sometimes driving for hours or days at a stretch.

Knowledge of Safety Protocols

Safety is a top priority in the trucking and moving industry, and long-haul truck drivers and movers must be well-versed in a variety of safety protocols. This includes pre-trip inspections of the truck to ensure it is in good working condition, checking tire pressure, fluid levels, and ensuring that the cargo is securely fastened. Drivers must also follow specific regulations governing hours of service (HOS) to prevent fatigue-related accidents.

Additionally, movers must be familiar with best practices for safely loading and unloading goods, such as using appropriate equipment (e.g., dollies, straps, and blankets) to prevent damage to items and reduce the risk of injury. Knowledge of emergency procedures, such as how to respond in the event of a breakdown or accident, is equally important.

Good Communication Skills

While long-haul trucking can be an independent job, effective communication remains an essential skill. Drivers must regularly communicate with dispatchers, supervisors, and other members of the logistics team to provide updates on their progress, report delays, or address any issues that arise along the route. Clear communication is critical for ensuring that schedules are adhered to and that the team can adjust operations if necessary.

Moreover, movers are frequently in direct contact with customers. They must have the ability to communicate professionally, explain the moving process, and address any customer concerns. A positive attitude and the ability to handle customer inquiries or complaints tactfully can significantly enhance the company’s reputation and customer satisfaction levels.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is a key skill for both drivers and movers. For drivers, this means ensuring that the truck is in optimal condition before departure and performing thorough checks to make sure the cargo is secure. A failure to spot mechanical issues or improperly secured loads can lead to delays or accidents. Additionally, drivers must accurately document their routes, deliveries, and hours worked to ensure compliance with regulations.

Movers must be equally meticulous in handling items. Ensuring that fragile goods are properly packed and securely placed in the truck is essential to prevent damage. They must also be aware of the customer’s specific instructions or requirements, such as packing preferences, fragile items, or access issues at the destination.

Customer Service Orientation

The role of a long-haul truck driver/mover involves direct interaction with customers, particularly during the moving phase of the job. Providing high-quality customer service is therefore essential. Drivers and movers must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, address client concerns with courtesy, and ensure that goods are handled with care.

A customer-focused approach also means keeping clients informed about any delays or issues that may arise, offering solutions when necessary, and ensuring that the move is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Drivers and movers who go the extra mile in providing great service can lead to repeat business and positive referrals, which are invaluable for any company.

Time Management and Organizational Skills

Time management is a crucial skill for long-haul truck drivers, who must follow strict schedules for deliveries. Adhering to delivery windows while managing rest periods, vehicle inspections, and loading/unloading times requires careful planning and organization. Long-haul drivers must be able to navigate detours, delays, and other unexpected circumstances without falling behind schedule.

In the moving aspect of the job, being organized and efficient is also important. Movers must ensure that items are loaded in a systematic manner to maximize space, prevent damage, and facilitate easy unloading. They also need to manage time effectively to ensure they meet the client’s expectations for delivery and setup.

Mechanical Knowledge

While not a requirement for all candidates, having a basic understanding of truck mechanics can be an asset. Long-haul drivers often encounter minor mechanical issues during their trips, and a driver with basic mechanical knowledge can resolve issues without needing to wait for assistance. Familiarity with troubleshooting issues like tire blowouts, engine malfunctions, or electrical problems can reduce downtime and ensure that drivers can continue their journey with minimal disruption.

Documentation knowledge
• Driver logbook
• Inspection report (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)

Transportation/travel information
• Willing to travel cross-border
• Willing to travel for extended periods
• Willing to travel overnight

About The Role

Safely operate and maintain long-haul trucks transporting goods across Canada and the United States.

Load and unload cargo using a forklift or pallet jack.

Meet strict deadlines and delivery schedules.

Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on the truck.

Complete accurate paperwork and maintain logs.

Provide excellent customer service to clients

Long-Distance Driving

Long-haul driving is at the core of this role. Drivers are tasked with operating large commercial trucks and tractor-trailers to transport goods across vast distances, often spanning multiple provinces or even across borders. Responsibilities in this area include:

Route Planning and Navigation: Drivers must plan their routes to ensure timely delivery. This includes choosing the most efficient highways, being aware of road conditions, and navigating through diverse terrains and weather conditions. Advanced GPS systems and mapping tools may assist, but drivers are also expected to have strong problem-solving skills and an awareness of their surroundings.

Vehicle Maintenance and Safety: Drivers are responsible for conducting routine inspections of their vehicles before and after each trip to ensure they are in proper working order. This includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, fuel levels, and other essential components. By adhering to safety regulations and protocols, drivers contribute to reducing accidents and ensuring smooth operations.

Adherence to Regulations: Long-haul drivers must comply with strict laws regarding hours of service (HOS), weight limits, and driving safety. This includes taking regular breaks, adhering to speed limits, and ensuring that loads are secured correctly to avoid accidents and damage to the goods being transported.

Communication and Coordination: Effective communication with dispatchers and customers is a vital part of the driving role. Drivers need to keep dispatchers updated on their location, estimated arrival times, and any potential delays. Additionally, they may need to coordinate with other drivers or team members for loading and unloading tasks.

Moving and Handling Goods

In addition to driving, the role also requires a hands-on approach to handling and moving items. This aspect of the job involves physical labor and direct customer interaction, including:

Loading and Unloading Goods: Movers must carefully load and unload goods from the truck, ensuring that all items are properly packed, secured, and protected during transport. This often involves lifting heavy furniture, boxes, appliances, and other large or delicate items. Movers must work efficiently and safely to prevent damage or injury.

Packing and Securing Cargo: Proper packing techniques are crucial in ensuring that goods are transported safely. Movers must organize and secure cargo in the truck to prevent shifting or damage. This may involve using specialized equipment such as straps, blankets, and padding to protect fragile items.

Customer Service: A significant part of the moving aspect of the role involves interacting with customers. Movers must demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and a customer-oriented attitude. This may include answering questions, providing assistance with packing or unpacking, and ensuring that the customer’s needs are met in a timely and efficient manner.

Problem-Solving: While moving goods, there may be unforeseen challenges, such as tight spaces, difficult access, or fragile items. Movers are expected to think on their feet and find creative solutions to these challenges while maintaining safety and efficiency.

Time Management and Efficiency

Long-haul truck drivers/movers must manage their time effectively to meet tight delivery deadlines while balancing the demands of moving, packing, and customer interactions. Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent organizational skills, the ability to multitask, and a commitment to providing prompt service without sacrificing quality. Being on the road for extended periods means that drivers and movers must have the discipline to manage their time effectively, take breaks when needed, and follow company procedures for logging working hours and mileage.

Physical and Mental Endurance

The dual nature of this role requires both physical strength and mental endurance. The ability to drive for long hours, followed by physically demanding work unloading or loading goods, can be challenging. Drivers/movers must maintain a high level of stamina to perform at their best. Mental endurance is also essential, as drivers need to stay alert for long stretches of road and handle the monotony of long journeys while still remaining focused and committed to safety.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Although much of the long-haul driving is done independently, the moving aspect of the job often requires teamwork. Long-haul truck drivers and movers collaborate with other team members, including logistics coordinators, dispatchers, and fellow movers, to ensure that the entire transportation process runs smoothly. Effective teamwork, communication, and collaboration are vital for providing an exceptional customer experience.

Qualifications and Requirements

To be eligible for the role, candidates must meet a set of qualifications and requirements, including:

Class A Driver’s License (CDL): A valid Class A commercial driver’s license is required to operate large trucks and transport goods across highways and roads. This certification ensures that the driver has undergone proper training and has demonstrated the skills needed to handle heavy-duty vehicles.

Experience in Driving and Moving: While prior long-haul driving experience is often preferred, it is not always mandatory. However, candidates must be comfortable with the physical demands of moving and be capable of handling the equipment involved in the job.

Good Physical Health: Since this role involves both driving and moving, applicants should be in good physical health and able to lift heavy objects, climb in and out of the truck, and perform other strenuous tasks without difficulty.

Customer Service Skills: The ability to provide excellent customer service is crucial, especially during the moving portion of the role. Professionalism, good communication, and a friendly attitude are necessary when interacting with clients.

Attention to Detail and Safety Awareness: Being detail-oriented and safety-conscious is essential for ensuring the well-being of both the driver and the goods being transported. Drivers/movers must be proactive in preventing accidents, damage, or delays.

Work conditions and physical capabilities

Careful attention to detail is required to:
Drive and operate straight or articulated trucks to move materials and goods;
Monitor the state of the vehicle, checking its tires, lights, brakes, and other equipment;
Conduct pre-, en-, and post-trip inspections, checking every part of the vehicle;
Carry out preventive maintenance;
Receive information and send it to central dispatch; • Record cargo information, service hours, distance travelled, and fuel consumption.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Pension plan
• 401(k) matching
• Company discounts

Target Audience

• Experienced long-haul truck drivers seeking a stable and well-paying job with a reliable company.
• Individuals who enjoy travel and want to see different parts of the country.
• Self-motivated and independent workers who thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Security and Safety

• Two Way Logistics is committed to the safety of its employees.
• Comprehensive safety training was provided.
• Modern trucks are equipped with safety features.
• Drug and alcohol testing program in place.

Transportation/Travel Information

• Must be willing to travel for extended periods, including overnight trips.
• Cross-border travel required.
• The company provides trucks and fuel.