Professional Truck Driver – Long Haul

The following are examples of job functions for a Long Haul Driver that demand some level of proficiency with digital tools, devices, and systems:

Maintaining daily e-logs
Operating navigational equipment
Handling and securing cargo as per specified guidelines
Communicating with dispatchers, other drivers, and customers
Ensuring vehicle maintenance with pre and post-trip inspections
Preparing and updating driver logbook, trip reports, maintenance and repair reports, and accident or incident reports
Review tables, charts, Bills of Lading, and schematic drawings

Examples of Digital Tools, Devices and Systems for Professional Truck Driver – Long Haul

Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, etc.)
Electronic logbook/elogs using an electronic logging device (ELD) to maintain a record of compliance with the Hours of Services (HOS) rules
Applications to plan trip logistics and calculate trip and fuel data. For example route optimization software such as PC Miler to review road maps and identify distances and times to plan and customize travel itineraries
Function keys and codes in loading and unloading systems to generate bills and printouts of load information
GPS (Global Positioning System) and other navigation equipment including weather systems
Applications and communication devices to receive and relay information with dispatchers, and other drivers including on-board computers, Citizens band (CB) radio, and Trip recorder
On-board technology systems such as computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or transportation management systems (TMS) for digitizing business documents including driving and maintenance documents and on-board tracking and video event recording devices
Customer-specific data entry devices
Mobile application systems such as driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRS)
Integrated mobile applications (integrated within the main fleet office’s computer management systems) to distribute any documentation to the correct system (dispatch, accounting, maintenance, etc.)
Internet research and online digital content review and analysis including:
- reading instructions for securing loads, tie-down procedures, border-crossing handbooks, regulations for dangerous goods, etc.
- to download forms
- to organize services such as repairs, hotel reservations, etc.
Bookkeeping, billing, and accounting software. For example, to enter predefined codes into the computer to call up bills of lading and customer account information
Specialised and emerging technology for the sector to improve logistics processes, real-time monitoring, communication, tracking, etc. such as automated trucks, GPS tracking, SaaS, intelligent speed adaptation, automatic freight matching, trucking apps, electric trucks, and electronic-logging devices
Digital communication and collaboration tools including email, websites, smartphones, etc.
Policies and procedures as applicable to the use of communication devices (sign-in/sign-out procedures, guidelines for use, email, voice mail, radio procedures and etiquette, etc.)