A bulk driver is someone who drives specific types of vehicles that are primarily used for delivery. This driver will only operate vehicles of a specific size, as dictated the driver’s license restrictions. A bulk driver may also be responsible for loading and unloading the vehicle; this may entail making several stops along the route to unload a few items at a time, or it may entail unloading all of the items at once. In addition, the driver must keep track of shipping manifests and other delivery-related paperwork.
The requirements for a bulk driver vary company, but in general, the driver must have a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification. There are exceptions to this rule, and a job candidate without a high school diploma may be able to find work, but he or she will need to demonstrate basic math and communication skills in order to be hired as a bulk driver. The driver will almost certainly be required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which will require some training and the passing of a licensing exam. The exam will most likely include a written portion as well as a practical portion in which the driver will have to demonstrate his or her ability to operate a commercial vehicle.
The items that a bulk driver transports can be hazardous or otherwise dangerous to transport. If this is the case, the driver will almost certainly require hazardous material endorsements. He or she must complete additional training that has been approved a regional governing body in order to earn such endorsements. This training typically covers safe transportation techniques for hazardous materials as well as what to do in an emergency. As a result, the driver is responsible for the safe transportation of hazardous materials as well as any other responsibilities associated with the delivery.
Aside from a clean driving record and the ability to operate a delivery vehicle, the bulk driver must be in reasonably good health, as he or she will be performing loading and unloading duties on a regular basis. In most cases, heavy lifting will be required, as will the use of dollies or other moving devices. Hydraulic lifts are installed on some trucks, and the driver must be trained on how to use them.