Log Truck Driver

Job Description

  • Drive a tractor/trailer within a 600-mile a day distance.
  • Climbing into and out of the cab at various inspections and servicing points, as well as loading and unloading points.
  • Keep detailed records on all travel and activity as required by the employer and the Department of  Transportation. (DOT)
  • The driver will be responsible for chaining tires during extreme weather conditions.
  • The driver will be required to connect various electrical cords and pneumatic hoses from the trailer to the tractor.
  • May perform minor mechanical repair work while on the road such as adjusting brakes, checking oil or refueling ·as needed.
  • Throwing wrappers over the load of logs and connecting them together with binders to ensure that the logs stay on the truck.
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Physical Demands

 

Sitting – The driver will sit 80% of the time on duty. This primarily occurs in the cab of the vehicle while driving extended distances. The driver is required by DOT to rest at least 10 hours out of each 24 hour period. Total driving time cannot exceed 11 hours in that same 24 hour period. The type of seat the driver sits upon in the vehicle is an air-cushioned seat that has an adjustable seat back and also adjusts front and back. The driver will not sit for more than 2 hours at any given stretch, per DOT regulations for load securement.

Standing – Standing time for a worker is limited to those periods he/she is waiting for a load to be loaded or unloaded, or when the truck is being fueled or otherwise serviced. At such times the worker might stand on dirt or gravel and uneven surfaces for several hours at a time. However, a worker is afforded the opportunity to sit as desired to watch the truck being loaded or unloaded or serviced.

Walking – The worker will encounter asphalt, dirt and gravel, as well as uneven surfaces, while making safety inspections, loading or unloading and truck refueling. The amount of walking.and the distance walked will vary depending on each individual worker. A worker will probably walk approximately 1 hour a day in performing the tasks of this job.

Bending – A worker may bend on an average of 1 to 4 times for every hour. A worker mp.y bend from their waist or knees, as they so desire. A worker may also alternate bending with squatting, if this is not contraindicated. Bending would occur while inspecting tires for vehicle condition and care of the unit: Bending would also occur when tightening down ties on loads, picking up tie­-down material, adjusting brakes, etc. Bending would occur several times a day, depending on the amount of loads-hauled.

Squatting – Squatting may occur 1-15 times.during a worker’s shift. Squatting would mainly occur when tightening ties or after a worker has arrived at his/her destination and loosened the ties. A worker’s average drive is 2 hours per load.

Crawling – Crawling may be done by the worker while adjusting his/her brakes. The duration should be no more than 10 feet at a stretch.

Climbing – A worker is required to climb in and out of the truck several times a day. This is done with the 3 point system, the driver always having their hands on a stable hand-hold at all times. The distance the worker is required to step is 1 foot from the ground to the first step.

Reaching – The distance a worker will reach is that of arms length when driving, performing any minor repairs, connecting the trailer air and electric lines to the back of the truck, installing tire chains, reaching up to connect the ties to secure the load. The worker is required to reach while grasping handles to enter or exit the truck cab. This may occur many times during the normal work day, the amount depends on the length of duty and the number of loads.

Twisting – An individual is not required to twist in this job if he/she utilizes proper body mechanics to pivot.

Lifting/Carrying –  A worker will throw a tie-down, weighing 9.5 pounds over the load that is 14 feet high or less. Each load requires 4 tie-downs. Each tie also requires a binder that weighs 7.5 pounds that must be lifted up to about 1.5 feet over the workers head. The amount of times a worker would throw the ties would depend on how many loads that worker hauled in a day. The average amount of loads is 2 so the worker would be expected to throw the tie-downs at least 8 times in one day. While carrying the worker must be able to lift tire chains from the chain rack on the truck enough to free them. This should only be to about waist level, the chains weighing 75 pounds or less. These may be carried for at least 10-65 feet.

Pushing/Pulling – A worker must be able to exert 1-5 pounds of pressure to connect air ·lines by pushing them into their receptacle. The driver will need to exert this much pushing and pulling pressure to steer the vehicle, shift gears, and operate the truck and tractor protection valves.

Arms/Hands – A worker will utilize his/her arms and hands upwards of 60 times during a shift. Shifting gears would occur primarily with the right hand, but both hands would be used for steering of the vehicle. It is expected that most likely the worker will use his hand of dominance for writing and for any of the inspections, etc.

Legs/Feet– Legs/feet would be utilized greater than 60 times during a work shift. An individual uses both feet to operate the vehicle gas, brake, clutch and accelerator. Both legs and feet are needed in the walking and standing duties mentioned earlier.

Environment: The worker spends 80-90% of his/her time inside the cab of their vehicle. A worker will be exposed to the outer climate elements when performing vehicle inspections, chaining up, securing loads, etc. A worker will encounter weather conditions that may range from 120 degrees to below 0 and encounter wind, rain, sleet and snow. The vehicle cabs are· heated and air-conditioned for the worker’s convenience.

Equipment/Tools: An individual will operate an 18-wheel log truck and trailer carrying raw logs. Hand tools that will be used is that of pencil, tape, tire hammer,. wrenches, shovel and ax.

Psychological Demands: A driver is required to work within reasonable time deadlines in delivering loads to the appointed destinations. A worker must maintain an alertness under a wide variety of road conditions and up to 14 hours maximum of on-duty and driving time. A worker will need to maintain a constant awareness of traffic and road conditions and anticipate difficulties encountered in dealing with heavy traffic and/or road conditions.

Hazards: A truck driver is always exposed to the potential road hazards as would be confronted by all drivers. A fall could occur when getting in and out of the truck vehicle. A worker could also slip and fall on the uneven ground.

Comments: The worker is allowed to· drive up to 11 hours a day and work a total of 14 hours.  After 14 hours or 585 miles the law requires a driver to spend 10 hours off duty before driving again. As mentioned, a worker will tie the load at the beginning of each trip. A worker will transport 1-6 loads per day depending on the distance of the log landing. During unloading a worker needs only to pull the tie to the ground. Work hours will vary depending on the distance that a driver will need to drive to the log landing. Shifts begin and end on a staggered time and may vary from 1-14 hours, with the average being 11 hours.

The start times may range from 10:00 pm-8:00 am and the ending time could be from 12:00 pm-9:00 pm. A log truck driver can expect to be on duty at any time of the day or night.