Truck Tractor

Position Title: Truck Tractor (Horse & Trailer) Driver

Department: Fleet & Logistics

Reporting To: Operations Manager/Service Coordinator/Fleet Manager

Location: Waste Carriers Depots - Cape Town and Surrounds

Employment Type: Full-Time (7-Day Week, Shift Work Applicable)

1. Role Purpose

To operate truck tractors (horses) with trailers—including interlink and flat-deck trailers with twist locks—for the transportation of waste, materials, or bins. The driver must have technical expertise in operating manual gearboxes, including Powerstar 12-speed split and Mercedes-Benz V-Series transmissions. The role involves long-haul and municipal waste logistics work and requires high levels of safety, responsibility, and technical driving ability.

2. Key ResponsibilitiesA. Vehicle Operations
- Operate truck tractors equipped with manual gearboxes, including split and range types.
- Drive both Powerstar 2642 trucks (12-speed splitter) trucks.
- Perform advanced gear manipulation including float shifting and hill starts.
- Pull and manage both 3-axle and 4-axle interlink and flat-deck trailers with twist locks.
- Reverse and maneuver trailers accurately in confined and challenging areas.

B. Safety & Compliance
- Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections (tyres, air lines, lights, hydraulics, coupling).
- Secure trailers and cargo using correct safety protocols and twist lock systems.
- Comply with national road traffic laws and internal safety policies.
- Report faults, breakdowns, or unsafe conditions immediately to the fleet office.

C. Administrative Duties
- Complete logbooks, fuel slips, weighbridge documents, and delivery notes daily.
- Maintain accurate records of trailer numbers, loads transported, and disposal site interactions.
- Submit all documentation to the Service Coordinator by end of shift.

3. Minimum RequirementsA. Qualifications
- Grade 10 minimum; Matric preferred.
- Valid Code 14 (EC) Driver’s Licence with a valid PrDP.

B. Experience
- Minimum 5 years proven experience operating manual truck tractors.
- Must have driven Powerstar 2642 trucks (12-speed manual split gearbox).
- Must have driven Mercedes-Benz V-Series manual gearbox trucks.
- Proven ability to pull interlink and flat-deck trailers with twist locks.

C. Technical Skills
- Advanced driving ability in manual and splitter gearboxes.
- Knowledge of axle load distribution and interlink trailer management.
- Strong trailer reversing and positioning capability.
- Understanding of brake systems, air line coupling, and vehicle inspections.

4. Behavioral Competencies
- Reliability: Consistently arrives on time and completes routes as scheduled.
- Safety: Practices and prioritizes safety at all times on road and at sites.
- Discipline: Adheres to routes, avoids unauthorized stops, and complies with policies.
- Communication: Maintains open line with dispatch and site teams during shifts.
- Teamwork: Works collaboratively with loading teams and coordinators.

Work Location: In person