Truck drivers are not unique to working alone. However, in most industries work alone in the same environment. Drivers work alone in multiple environments and face tough challenges keeping themselves safe. There are several areas of risk, including driving. For now, I will focus on when the truck is stopped. Over the road Safety starts with a good pre-trip. This is not news to any professional truck driver. However, breaking down increases your exposure to the unknown. It’s important to ensure your vehicle is in top shape to keep you rolling.
Should you find yourself on the side of the road, here are a few Safety Tips. Keep your Side boxes locked. Don’t leave the side door release latch accessible. If you are approached by a person, who you did not call for help, do not exit the vehicle. Lock your doors. For Back up, turn your phone on to record the conversation. If the vehicle stops ahead, take a photo of the person, vehicle and license plate. Close your bunk curtains as they approach. This will provide the illusion there is another person with you. Do not disclose what is wrong with the vehicle or any load information. Tell them help is arriving imminently. Carry a basic tool kit, waterproof flashlight Carry two days of food and water Keep a travel toilet in the truck for places where you feel unsafe to leave the truck. Keep your curtains closed to give the illusion of a co-driver Keep your cell phone fully charged and within reach in the bunk. Never walk between trailers. Take the long way around. Carry flip flops, always wear them in the showers If you are concerned about security while sleeping, tie the driver and passenger door together with a ratchet strap.
In the Yard – Truck Stops, Rest Areas, Customers First and foremost, be aware of your surroundings. That may sound simple, but for a truck driver, it’s not. There are a lot of blind spots where risks can lurk. Here are a few questions to help evaluate your risk: What are my surroundings? Is the yard secured, or is there a guard? Is the ground level? Is there a tripping risk? Are there people in the yard? Are they employees? Know your work alone policy. Send a note to dispatch when you arrive at the facility. And when you leave. Call the customer ahead of time, ask if it is safe to park onsite. Is there security, driver facilities?
What can Companies do to keep their drivers safe? Well-lit yards. Provide facilities that lock – ie bathroom, showers Work alone policy. Use a check in AP or company communication device. Have a road buddy to keep in touch with – check in regularly. Keep notes on customer facilities. Rate their driver safety for reference. Use an Emergency response phone APP for drivers. Provide PPE for the job.
Deborah Gee
Deborah Gee is a CITT (CCLP) and RPR certified professional. Experienced class 1 driver with LTL, FTL and Heavy Haul. Deborah is currently a regional recruiter for Trimac Transportation in Calgary, Alberta. Deborah has been involved with WTFC since it’s inception and is on the board of directors. You can reach her at dgee@trimac.com
We’re a leader in transportation and innovation. We’re not the biggest but we have incredibly high standards and are committed to being an exceptional company to work for and to do business with.
Our group of companies includes transportation in Canada and the USA, global logistics, warehousing & distribution and technology development.
We’re a progressive, equal opportunity employer that welcomes career-minded people looking to advance in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. If you’re a dynamic professional who can deliver great results, we have a career for you!
We’re a team in the truest sense. We’re committed to each other and have an unshakable commitment to delivering for our customers. We work hard to be collaborative, high-energy and positive. We live our values, encouraging and rewarding innovation and great results.
Our success is built through an uncompromising focus on four key pillars. They’re our guideposts for everything we do, including who we hire and promote, how we treat each other and how we make decisions.
OUR PRIORITY IS SAFETY
Safety is the non-negotiable foundation to everything we do. It is a sign of respect for ourselves and all the communities we serve.
WE HAVE EACH OTHERS’ BACKS
Trust is at our core. Respect for diversity, in all its forms, is table stakes. We do what we say we’ll do when we say we’ll do it. When we fall short, we take accountability. When a teammate stumbles, we extend a helping hand. We know we’re in a fortunate position and so we give back to the communities where our businesses operate and our employees live.
RAISE THE BAR
“Good” is not good enough. No matter what role we play, we raise the bar on ourselves and each other every day. We set and hit challenging goals. We’re disciplined, action oriented, accountable and constantly look for ways to improve how we operate – especially if it involves technology. We’re into learning. We’re humble enough to admit what we don’t know and we care enough to teach others what we do.
IT’S ABOUT OUR CUSTOMER
We go the extra mile to be the standout partner to our customers. Our reputation and success come from caring as much about their businesses as they do. Through our relationships, innovations and commitment to doing what’s right, we make a genuine difference to their operations.
WE’RE COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
Our differences make us stronger. Ensuring everyone can bring their whole, true selves to work and feel heard and valued is critical to our success as a team and as a company.
It is the policy of Polaris Transportation Group to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. Polaris welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Position Summary… This position is responsible for testing all applicants on their driving skills through a road test to ensure they have the skillset to operate our assets. They are also responsible for training all commercial vehicle drivers who operate Fleet equipment and necessary follow up and retraining. The incumbent must have a thorough understanding of Federal, Provincial and local safety laws to ensure the company complies with all current safety regulations.
What you’ll do…
Assist Safety and Compliance departments in educating drivers to current S.O.P.
Complete full cycle training from driver selection, regular in cab follow ups and retraining.
Facilitate in class training session ensuring our drivers are informed of all required training modules but also update on changing industry requirements.
Store / vendor site inspections/ assessments for Stores / Vendors and D.C yards to assist in problem solving for daily fleet operations long term and short term
Maintains employment related programs and procedures, including health &safety and housekeeping programs, in order to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation and company policy.
Champion a safety culture through regular driver communications and responsible for creating solid relationships with our driver base so they feel comfortable asking for support.
Responsible for training drivers on route specific lanes to ensure they have the necessary skills to complete the job safely (An example would be training drivers to deliver on harsh climates or through the mountains).
Accountable for completing the necessary training records to be compliant.
Aider l’équipe de santé et de sécurité et l’équipe de conformité à former les chauffeurs sur les procédures normales d’exploitation en vigueur.
Assurer le déroulement du cycle complet de formation, notamment la sélection des chauffeurs, les évaluations de suivi dans la cabine et la reprise de la formation.
Animer les séances de formation en classe visant à renseigner nos chauffeurs sur tous les modules de formation requis et à les tenir au fait des changements apportés aux exigences relatives au secteur de l’industrie.
Effectuer des inspections et des évaluations des succursales et des emplacements des fournisseurs et des cours des centres de distribution en vue de contribuer à la résolution des problèmes relatifs à l’exploitation quotidienne de la flotte à court et à long terme.
Tenir à jour les programmes et les marches à suivre liés à l’emploi, dont les programmes de santé et sécurité, d’entretien et culturels afin d’assurer le respect des lois et des directives de l’entreprise.
Promouvoir la culture de sécurité au moyen de communications périodiques avec les chauffeurs et veiller à établir des relations de travail solides avec nos chauffeurs de façon à ce qu’ils se sentent à l’aise de demander de l’assistance.
Donner la formation des chauffeurs sur des voies précises pour s’assurer qu’ils possèdent les aptitudes nécessaires pour effectuer le travail de façon sécuritaire (par exemple, vérifier l’aptitude des chauffeurs à conduire dans des conditions météorologiques difficiles ou dans des régions montagneuses).
Remplir les dossiers de formation requis de façon conforme.
Minimum Qualifications…
Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications. __
Polaris Transport Group driver Diana Halaj was interviewed by Susan Hay at Global News! They are proud to have Diana represent women in the trucking industry and their company!
Diana Halaj has been driving for Polaris since 2015 and drives between Toronto and Massachusetts. Diana began her journey towards a driving career when she was only 16 years old. She drove farm equipment around her family’s property and very quickly learned how to maneuver trailers with ease and precision. Diana later obtained her Class A licence and graduated at the top of her class at Humber College. She was 1 out of 2 females that graduated. Diana says “It wasn’t exactly common for women to want to become a truck driver. I am so glad I did, because I love driving and I want women to know this is a great career!”
Diana has more than 20 years’ experience and very impressive qualifications! She can drive just about anything from forklifts to school buses and is certified to handle hazardous goods, petroleum and working at heights. Diana enjoys working for Polaris because she has her own truck, is truly appreciated and likes her service lane. Diana was a great addition to our driving team and is very inspiring to other women looking to get into the industry!
Delivery and pick up of loads from DC to Walmart stores and vendors
Operating tractors equipped with multi-speed transmission (Automatic or Manual) safely while adhering to all safety requirements
Perform inspections of mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment of tractor-trailer unit before, during, and after trips
Connect and disconnect semi-trailer hoses
Complete all applicable paperwork.
Maintain up-to-date Driver Log throughout the duration of each shift (via ELD)
Communicate with our Dispatch team
Establish and maintain positive working relationships with customers and co-workers in a professional manner
Be able to perform physical work at times (lifting in excess of 50lbs)
Use of satellite tracking equipment
Observe and comply with rules and regulations of the Federal Motor Vehicle Transportation Act as well as provincial governing bodies
We offer:
Competitive wages – starting at $24.15 / hour + Premiums
Safety Bonus
Premiums for afternoon, evening and weekend shifts
NO TOUCH freight
Home daily
Health and dental benefits
Company matched Pension Plan
RRSP and TFSA options
Walmart Discount Card
UniformWork Boot allowance
Associate Referral Program
Position Requirements:
Valid AZ driver’s license
Minimum of 3 years’ verifiable tractor trailer driving experience
Clean abstract and CVOR
Our people make the difference, join our growing team!
Walmart Fleet (div. of Walmart Canada) is part of the world’s largest and most recognizable retailer. Each day our drivers deliver our products to hundreds of stores across the nation from our distribution centers in Mississauga, Calgary, and Cornwall.
Innovative and at the fore-front of technology, Walmart Fleet is setting the bar for trucking in Canada! We focus on exceeding expectations and continually improving the quality of everything we do. We invite you to pursue a rewarding career in a results-oriented, people and performance focused culture.
