Career Options
Recruiters put you in the driver's seatIt's an industry that employs more than half a million Canadians and is vital to our economy. LINDA WHITE -- Special to the Toronto Sun |
|
|
To find out, take this test by eCareerFit, the career assessment experts.
For recruiting companies that put professional drivers behind the wheels of the trucks that keep the industry rolling, finding qualified candidates is about much more than a licence.
"Good candidates have at least two years' driving experience and a good driver's abstract," says Nick Bertini, operations manager at United Driver Services (UDS). "They must have a good command of the English language and a good understanding of logbooks, as well as the rules and regulations of the road. A good knowledge of the Greater Toronto Area is great."
He's also looking for strong people skills. "Drivers communicate with dispatch and clients, and represent UDS and our clients. Problem-solving skills are important."
PATIENCE, FLEXIBILITY
Patience is crucial because drivers can find themselves sitting in traffic, sometimes for long periods of time. Flexibility is another plus. "Start times can range from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. or from noon to 8 p.m., depending on your shift," Bertini says. "A tidy appearance is also important."
Drakkar Human Resources also recruits professional truck drivers, as well as forklift operators and shippers/receivers for the industry. In addition to appropriate qualifications, soft skills are important.
"We look for the same things as any employer: someone who will work hard, is honest, has manners and shows respect," says operations co-ordinator Giorgio Milazzo. "Drivers need to be customer-service oriented and patient."
Recruiting companies like UDS and Drakkar recruit, test, train, hire and pay drivers. UDS serves clients like Canadian Tire, Canadian Cartage and OK Transportation, while Drakkar's clients include XTL Transport and Robert Transport.
"We specialize in putting drivers to work for reputable companies," Bertini says. "A lot of (transport) companies are leaning towards recruitment companies so they can focus on moving freight. The company operates at an arm's length from the drivers."
When applying to a recruiting company, check out what it has to offer.
UDS, for example, offers its drivers a private medical/dental plan, group RRSP plan, defensive driving
courses and other incentives.
DRIVER QUIZ
Interested candidates with an AZ (tractor trailer) or DZ (street truck) licence can apply online or in person to both UDS and Drakkar. They must provide their driver's abstract and Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration certificate.
The UDS website features a driver quiz designed to help test your knowledge of the road. It features questions on everything from the fee charged when crossing the Canada-United States border and when the "vehicle circle check" should be performed to the colour and location of the annual inspection sticker.
When applying to a recruiting company, be prepared to state your shift preference, as well as if you're interested in local, short or long hauls, and hauls south of the border. "Drivers willing to drive to the U.S. are harder to find," Milazzo says. "There is a huge demand for U.S. drivers."
Part-time work
Also, recruiters will want to know if you're interested in full-time, part-time or call-in work. "Part-time work could appeal to drivers who are retired or people who just want to work weekends or a couple of days a week to supplement their income," Bertini says.
linda.white@rogers.com.
How many hours a week do you work?