What is a Transport Clerk? 

A Transport Clerk usually works in a warehouse environment. 

They are in charge of checking goods (articles, containers or passengers) and keeping up to date with the numbers and paperwork.

What does a Transport Clerk do?

• count number of goods and make sure they match paperwork
• make sure goods arrive and depart in good condition
• prepare documentation
• make sure goods are despatched on time
• meet deadlines
• pack and unpack goods
• deal with problems of lost goods, damaged goods etc
• make sure goods are stored correctly and safely
• maintain detailed paperwork

Are you . . . ?

• responsible?
• deadline orientated?
• organised?
• reliable?
• a person who pays attention to detail?
• able to handle stress?
• a good communicator?

How do I become a Transport Clerk?

TETA suggests you complete a Diploma in Transport Management.

You will require a Matric or NQF Level 4 with maths lit and English.

Here are a few examples:

• UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG

http://www.uj.ac.za/EN/Faculties/management/departments/transport/coursesandprogrammes/industrytraining/Diplomas/Pages/Diploma-Transportation.aspx

• UNISA

http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=20338

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Administration Officer or Clearing & Forwarding Agent

Is becoming a Transport Clerk right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Petrol Pump Attendant?

A Petrol Pump Attendant plays an important role in the maintenance of a motor vehicle.

Not only do Petrol Pump Attendants add petrol to a vehicle, they also conduct routine service checks such as:

• checking fluid levels
• tyre pressure
• cleaning windshields

Petrol Pump Attendants work at petrol or filling stations.

What does a Petrol Pump Attendant do?

• fill petrol tanks with petrol or diesel
• check water and oil levels and topping up if needed.
• check tyre pressure
• clean windshields
• take payments
• deliver receipts

Are you … ?

• someone with good customer service skills?
• a person with a basic knowledgeable of vehicle mechanics?
• willing to work odd, long hours and public holidays?
• multi-lingual –  more than one language?
• a good listener?
• a quick worker?
• someone who likes working outdoors?

How do I become a Petrol Pump Attendant?

Most petrol companies provide on the job training.

Some companies they could work at:

• Shell
• Total
• BP
• Engen etc

Some Petrol Pump Attendant make good money as they are positive and dedicated.  Customers see this and reward them by tipping them well.

If a Petrol Pump Attendant shows that they are hard working and positive, the company may put them on training programmes.  These training programmes may help them get promotion.  Eventually, a Petrol Pump Attendant may, one day own their own garage and employ other Petrol Pump Attendants.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Automotive Mechanic and Automotive Trimmer

Is becoming a Petrol Pump Attendant the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No: 732101

What is a Delivery Person/Driver?

Does being out on the open road appeal to you?  

Then the life of a Delivery Person/Driver may be the right career for you. 

A Delivery Person/Driver will usually make local deliveries whereas a Longhaul Driver will drive from city to city.

There are many different types of Delivery Drivers:  

• motorcycles will be used for messages, documents and small items
• regular sedans will be used for fast food deliveries and messages
• small vans will be used for larger parcels and specific items eg florist or printed goods
• larger trucks will be used for delivering stock eg: to supermarkets

In some cases, such as a fast food restaurant, the Delivery Driver must use his own vehicle.

A Delivery Person/Driver may be employed by a courier company involved in the delivery of almost everything from messages to packages from one destination to another or be employed by companies that need their own goods, packages and messages to be delivered.

What does a Delivery Person/Driver do?

Depending on the actual job at hand these might be some of the tasks required:

• load and unload throughout the day
• ensure that the vehicle is loaded with the correct goods as listed on their delivery note
• ensure that vehicle is loaded in a safe way to ensure the safety of the driver and goods
• plan the most efficient and effective delivery route
• stop to collect other goods along the way
• keep records of the deliveries, collections and payments (if received on route)
• run company errands when not delivering goods
• make sure vehicle is cleaned and maintained
• drive responsibly and safely at all times

Are you … ?

• a person who loves driving for long periods at a time?
• a person with a valid driver’s licence and clean driving record/
• responsible?
• a person with sober habits?
• over 18?
• alert and attentive?
• physically fit?
• mechanical? 
• able to concentrate in heavy traffic?

How do I become a Delivery Person/Driver?

Compulsory requirement:  A driver’s licence.  Depending on the job, the licence must be valid for the type of vehicle (small van, truck, motorcycle etc).

No specific training is required.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Bus Driver or Chauffeur

Is becoming a Delivery Person/Driver the right career choice for me? 

See below for more info.

What is a Courier?

Couriers collect and deliver documents and packages from companies and private residences.

They usually use light delivery vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and in some cases deliver on foot.  

They respond to calls from the courier depot.  Packages may contain mail, documents, small items, samples etc etc.
Couriers are different to the Postal Service with regard to speed, safety, security and tracking. 

They also give a more personal and more reliable service.  Because of this, they are usually more expensive than the Postal Service.

What does a Courier do?

• answer requests telephonically from clients
• organise logistics in the courier depot
• plan routes that they are economical both in time and petrol
• sort and load items
• check waybills
• pick up packages and deliver packages
• make sure customers sign delivery receipts
• keep records

Are you … ?

• organised and methodical?
• a good listener?
• observant and logical?
• good at time management?
• calm under stress?
• good at keeping records?
• punctual?
• a person with a good knowledge of the local roads?
• good at following directions?
• responsible and trustworthy?

How do I become a Courier? 

Compulsory skill: A valid driver’s licence.

No previous training is required.  Most Couriers can get on-the-job training.  Once you have enough experience, you may consider starting up your own Courier business. 

TETA suggests the following:

National Certificate in Professional Driving NQF 3

Requirements: Matric

• TETA

http://www.teta.org.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Train Driver or Transport Service Manager

Is becoming a Courier the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

What is a Bus Driver?

A Bus Driver drives a bus professionally. He/she carries passengers safely from one bus stop or bus station to another. 

Some Bus Drivers work locally (in towns) and others nationally (driving passengers from one city to another). They drive specific routes according to specified time schedules.

Bus Drivers can work for municipalities, the government or private tour companies. Some tour bus drivers are also tour guides.

What does a Bus Driver do?

• inspect their bus to ensure that it’s operating properly
• make sure their bus is clean, inside and out
• greet their passengers in a friendly way
• receive fare money and give the correct change
• help old or disabled people onto the bus
• drive cautiously to the destination
• obey the rules of the road
• make sure passengers are safe at all times

Are you… ?

• people friendly?
• a good and responsible driver?
• able to drive in extreme weather conditions?
• helpful?
• reliable?
• respectful?
• self-disciplined?
• a person with good eyesight?
• healthy?
• able to handle stress and emergencies?
• able to work shifts?
• good at concentrating for long periods at a time?
• punctual?
   

How do I become a Bus Driver?

You will require a valid heavy duty driving license for buses.

EMPLOYMENT:  Some opportunities are available for get on-the-job training. 

Minimum requirements:  Grade 8 Certificate, 21 years old or older.  Some employers prefer higher educational qualifications.  

The more skills you have, the easier it is to get a job. 

These places offer Advanced Driving Courses:

• The Operator Training Centre
• Emthonjeni Training Centre
• Bloemfontein Training Centre
• Apex Group Training Centre
• Driver Training Scheme at Luipaardsvlei

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Tour Bus Driver or Crane Operator

Is becoming a Bus Driver the right career choice for me?

20.02.2015 – Posted on Facebook

What is a Truck Driver?

Does a life on the road appeal to you? Does driving long distances across country delivering equipment, cars, furniture etc excite you? Then becoming a Truck Driver could be the career path you are looking for!

A Truck Driver is a person who drives a truck for a living. They move goods from one destination to another. Some drive short distances while others may drive longer distances between provinces or between countries.

Truck Drivers move cargo from one destination to another.  This cargo could vary from cars, to grain, produce, timber, steel etc.  Actually, most things made or grown need to be transported.

They can work in most industries, for example:

• Retail: supermarkets and other chain stores
• Courier companies
• Movers (households moving)
• Construction
• Petro-chemical companies: tankers – moving petrol, chemicals etc
• Agriculture
• Abnormal loads: moving boats, windmills for wind farms etc

Truck Drivers will also need to check their vehicle before driving them to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.

What does a Truck Driver do?

• drives trucks carefully, safely and responsibly
• carefully moves trucks into loading or unloading positions
• makes sure packing and stacking of cargo is correct
• secures cargo for transport using ties, ropes, chains etc
• follows signals from loading crew as needed
• checks all load-related documentation making sure it’s accurate
• collects signatures when loads are delivered
• collects payment for services, if required
• keeps logs (records) of working hours
• maintains trucks and reports mechanically faults
• keeps vehicle service and repair records

Are you … ?

• interested in driving large trucks?
• willing to drive long distances?
• willing to work unusual and irregular hours?
• fit and healthy?
• able to concentrate for long periods at a time?
• responsible?
• mentally stable?
• over 18 years of age?
• a person with good eyesight?
• of sober habits?
• mechanically minded?

How do I become Truck Driver?

You will need a heavy-vehicle driver’s licence (C1, C, EB, EC1 or EC) – (Code 10, 11, 13 or 14) and undergo and pass a medical examination. 

Courses in advanced driving would be an added advantage.

• CLICK HERE for more info.
  

These places offer Advanced Driving Courses:

• The Operator Training Centre
• Emthonjeni Training Centre
• Bloemfontein Training Centre
• Apex Group Training Centre
• Driver Training Scheme at Luipaardsvlei

• MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA DRIVER TRAINING ACADEMY

http://www.fleetboardtraining.co.za/driver-training/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Petrol Pump Attendant or Bus Driver

Is becoming a Truck Driver the right career choice for me?

30-04-2015 – Posted on Facebook

OFO No: 732201

Other names for Chauffeur:

What is a Chauffeur?

A Chauffeur is like a ‘luxury driver’ who is usually employed by:

• large companies
• government
• ambassadors/embassies
• chauffeur or limousine hiring companies
• wealthy individuals…

to drive luxurious motor vehicles or limousines to destinations of the passenger’s choice.

Chauffeurs usually drive individuals between airports, hotels, train stations, and bus terminals or to and from meetings.

Chauffeurs usually wear a uniform of some kind which consists of a dark suit, tie and black shoes.  Sometimes for more formal or traditional occasions, the Chauffeur may even wear a cap and white gloves.

What does a Chauffeur do?

• picks up passengers timeously and drives them to their destination
• opens and shuts the car door for passengers
• works out the best route to destination
• finds suitable and safe areas to park
• drives vehicles in a responsible and safe manner
• adheres to road rules and regulations
• makes sure the tank is full of petrol
• keeps track of times, routes and journeys
• completes accident reports
• assists passengers in and out the vehicle
• lifts luggage etc into car or boot
• tests vehicle to make sure everything is in good working order (eg lights, brakes, hooters, wipers etc)
• reports mechanical faults
• performs basic maintenance like oil changes etc
• keeps the vehicle clean inside and out

Are you … ?

• a person who loves driving?
• responsible?
• helpful?
• attentive?
• fit and healthy?
• willing to work unusual hours?
• a person with good vision?
• friendly and polite?
• a person with good manners?
• good under pressure?
• punctual?
• a good driver?
• a person with a good sense of direction?

How do I become a Chauffeur?

First and foremost, a Chauffeur needs a clean driver’s license. Courses in Advanced Driving and Chauffeuring skills would be an added advantage.

It would be preferable that a Chauffeur has at least a Grade 12 or equivalent. English is highly recommended.

• SACG: The South African Chauffeurs Guild

http://www.sacg.co.za/

Offers a training certificate for would-be Chauffeurs.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Tour Bus Driver, Delivery Person or Courier 

Is becoming a Chauffeur the right career choice for me?

What is a Taxi Driver?

Taxi Drivers drive passengers from one destination to another.

This job requires long hours behind the steering wheel and unusual working hours. This could mean you may work during and through the night.

There are 2 main kinds of Taxi Drivers:

• Sedan vehicle Taxi Drivers
• Minibus Taxi Drivers

What does a Taxi Driver do?

• Sedan Vehicle Taxi Drivers

transport passengers in a regular car.  This car is fitted with a meter which works out how long the trip was and how much the fare is.  Passengers usually phone and book this kind of taxi or find the taxi parked at very specific taxi ranks.  Typical journeys include: to and from the airport, from one side of the city or town to the other, between various transport options like airports, stations and ports etc. Typical passenger include:  tourists and those wishing for a convenient way to get to the airport for example without using their own car.  Some of these Taxi Drivers either work for a company who has a number of vehicles or the Taxi Driver can work for themselves. 

• Minibus Taxi Driver

transports passenger in a minibus. They charge a set fare for a particular route and distance. Passengers are picked up taxi ranks or at specific points along the route. Typical passengers include: daily commuters from outlying areas to their places of work in the city or other industrial areas, school children, and transporting those without their own means of transport from one place to another. 

Are you … ?

• a good driver?
• responsible?
• a person with good vision?
• a person with quick reflexes?
• safety conscious?
• a person with a good knowledge of the area (eg roads, points of interest, hospitals, restaurants etc)
• mechanically minded?
• friendly?
• helpful?
• a person with sober habits?

How do I become a Taxi Driver?

Taxi Drivers need a valid/recognised, ‘clean’ drivers licence.  They also need a professional driving permit (PDP).

• How do I get a Professional Driving Permit?

http://www.services.gov.za/services/content/Home/ServicesForPeople/Driving/Drivingandearningtodrive/professionaldriverspermit/en_ZA

May 2012, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and NETCARE 911 launched a first aid programme for the taxi industry.  Taxi Drivers will need training in first aid and CPR.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Petrol Pump Attendant or Bus Driver

Is becoming a Taxi Driver the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.