4 things you need to know to work as a truck driver
Truck Drivers
Working as a truck driver can and is seen as synonymous with freedom. Being able to travel all over the country and sometimes the world!
However, being a driver comes with great responsibilities. They are the people who transport all production goods and consumer goods, which are also considered basic necessities.
Being such an important profession, you need the necessary training and qualifications. However, don’t let that stop you from realizing your dream.
Find out everything you need to know about working as a truck driver.
1. What kind of training and qualifications are needed?
Continuous professional training is essential. In addition, it is also compulsory for truck drivers to have the certificate of aptitude for driving (CAM) and the qualification license (CQM).
So if you want to work as a lorry driver, take these requirements into account.
2. How much does a truck driver earn?
This is one of the basic questions in any profession. However, it’s difficult to give specific figures, because depending on the employer, values can also vary.
In addition, years of experience, as well as the type of goods to be transported, can add or detract from the final salary.
In Portugal, the average salary for a truck driver – according to data from Pordata, compiled by Jornal Eco – is around €1100.
3. What are the requirements for the job?
Although driving is something that most people do, don’t be fooled, as driving a heavy goods vehicle is more complex than it seems.
To be able to work in the profession, in addition to the compulsory training we’ve already mentioned, you must be 21 years old in order to obtain a category C (heavy goods) and CE (category C heavy goods with trailer or semi-trailer) driving license.
You also need a medical certificate proving your physical and psychological fitness, accompanied by a report.
4. Different types of truck drivers
Don’t make the mistake of saying that anyone who drives one truck drives all, or that the transportation process is the same for all goods.
There are goods that are considered dangerous, such as radioactive material, toxic substances or explosive materials. For these types of goods, all documents and training must be up to date.
In addition to the type of goods they transport, drivers can also be qualified to be national or international drivers.
As the name suggests, national drivers are licensed to drive within Portuguese territory, which means they transport the same type of cargo for the same company and often using the same routes.
On the other hand, an international driver is licensed to drive within Portugal, but also abroad.
When a driver works internationally, his routes are substantially longer, which means he has to drive for much longer than other drivers.
Do you feel like venturing out onto national and international roads? Then take a look at all our vacancies for truck drivers.
