Employment: How to move into road transport, a sector that remains in high demand

ON THE ROAD Considered one of the most important economic activities, road transport has a bright future ahead of it

The road transport sector is always recruiting new candidates — iStock

Even if the current inflation weighs on the activity economic impact of road transport, particularly in Due to rising energy prices, the disruption of industrial supply chains and recruitment difficulties, this sector is still in high demand for qualified drivers.

Whether by light vehicle, van or heavy truck, the bulk of goods transport is done by road.

Driver Missions

The driver or road haulier's mission is to deliver the goods in good condition to the customers and respecting the deadlines, whether in France or abroad. abroad, over short or long distances.

He watches over the products he transports, supervises or participates in the loading and unloading and ensures the regular maintenance of his vehicle (checking the levels, the condition of the tires and the various parts, etc.).

Driving is his main activity; but he must also ensure technical, administrative (keeping logbooks, delivery slips, invoices, documents for police and customs, etc.) and sometimes even commercial functions up to date. .

The road driver watches over the products he transports, supervises or participates in loading and unloading and ensures regular maintenance of his vehicle – iStock

Endurance, rigor and tact

As working times can be very long, the driver must demonstrate concentration and vigilance when driving. any test. He must master the Highway Code, ensure that he security others and be patient and calm whatever the circumstances (traffic jams, bad weather).

In permanent contact with customers and various administrative bodies, he must have ; have good interpersonal skills and demonstrate courtesy and respect.

Finally, he must know transport regulations, safety rules, handling gestures, vehicle maintenance and know how to use navigation equipment.

< h2>Conditions of practice and evolution

The road driver can be an employee. join a specialized transport company or work in a professional environment. his account.

He can choose to concentrate on the transport of certain types of goods such as petroleum or dangerous products, fresh products or even animals.

You can be a driver « long distance », « short distance » or “ messenger » -iStock

It can be a “long distance” and travel throughout France and to abroad, “short distance” and make regional trips, or even driver “messenger”, also known as deliveryman, and travel in town or over short distances.

After starting with light vehicles, it can claim to be more competitive. drive larger riders. He can then pass the heavy goods vehicle license (C) to drive vehicles between 3.5 and 36 tonnes and consider passing the CE license (for vehicles over 36 tonnes and over 3.5 tonnes articulated). ;s). These qualifications are always highly sought after by recruiters.

Subsequently, he can move towards a position of trainer, head of an agency in goods transport or even manager of ;exploitation.

The average gross salary of a novice truck driver is around 1,600 euros. Depending on his experience, his qualifications and the various bonuses linked to his career. the employer, this remuneration can go up to 3,000 euros.

Independent drivers can go up to 3,000 euros. 5,000 euros gross per month.

Independent drivers can earn up to 100%. 5,000 euros gross per month – iStock

Possible training

To become a road driver, you must pass the FIMO (compulsory minimum initial training) to be able to drive vehicles with a GVWR (total authorized weight of 5,000 euros per month). loaded) exceeds 3.5 tonnes.

This training, lasting four weeks (156 hours), carried out in approved training centers, allows you to learn the basic safety rules. of the profession. To qualify, the candidate must be aged be at least 21 years old and hold a C (heavy goods vehicle) or E/C (vehicle + trailer) license.

There are also CAP type certifications, such as the CAP Goods Delivery Driver and the CAP Road Goods Driver.

Let us also mention the professional title of driver of road transport of goods on all vehicles (CTRMV); the professional title of driver of road transport of goods on carrier (CTRMP) and the professional title of delivery driver on light utility vehicle, all level V.

Our file “ Road drivers »

Finally, it is possible to take a professional baccalaureate as a road freight transport driver.