Extra Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver (Articulated)
Job Information
Company: Unitrans
Business Unit / Division: Consumer
Contract: BP Inbound
Job Title: Extra Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver (Articulated)
Reference Number: UNI261012-11
Location: Newlands East, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Employment Type: Permanent – Normal
Minimum Education Level: Grade 12 / National Certificate
Closing Date: 3 November 2026
Job Overview
Unitrans is inviting applications for a suitably qualified and experienced Extra Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver (Articulated) for its Consumer business unit, under the BP Inbound contract. The position is based in Newlands East, KwaZulu-Natal, and is offered on a permanent basis.
The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing vehicles for trips and operating heavy-duty vehicles safely and efficiently. The role also involves completing and handling transport documentation between dispatch, customers and the distribution centre, inspecting vehicles before and after trips, and accounting for goods transported to customers.
Applicants must have a Grade 12 literacy level, a Code 14 driver’s licence, a valid PrDP (EC1) and at least three years of articulated driving experience, including experience driving both rigid vehicles and horse trucks. Candidates must also be medically fit and have a clean criminal record.
The position requires knowledge of vehicle operation, defensive driving, vehicle components, loading techniques, vehicle inspections and procedures for reporting emergencies and defects. The successful candidate must be prepared to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Education: Grade 12 literacy level.
- Driver’s Licence: Code 14 driver’s licence.
- Professional Driving Permit: Valid PrDP (EC1).
- Driving Experience: At least three years of articulated driving experience, including driving both rigids and horse trucks.
- Medical Fitness: Must be medically fit.
- Criminal Record: Must have a clean criminal record.
- Driving Record: A safe driving record is required.
Required Knowledge and Skills
Applicants should have knowledge and understanding of the following:
- Defensive driving.
- Driving vehicles fitted with Eaton Fuller and ZF gearboxes.
- The functions and locations of vehicle components.
- The Road Traffic Act as it relates to operating a vehicle.
- Appropriate driver actions in different weather, road and traffic conditions.
- Procedures for reporting emergencies and vehicle defects.
- Vehicle inspections and the operation of a fire extinguisher.
- Maximising vehicle cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
- Vehicle loading techniques.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe operation and preparation of articulated heavy-duty vehicles, as well as the handling and transportation of goods.
1. Vehicle Preparation and Operation
- Prepare vehicles for trips.
- Operate heavy-duty vehicles.
- Conduct vehicle inspections before and after each trip.
- Apply appropriate driving practices according to weather, road and traffic conditions.
- Follow procedures for reporting emergencies and vehicle defects.
- Operate vehicles safely and efficiently.
2. Transportation and Documentation
- Handle documentation from dispatch to the customer and back to the distribution centre.
- Account for all goods transported to customers.
- Ensure that the required transport documentation is handled throughout the trip.
3. Safety and Operational Responsibilities
- Apply defensive driving practices.
- Follow relevant road traffic requirements when operating vehicles.
- Use vehicle inspection procedures and fire extinguishing equipment as required.
- Apply vehicle loading techniques and practices that support safe transportation.
- Maintain a safe driving record and comply with the requirement for a clean criminal record.
4. Additional Responsibilities
- Follow all other reasonable instructions issued by the supervisor.
- Be prepared to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.
Employment Details
The position is permanent and based in Newlands East, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, within Unitrans’ Consumer business unit under the BP Inbound contract.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply for the position using the following details:
Company: Unitrans
Job Title: Extra Heavy Motor Vehicle Driver (Articulated)
Reference Number: UNI261012-11
Location: Newlands East, KwaZulu-Natal
Closing Date: 3 November 2026
Application method: The supplied job advertisement does not specify an application email address or application link.
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