TRANSPORT HAULER TRAINEE
Transport Hauler Trainee is non-competitive, meaning the state checks your education and experience against the spec instead of ranking you on a test.
What it takes is a commercial driver's license. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $45,874 to $47,916.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. We don't track live vacancies.
How to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the close supervision of a supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, as a trainee and productive worker, learns to operate, clean, service, makes minor adjustments to, and load and unload tractor-trailers, while adhering to Federal and State Commercial Driver License (CDL) requirements; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
As a trainee and productive worker, under close supervision, develops skill in driving tractors of various makes and models and hauls trailers of different types and configurations as required. Conducts pre and post trip inspections required of all commercial motor vehicle operators, which includes inspection of the engine compartment, cab/engine start, steering, suspension, brakes, wheels, side of vehicle, rear of vehicle, to assure the vehicle is in safe operable conditions. Receives written and/or oral assignments for transportation of various goods/articles requiring utilization of a tractor-trailer as means of conveyance. Learns how to load and unload materials of varied types. Develops skill in checking vehicles before operation to ensure that mechanical, safety and emergency equipment is in proper working order. Learns to secure cargo for transport using ropes, blocks, chains, binders and/or covers. Wraps goods using pads, packing paper, shrink wrap and containers, and secures loads to trailer walls utilizing straps or load bars. Makes timely deliveries and learns established schedule of the unit. Learns to maneuver trucks into loading or unloading position for delivery; checks that vehicle position is correct and any special loading equipment is properly positioned. As a trainee and productive worker, couples and uncouples trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air and electrical lines, and manipulating fifth-wheel locks. Maintains records of receipts and deliveries. Performs minor repairs, adjustments, operator level lubrication, and maintenance in accordance with the Operator's Manual and/or Lubrication and Maintenance Manuals. Refers and accurately describes serious mechanical issues to the appropriate personnel to assist in diagnosis and repair. Reports vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to vehicle coordinator. Checks condition of trailers after contents have been unloaded to ensure there has been no damage. Cleans out trailer and cab at the end of the work shift. Picks up and delivers mail, freight, and incoming/outgoing materials. Prior to transport, checks all load-related documentation to ensure that it is complete and accurate. Learns and applies unit procedures to ensure the correct materials and goods are offloaded for delivery in accordance with the bill of lading or other delivery paperwork; secures signatures on bills of lading or other receipt paperwork certifying delivery and receipt of ordered products. Learns to collect, load, and unload, with or without assistance, and hauls printed materials, various types of equipment, furniture, laundry, baked goods, and State-Use Industry products in quantities or bulk requiring transport by tractor-trailer. Follows special procedures related to specific cargo, such as checking refrigeration systems prior to transporting frozen foods. May load hazardous or dangerous material on trucks (e.g., flammables, corrosives, oxidizers, compressed gas cylinders and/or poison) in accordance with federal regulations. Communicates with supervisor by telephone or radio to exchange information and receive instructions while on delivery routes. Conducts special and/or emergency transport and delivery of materials, as required. Collects delivery instructions from warehouse supervisor, verifying instructions and routes. As required, backhauls empty pallets, returned products or other goods and materials back to the warehouse or to another predetermined location. Completes simple reports and maintains simple records including records of fuel consumption and mileage. When not engaged in operating a tractor-trailer, may operate less complex vehicles and perform maintenance and repair tasks under direction of a garage crew supervisor. Ensures hours of service limitations are not exceeded, and appropriate electronic and/or paper logs are kept documenting hours driven. Keeps current with updates and changes in commercial driver license requirements and responsibilities by reading memoranda published by the Federal Motor Carrier Administration and/or the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey. Appointees must possess a valid Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) or CDL, along with the necessary endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of federal and state traffic laws and trucking regulations applicable to tractor trailer operators. Knowledge of State Truck Routing regulations governing proper routing of tractor trailers for deliveries using state roadways. Knowledge of basic vehicle control including steering, breaking, shifting gears, and using various vehicle controls. Knowledge of minor repair procedures which can be done without recourse to the repair shop. Knowledge of the major components of a truck, including signs of components in a failed or failing state, and, after a period of training, knowledge of the unit's procedures for referring unsafe conditions and/or declaring a truck out of service for safety-related matters. Knowledge of proper procedures used in refueling reefer fuel tanks for refrigeration units on tractor trailers Knowledge of procedures involved in loading, unloading, and delivering varied types of materials, and in the preparation of simple records, invoices, and receipts, after a period of training. Knowledge of safe driving practices, and the requirements for the safe transport of hazardous materials. Knowledge of pre-trip inspection procedures and forms. Knowledge of the location and function of pre-trip inspection items, including the engine compartment, cab/engine start, steering, suspension, brakes, wheels, side of vehicle, rear of vehicle, to assure the vehicle is in safe operable conditions. Ability to drive tractor-trailers and other motorized equipment in a safe, competent, and skilled manner. Ability to analyze truck driving and operating problems, to organize assigned trucking and related work, and to develop effective work methods. Ability to conduct a pre-trip inspection in accordance with federal and state regulations. Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions, sometimes complex, and to learn quickly from oral and written explanations and from demonstrations. Ability to safely operate a tractor-trailer on highway, secondary and rural road environments, and within a congested city environment. Ability to load, unload, and deliver varied types of freight. Ability to service, clean, and make minor repairs to trucking equipment. Ability to operate and maneuver large, heavy-duty motor vehicles with air brakes in dock areas, alleys and other non-conventional loading situations. Ability to operate manual and mechanized lift equipment. Ability to organize and carry out assigned work projects. Ability to work effectively with supervisors, associates, and others having a part in trucking operations. Ability to keep simple records, and to handle invoices and receipts. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. ADVANCEMENT: Appointees possessing only a Commercial Driver Permit (CLP) at the time of appointment, and not a Commercial Driver License (CDL), shall be required to obtain a Commercial Driver License and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated, during the working test period. Failure to obtain the license during the working test period shall be considered cause for separation. Appointees who successfully complete the 12-month training period will be eligible for advancement to the title, Transport Hauler in accordance with NJ Civil Service Commission procedures. The inability of an employee in this title to attain a level of performance warranting advancement the title listed above shall be considered as cause for separation.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Appointees possessing only a Commercial Driver Permit (CLP) at the time of appointment and not a Commercial Driver License (CDL) will be required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated during the working test period. Failure to obtain the license during the working test period shall be considered as cause for separation. The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the appointing authority. Appointees must meet all federal requirements established to operate tractor trailers, including requirements for random drug testing and substances banned for use by tractor trailer drivers.