Important Positions: Driver

Photo courtesy Kelly Johnson, Johnson’s Septic Services

Drivers are the focus for part three of our series on important portable restroom company positions. Without them, portable restroom operations simply couldn’t function. The driver position is physically demanding and fast-paced. It requires a strong stomach, a full range of motion, and a driver’s license.

The best pumper truck drivers understand mechanical components and possess robust verbal and written communication skills. They typically report to a dispatcher, manager, or in smaller businesses, the business owner. Let’s dive into the requirements and skills needed for your front-line staff.

Portable Restroom Driver Requirements

Pumper truck drivers work at a brisk pace in all sorts of weather conditions. They must be comfortable being around bodily fluids, hauling trailers, and navigating various driving environments. In addition, your drivers likely need to work weekends or take on-call shifts.

Depending on your vehicles, you may require drivers to not only have a valid driver’s license but also to:

• Have an acceptable driving record
• Have or get a commercial driver’s license (CDL), Class A, B, or C
• Pass a physical to obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card
• Have or get a CDL tanker endorsement
• Be of a certain age, based on your vehicular insurance or company policy
• Have the ability to perform heavy lifting and bending motions

A Driver’s General Responsibilities

Although job duties vary by company, generally, drivers must service units, interact with clients, and complete paperwork to your standards. When managing drivers, it’s vital to emphasize safe practices and attention to detail.

Portable restroom drivers have a broad range of responsibilities, including:

• Performing pre- and post-trip inspections and routine maintenance
• Completing daily routes, possibly cleaning and servicing 30 to 60 units per day
• Safely operating pumper trucks on public roads, job sites, and event spaces
• Accurately reporting equipment damage and accidents in a timely manner
• Operating electronic software and hardware, such as GPS devices and routing apps
• Cleaning, sanitizing, and repairing rental units on site
• Reading, maintaining, and updating route sheets and driver’s logs
• Loading, unloading, and securing equipment
• Requesting, accepting, and documenting payments
• Using the liftgate and operating the pumper
• Undergoing safety and accident prevention training regularly

In-Demand Skills for Pumper Truck Drivers

Portable restroom drivers need hard and soft skills to do their job effectively. Ideally, hired staff will have several of these talents already. However, you can help new hires hone these skills through training and mentorship.

Key abilities for drivers include:

• Physical: Agility, stamina, balance, and strength to maneuver tight spots when loading and setting up rental units.
• Navigation: In general, drivers should be familiar with the surrounding area and be comfortable driving on different road and driveway types.
• Reading: Drivers must read and comprehend written and digital instructions for routes, customer requests, and safety data sheets.
• Safety conscience: The driver role can be dangerous, so drivers need situational awareness in various environments.
• Problem-solving: The ability to troubleshoot issues and find solutions is critical for pumper truck drivers.
• Verbal and written communication: Interpersonal skills improve customer relations while ensuring your office staff receives accurate reports.

Drivers Are Essential to Portable Restroom Businesses

Finding an employee for your portable restroom business takes time and effort. Especially when they need to know how to back trailers, troubleshoot mechanical issues at customer sites, and interact with your clients. Look for workers with core skills and an eagerness to learn.

Looking to Take Your Portable Restroom Business to the NEXT LEVEL? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Operating A Portable Restroom Business.”

Thinking About GETTING INTO the Portable Restroom Industry? Download our FREE Guide: “Your Guide to Starting A Portable Restroom Business.”