KING CITY, ON — A variety of trucking-specific careers now have clear job descriptions thanks to National Occupational Standards, which can be used to build job descriptions or training programs.

Trucking HR Canada announced the new voluntary guidelines at the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada’s (PMTC) annual conference today.

For the first time, the knowledge, skills and abilities required to be a cargo worker, freight claims specialist, safety and loss prevention specialist, supervisor/manager/foreman, and licensed shunt driver have been clearly laid out, according to Trucking HR Canada.

Existing descriptions for dispatchers were also updated by building upon information already explained in descriptions for entry-level driver, professional driver, driver specialties, and coach/mentor/assessor positions.

Competency charts related to these jobs, which explain skills and attributes best-suited to the positions, are the most popular downloads on the Trucking HR Canada website. 

“This is one of the broadest updates to National Occupational Standards since they were first introduced to Canada’s trucking industry,” says Angela Splinter, CEO of Trucking HR Canada. “Fleets and trainers that have used existing standards have already been able to enhance everything from job descriptions to training curricula and employee appraisals. Now they have the tools to focus on a broader range of jobs.” 

Tamara Miller, director of programs and services for Trucking HR Canada, adds, “These standards clearly reflect the real-world requirements of the industry because they were closely developed and reviewed by industry representatives.”

You can download these standards and resources from Trucking HR Canada’s website.