what is a dumper driver?
As a dumper driver, you transport loose materials like gravel, rocks and sand on the dump bed of trucks. You have to load the materials onto the dumper truck before delivering them to a different location. Therefore, you require physical strength to operate heavy machinery and complete your loading and offloading tasks.
A dumper driver often works in construction sites to assist with adding or removing materials. For instance, you can remove dirt after groundworkers dig the foundation or transport excess sand to the company's warehouse. You also dispose of waste after a demolition project. Some dumper drivers work with the local authorities to collect and dispose of refuse. Waste collection dumper drivers often operate specialised trucks that compress waste before taking them to recycling plants or disposal sites. In mine sites, you transport raw minerals like coal or iron ore.
Unlike truck drivers, who spend prolonged periods on the road, most of your work as a dumper driver is performed on-site. For instance, you might move raw materials from one location to another on the same construction site. The only time you will spend hours driving is when you are transporting waste to disposal sites.
Would working as a dumper driver suit your physical stamina and driving skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a dumper driver role.
average salary of a dumper driver
According to ONS, a dumper driver receives an annual median salary of £31,200 or £16 per hour. At the start of your career, your compensation package begins at £28,278 annually. When you have a couple of years of experience and additional qualifications, your salary will increase to £34,125 per year. Apart from the basic salary, dumper drivers also receive various benefits. For instance, you will receive an allowance for medical and life insurance. Some employers also provide benefits like paid sick days, holidays and contributions to a pension scheme. Year-end bonuses and overtime pay can also increase your salary.
how can you boost your dumper driver salary?
As a dumper driver, you can increase your income by working overtime. Alternatively, you should seek ways to improve your basic salary. If you have college training, your earnings are higher than someone without a post-secondary education. Your experience level also improves your compensation package since you handle complex tasks. The employer and industry sector also influence your salary. For instance, your earnings differ from dumper drivers in the mining sector if you work in the construction industry. Dumper truck drivers in mining use specialised heavy trucks, attracting higher salaries. Private companies also pay more compared with local authorities. If you work as a refuse dumper driver with the local government, you have a fixed pay structure which is usually lower than in private companies.
types of dumper drivers
Some of the types of dumper drivers include:
- local authority dumper driver: as a dumper driver working for local authorities, you collect refuse from a specific area and take it to recycling facilities or disposal sites. You will be assigned an area where you collect waste daily and ensure proper disposal.
- private sector dumper driver: you can work on construction sites or mining areas as a dumper driver if you work in the private sector. You transport raw minerals from quarries to processing plants or clear construction waste after a development project. You also assist construction workers in moving the materials they need to other locations.
working as a dumper driver
Working as a dumper driver is a demanding career since you have to load dumper trucks and ensure the materials reach their destination. Find out the daily activities of a dumper driver and the work schedules.
-
dump driver job description
Some of your roles as a dumper driver include:
- loading and offloading trucks: as a dumper driver, you haul materials and loads to dumper trucks before transport. It is crucial to inspect the materials to ensure the loads are properly distributed on the dumper truck bed. When the goods arrive at the final destination, you offload the materials. None of the items transported with a dumper truck are fragile, so you can tilt the body of the dumper bed using levers and cranks to dump the contents.
- transporting materials: a dumper truck driver drives a truck transporting materials to a predetermined destination. Your job is to follow transport regulations and ensure the materials arrive at the destination on time. When you are in transit, you need to report any accidents or incidences on the road. If you are picking up materials, you should arrive at the pickup point on time to avoid delays and inconvenience. Sometimes, you spend the day hauling materials from one section to another on the same site.
- verifying transport documents and weight: before you transport any goods, you need to verify the documents and weight for any discrepancies. Checking the materials before transport ensures accuracy and helps the company quantify losses in case of damage on the road.
- performing dumper truck checks: as a dumper driver, you have to ensure the truck is in good working shape to avoid delays due to vehicle breakdown. You need to perform daily checks on the trucks before and after use. You are also in charge of maintenance, from cleaning to checking for damage and organising repairs. You need to report any signs of damage and safety concerns to supervisors.
- maintaining a driver log: as a dumper driver, you should keep accurate records of hours weekly and create reports to indicate your activities. As well as hours worked, you also record the fuel used in your daily activities.
-
work environment
A dumper driver often works outdoors in all weather conditions. Your work environment is often dusty from the sand and materials you transport. The dumper truck also vibrates when operating, creating a noisy work environment. As a dumper driver, you have to be confident about handling various machinery and industrial materials. While you don't have to wear a uniform, some companies expect dumper drivers to wear overalls and protective equipment like hard hats on construction sites.
-
who are your colleagues?
As a dumper driver, your colleagues are different if you work in construction, mining or garbage collection. Some of your colleagues may include crane operators, plant operators, heavy equipment operators and groundworkers. You are also likely to work in close proximity to large goods vehicle drivers and other waste collectors as well as specialists like plant managers, recycling officers and quarry workers.
-
work schedule
Most dumper drivers work full-time schedules of over 40 hours a week. While it is a day job that involves working between 7 am and 6 pm, sometimes you will work evenings, public holidays and weekends. Some employers allow shift schedules, especially for refuse collection, to ensure the dumper truck covers a large area. Part-time positions are scarce, but you can also work on short-term contracts. The role involves travelling, and sometimes you have to work away from home if the construction project is out of town. Remote work opportunities aren't available since you have to be available physically to drive the trucks.
-
job outlook
Dumper drivers have multiple opportunities to diversify their careers. For instance, you can specialise in mining, refuse collection or recycling. You should also explore other driving roles that involve operating machinery and heavy equipment, like concrete mixer truck driver or a person that operates excavator. If you want to progress, gain extra qualifications and become a supervisor.
-
advantages of finding a dumper driver job through randstad
Finding your dumper driver job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a dumper driver is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
While a dumper driver doesn't need post-secondary education, you need to obtain some licences and gain relevant work experience.
- a dumper driver needs exceptional driving skills and a Category (CAT) B licence, which permits you to carry 3,500 kilograms. It is similar to the standard driving licences and enables you to drive large trailers.
- if your employer uses large dumper trucks over 3,500 kg but less than 7,500 kg, you need a CAT C licence, which you can only obtain when you are 21 years old.
- apart from a driving licence, dumper drivers need a permit from the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS) to work on construction sites. The body ensures drivers know the safety protocols of working on a construction site.
- when you have a licence, look for opportunities to improve your truck driving experience. For instance, you can start with smaller trucks that use regular driving licences before moving to complex dumper trucks like multi-combination trucks.
skills and competencies
The following skills help you perform your duties:
- spatial awareness: as a dumper truck driver, you need to be aware of your surroundings since you drive near vehicles and pedestrians. Watch out for other machinery and equipment on construction sites or people working on-site. Spatial awareness helps you accomplish your tasks safely.
- attention to detail: as a dumper driver, you inspect your truck before and after use. Being detail-oriented helps you point out the necessary repairs and maintenance issues like leaking hydraulics. Attention to detail helps you keep accurate fuel level and transport duration records.
- time management: punctuality is essential when you are a dumper driver. You have to make deliveries on time to avoid delaying construction schedules. Time management helps you plan your work schedule well and incorporate potential delays like traffic or roadworks.
- physical stamina: as a dumper driver, you spend long periods hauling materials onto trucks and operating various machinery. Staying in good shape is crucial for maintaining your stamina throughout the workday. Physical fitness also gives you the strength to lift heavy materials onto the truck bed.
- driving skills: you need exceptional driving skills to manoeuvre the trucks in tight spaces and operate your vehicle safely. Excellent driving skills help you deliver loads on time or stop your truck quickly in an emergency.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a dumper driver
-
what does a dumper driver do?
Dumper drivers drive trucks with open truck beds when hauling materials in a construction site or disposing of waste. They also carry raw minerals from mining sites.
-
how much do dumper drivers get paid in the UK?
Dumper drivers earn an average salary of £31,200 per year. With experience, you can receive over £34,125 annually.
-
how do I become a dumper driver in the UK?
You only need a driver's licence and short training on dumper truck operations. It would help if you also had years of driving experience to boost your qualification.
-
what licences do I need to drive dumper trucks?
You need a CAT B or C driving licence, depending on the weight of the dumper truck. Heavy trucks require specialised licences.
-
how do I apply for a dumper driver vacancy?
Applying for a dumper driver job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
