Canter Driver

Role Overview

This position centres on the dependable operation of a 12-tonne Canter truck, moving bagged cement and other products safely from the company yard to customers, stockists, and construction sites. The driver takes full responsibility for the vehicle and its cargo from the moment of dispatch until offloading is complete, always adhering to route instructions, load limits, and Kenyan road traffic rules. Day-to-day work combines routine vehicle checks, disciplined driving, documentation, and direct interaction with delivery points, making accuracy and accountability essential to the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough vehicle inspections before and after each trip, checking tyres, brakes, lights, fluid levels, the load body, and safety gear, and immediately flagging any faults to prevent the vehicle from leaving the yard in an unsafe condition.
• Cross-check the loaded cargo against the dispatch note, delivery note, and weighbridge ticket to confirm the correct product type, quantity, and destination before departure.
• Ensure the total vehicle weight stays within permitted legal limits and that the load is evenly balanced and tightly secured to avoid shifting, breakage, or loss during transit.
• Follow the route assigned by the transport office, and obtain prior approval for any change in route, an overnight stop, or an unscheduled pause during the journey.
• Complete deliveries within the promised time window, obtaining a signed and stamped proof of delivery for every consignment handed over at the customer or site.
• Oversee the offloading process at the destination, confirm that the delivered quantity matches the paperwork, and immediately report any shortages, damages, or customer refusals to the transport office.
• Return all completed trip documents—delivery notes, fuel receipts, weighbridge tickets, and trip sheets—to the transport office, and provide a full account for any cash or fuel card that was issued.
• Keep the vehicle on its service schedule by presenting it for routine maintenance and repairs, then inspecting it after service to verify that all reported issues have been resolved.
• Report every accident, incident, breakdown, or traffic offence to the transport office and the police when necessary, and cooperate fully with any investigation that follows.
• Maintain the vehicle's interior and exterior cleanliness, keep the cabin free of unauthorised passengers or goods, and comply with tracking systems, speed limits, rest breaks, and all fleet safety policies.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Minimum KCSE certificate; a college certificate in transport, logistics, or motor vehicle mechanics is an added advantage.
• Valid NTSA smart driving licence with Class C1 and the C endorsement for heavy commercial vehicles.
• Valid Certificate of Good Conduct.
• A defensive driving certificate from a recognised institution is preferred.
• At least five years of commercial driving experience in a structured company environment, including a minimum of three years driving trucks of seven tonnes or more.
• Basic mechanical knowledge of commercial vehicles, sufficient to identify faults and perform simple checks.
• Solid understanding of Kenyan traffic laws, axle load regulations, and NTSA operating requirements.
• Familiarity with delivery routes across Nairobi, the surrounding counties, and the wider East African market.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to follow a delivery schedule and prioritise tasks under pressure.
• Clear communication skills for completing basic reports and interacting professionally with customers and site personnel.
• Ability to work independently without constant supervision, while remaining open to direction and flexible with extended hours and upcountry travel.
• High personal integrity and honesty when handling product, fuel, and cash.