Driver Training Fundamentals¶
Welcome to the Driver Training Fundamentals course. This course covers the daily workflow, route management, customer interactions, safety procedures, and hands-on exercises for drivers at Scott Recycling. You will learn the procedures you use every day on the road and practice them through exercises.
Estimated Time: 2 hours Audience: Drivers, Driver Trainees, Dispatchers Last Updated: February 2026
Course Overview¶
| Lesson | Topic | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Your Daily Workflow | 10 min |
| 2 | Using the Driver Portal / Tablet Interface | 15 min |
| 3 | At the Customer Site | 10 min |
| 4 | Completing Pickups | 10 min |
| 5 | Communication | 10 min |
| 6 | Safety & Vehicle Care | 10 min |
| 7 | Exercise: Pre-Trip Inspection | 15 min |
| 8 | Exercise: Route Completion | 20 min |
| 9 | Exercise: Customer Interaction Scenarios | 15 min |
| 10 | What-to-Do-When Decision Trees | 10 min |
Lesson 1: Your Daily Workflow (10 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Know the daily routine from morning to end of shift
- Understand the sequence of activities each day
- Recognize your responsibilities at each stage
The Daily Routine¶
Your day follows a predictable pattern. Consistency in this routine is what keeps routes running on time and customers happy.
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Arrive and clock in | Check in with dispatch, get your route assignment |
| 6:30-7:00 | Pre-trip inspection | Walk-around, check fluids, tires, brakes, lights (see Lesson 7 exercise) |
| 7:00 | Route review | Check your schedule for stops, addresses, special instructions, estimated weights |
| 7:00-7:30 | Load out | Load empty containers, equipment, supplies, PPE |
| 7:30-3:30 | Execute route | Drive to each stop, pick up materials, document everything |
| 3:30-4:00 | Return and close out | Unload, complete route log, post-trip inspection, log KPIs |
Morning Check-In¶
When you arrive:
- Clock in using the Attendance app
- Check with dispatch — confirm your route for the day, note any changes or additions
- Review your schedule — look at the number of stops, estimated times, and any special instructions
- Check your truck — perform the pre-trip inspection (see Lesson 6 and Exercise 7)
- Load supplies — empty bins, containers, dollies, paperwork, PPE
Route Execution¶
During the day:
- Follow the route in the scheduled order unless dispatch instructs otherwise
- Allow enough time at each stop for proper loading
- Keep track of actual weights and material types
- Communicate with dispatch if you are running ahead or behind
End of Day¶
When you return:
- Unload all materials — work with the receiving team to log what came in
- Complete your route log — record actual weights, note any issues, update pickup status
- Post-trip inspection — check for new damage, fluid leaks, or issues that developed during the day
- Report truck issues — if anything needs maintenance, submit a Helpdesk ticket immediately
- Log your KPIs — check SR Operations to see your final numbers
- Secure your truck — park in the assigned spot, close and lock
Start Strong, Finish Clean
The most common driver complaints from customers are about missed pickups and wrong arrival times. Starting your day organized and following your route consistently prevents both.
Lesson 2: Using the Driver Portal / Tablet Interface (15 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Navigate the route schedule on your device
- Understand what each field means
- Update pickup status from the field
- Use the system to communicate with dispatch
Accessing Your Route Schedule¶
Your daily route is managed through the Scott Recycling system. Depending on your setup, you access it through:
- Tablet or phone — the route schedule is available through the Odoo web interface on any device with a browser
- Desktop at the warehouse — review your route before departing
- Printed route sheet — dispatch may provide a printed backup
Navigating the Interface¶
When you open your route schedule, you will see a list of your stops for the day. Here is what each section shows:
| Section | What It Contains |
|---|---|
| Route Header | Date, assigned driver (you), assigned truck, total stops |
| Stop List | All stops in driving order, each expandable for details |
| Stop Detail | Customer name, address, contact, phone, estimated time, materials, weight, special instructions |
| Status | Current status of each stop: Scheduled, In Progress, Completed, No-Show, Cancelled |
What the Schedule Shows for Each Stop¶
| Field | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Customer Name | Who you are picking up from |
| Address | Pickup location — tap to open in your GPS/maps app |
| Contact Name | Who to ask for on-site |
| Contact Phone | Number to call if you need to reach the customer — tap to dial |
| Estimated Time | When you are expected to arrive |
| Material Types | What you are picking up (electronics, plastics, metals, mixed, etc.) |
| Estimated Weight | Approximate weight for planning |
| Special Instructions | Dock access, gate codes, loading bay numbers, "call 30 min before arrival," etc. |
| Container Needs | Whether you need to drop off or swap empty containers |
Updating Stops from the Field¶
After completing a stop, update it directly from your device:
- Open the stop in your route
- Tap Mark Complete
- Enter the actual weight (or tap "Estimate" if you are estimating)
- Add notes for anything unusual — more material than expected, different material types, access issues, photos taken
- Save — the status changes to Completed and dispatch can see the update in real time
Communicating Through the System¶
For non-urgent communication, use the chatter (message area) on your route or on a specific stop:
- Post a message like "Running 30 min behind — traffic on I-40"
- Dispatch and the CSR team can see these messages and respond
- For urgent issues (breakdown, accident, safety concern), always call dispatch directly
Read Special Instructions First
Before pulling up to a customer, always read the special instructions. A locked gate without a code or a loading dock with height restrictions can cost you 30 minutes if you are not prepared.
Lesson 3: At the Customer Site (10 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Know the procedure for arriving at a customer location
- Confirm material types and quantities
- Handle the loading process properly
- Complete required paperwork
Arrival Procedure¶
- Park safely — use the designated loading area, dock, or parking spot
- Announce yourself — find the contact person or check in at the front desk
- Introduce yourself — "Hi, I'm [Name] from Scott Recycling. I'm here for your e-waste pickup."
- Confirm the pickup — verify what materials are being picked up, approximate quantities, and where they are located
- Assess the load — before loading, look at what you are picking up and plan how to load it efficiently and safely
Confirming Materials¶
At every stop, confirm the following with the customer contact:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| "What materials are ready for pickup today?" | Ensures you take everything that is ready |
| "Is this everything, or are there items in other locations?" | Prevents missed items |
| "Any items that need special handling?" | Batteries, CRTs, liquids, hazardous materials |
| "Are there any items that should NOT go?" | Sometimes items are staged near the pickup area but are not ready |
Loading¶
- Load heaviest items first — distribute weight evenly in the truck
- Secure the load — use straps, bars, or blocking to prevent shifting during transit
- Separate material types if possible — it speeds up receiving at the warehouse
- Handle electronics carefully — laptops and monitors can lose value if damaged in transit
- Use a dolly or hand truck for heavy or bulky items
Weight Estimates¶
Record or estimate the weight of materials picked up at each stop. This information feeds into:
- Route planning for future pickups
- Customer billing and invoicing
- Warehouse receiving preparation
If the customer has a scale, use it. If not, estimate based on experience and note that it is an estimate.
Paperwork¶
Depending on the customer, you may need to:
- Sign a pickup receipt or bill of lading
- Get a signature from the customer contact
- Leave a copy of the pickup documentation
- Record serial numbers for specific items (if required)
Complete all paperwork before leaving the customer site. Do not plan to "do it later" — details get lost.
Never Leave Without Confirming
Before you drive away, confirm with the contact that everything is loaded and nothing was missed. A return trip to the same customer is expensive and embarrassing.
Lesson 4: Completing Pickups (10 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Mark pickups as complete in the system
- Record actual weights and material details
- Take photos when needed
- Handle discrepancies between expected and actual pickups
Marking Pickups Complete¶
After each stop, update the pickup status:
- Open the pickup record for the stop you just completed
- Mark the pickup as Complete
- Enter the actual weight (or best estimate)
- Note any differences from the expected material types or quantities
- Add any relevant notes (e.g., "Customer also had 3 CRT monitors — added to load")
When to Take Photos¶
Take photos in these situations:
| Situation | What to Photograph | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Large pickup | The full load in your truck | Documents what was picked up |
| Unusual materials | Close-up of unexpected items | Helps warehouse prepare for receiving |
| Damage or contamination | Any materials that appear contaminated or damaged | Protects against disputes |
| Access issues | Blocked docks, narrow alleys, height restrictions | Helps dispatch plan future routes |
| Customer dispute | The staging area after pickup | Proves you picked up what was available |
Handling Discrepancies¶
Sometimes what is on the schedule does not match what is at the customer site:
| Discrepancy | What to Do |
|---|---|
| More material than expected | Load what you can safely fit. Note the extra. Let dispatch know if a second trip is needed. |
| Less material than expected | Load what is there. Note the difference. The schedule will be updated. |
| Different material types | Load it and note the actual material types. This helps update the customer record. |
| Nothing ready | Contact the customer. If confirmed no pickup, mark as a no-show and notify dispatch. |
| Hazardous or prohibited items | Do NOT load them. Notify dispatch and the customer. Photograph if safe to do so. |
Notes Prevent Confusion
Any time reality differs from the schedule, write a note. These notes feed back to the CSR team who manages the customer relationship. A quick note from you prevents a long phone call later.
Lesson 5: Communication (10 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Know when and how to contact dispatch
- Handle customer no-shows
- Report schedule changes
- Escalate issues properly
Contacting Dispatch¶
Dispatch is your primary support while on route. Contact them for:
| Situation | How to Reach Dispatch | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule change | Call or text | Normal |
| Running significantly behind | Call | Normal |
| Customer not available (no-show) | Call | Normal |
| Truck breakdown or accident | Call immediately | Urgent |
| Safety concern at customer site | Call immediately | Urgent |
| Extra material needs a second trip | Call | Normal |
| Route question or address issue | Call or text | Normal |
Customer No-Shows¶
If you arrive at a customer and no one is there:
- Check the schedule — is there a gate code, key box, or alternate contact?
- Call the customer contact — use the phone number from the schedule
- Wait a reasonable time — 5-10 minutes unless the schedule says otherwise
- Contact dispatch if you cannot reach the customer
- Mark the stop as a no-show in your route log with the time you arrived and left
- Move to the next stop — do not wait indefinitely
Reporting Schedule Changes¶
If dispatch adds, removes, or reorders stops during the day:
- Confirm the changes verbally or in writing
- Update your route plan accordingly
- If a change creates a time conflict (e.g., you cannot make a time-sensitive stop), tell dispatch immediately
Reporting Issues¶
For any issue that affects operations, report it promptly:
| Issue Type | Who to Contact | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Truck problem (non-emergency) | Dispatch | Call — they will coordinate with the garage |
| Truck breakdown (cannot drive) | Dispatch | Call immediately |
| Accident | Dispatch, then follow company accident procedure | Call immediately |
| Customer complaint | Dispatch | Call — they will route to the CSR team |
| Safety hazard at customer site | Dispatch and your supervisor | Call |
| Missed or incorrect materials | Dispatch | Call or note in route log |
Report Truck Issues Immediately
If your truck has a mechanical issue — warning lights, unusual noises, braking problems, steering issues — report it immediately. Continuing to drive with a known issue puts you and others at risk. Pull over safely and call dispatch.
Lesson 6: Safety & Vehicle Care (10 min)¶
Learning Objectives¶
- Perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection
- Follow safe loading practices
- Use proper PPE
- Report maintenance issues through the helpdesk
Pre-Trip Inspection¶
Before every shift, perform a walk-around inspection of your truck:
| Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Tires | Proper inflation, tread depth (no bald spots), no bulges or cuts |
| Lights | Headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, hazards — all working |
| Brakes | Test before leaving — responsive, no grinding or pulling |
| Fluids | Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer — all at proper levels |
| Mirrors | Clean, properly adjusted, no cracks |
| Horn | Working |
| Wipers | Functional, not streaking |
| Cargo area | Clean, no debris from previous load, straps and securing equipment present |
| Doors and latches | Open and close properly, latch securely |
| Fire extinguisher | Present, charged, accessible |
If anything fails the inspection, do not drive the truck. Report the issue to your supervisor and dispatch.
Loading Safety¶
- Lift with your legs — not your back
- Get help for anything over 50 lbs or awkward shapes
- Use a dolly or hand truck whenever possible
- Secure the load before driving — loose items become projectiles in a hard stop
- Distribute weight evenly — center of gravity should be low and balanced
- Watch overhead clearance — know your truck height and check for low bridges, awnings, and overhangs
- Watch your step — truck beds and docks can be slippery
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)¶
| Situation | Required PPE |
|---|---|
| General driving | Closed-toe shoes |
| Loading/unloading | Closed-toe shoes, gloves, safety glasses |
| E-waste handling | Gloves, safety glasses |
| CRT monitors | Gloves, safety glasses — handle carefully (lead glass) |
| Batteries | Gloves — check for swelling before handling |
Reporting Maintenance Issues¶
When you notice a truck problem:
- Immediate safety issue (brakes, steering, tires) — stop driving, call dispatch
- Non-immediate issue (warning light, minor leak, cosmetic damage) — complete your route if safe, then report through the helpdesk system when you return
- To submit a helpdesk ticket:
- Open the Helpdesk app
- Click New
- Title:
[Truck ID] — [Brief description of issue](e.g., "SBT-1 -- Check engine light on") - Description: Include when it started, symptoms, and severity
- Priority: Set based on urgency
- Save
The helpdesk ticket will be routed to the garage team, and a maintenance request will be created to track the repair.
Emergency Procedures¶
| Emergency | Action |
|---|---|
| Accident | Stop. Check for injuries. Call 911 if needed. Call dispatch. Do not move the truck unless it creates an additional hazard. Exchange information with other parties. Take photos. |
| Truck fire | Stop and turn off the engine. Evacuate. Use the fire extinguisher only if it is safe to do so. Call 911. Call dispatch. |
| Flat tire (highway) | Pull off the road as far as possible. Turn on hazards. Call dispatch — do not change the tire on a highway unless you can do so safely away from traffic. |
| Spill of hazardous material | Do not touch the material. Secure the area. Call dispatch and 911 if needed. |
Exercise 7: Pre-Trip Inspection Practice (15 min)¶
Goal: Walk through a complete pre-trip inspection on a real truck (or simulate one using the checklist below). Build the muscle memory so this becomes automatic every morning.
Steps¶
- Get the checklist — use the pre-trip inspection checklist from the Driver Role Page or use the one below
- Start at the front of the truck — work your way around clockwise:
- Front: headlights, turn signals, windshield, wipers
- Driver side: tires, mirrors, doors, fuel cap
- Rear: taillights, brake lights, cargo doors, lift gate, latches
- Passenger side: tires, mirrors, body condition
- Open the hood — check all fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering, washer fluid). Check belts and hoses for wear.
- Get in the cab — test brakes (press pedal before starting, should feel firm). Check seatbelt. Check mirrors. Check all gauges and warning lights. Test horn. Test wipers.
- Check the cargo area — open the rear doors. Confirm the area is clean. Verify straps, dolly, hand truck, and PPE are present.
- Check safety equipment — fire extinguisher (check the gauge — needle should be in the green zone), first aid kit present.
- Record your findings — fill out the checklist. Note anything that needs attention.
Inspection Checklist for This Exercise¶
| Item | Status (OK / Needs Attention) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tires — inflation and tread | ||
| Lug nuts — tight, no rust streaks | ||
| Headlights — low and high beam | ||
| Taillights | ||
| Brake lights | ||
| Turn signals — all four | ||
| Hazard flashers | ||
| Mirrors — clean, adjusted | ||
| Engine oil level | ||
| Coolant level | ||
| Brake fluid level | ||
| Power steering fluid | ||
| Windshield washer fluid | ||
| Belts and hoses — no cracks | ||
| Battery — clean terminals | ||
| Brakes — firm pedal, no grinding | ||
| Parking brake — holds | ||
| Horn — working | ||
| Wipers — working, no streaks | ||
| Seatbelt — latches | ||
| Dashboard — no warning lights | ||
| Fire extinguisher — green zone | ||
| First aid kit — present | ||
| Cargo area — clean | ||
| Straps / tie-downs — present | ||
| Dolly / hand truck — present | ||
| PPE — gloves and glasses in cab |
Checkpoint¶
- Did you inspect every item on the checklist?
- Did you check under the hood (fluids, belts, hoses)?
- Did you test the brakes, horn, and wipers from inside the cab?
- Did you verify safety equipment (fire extinguisher, first aid)?
- Did you check the cargo area for cleanliness and equipment?
- Could you complete this inspection in under 10 minutes with practice?
Exercise 8: Route Completion Walkthrough (20 min)¶
Goal: Walk through a complete simulated route from start to finish, practicing each step you would perform during a real day.
Scenario¶
You are assigned a route with 4 stops today. Your truck is SBT-3. Here is your schedule:
| Stop | Customer | Address | Est. Time | Materials | Est. Weight | Special Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valley Medical Center | 1200 Medical Center Dr, Knoxville | 8:00 AM | Desktops, monitors | 500 lbs | Use rear loading dock, Dock 4. Ask for Mike in IT. |
| 2 | First National Bank | 340 Main St, Knoxville | 9:30 AM | Servers, hard drives | 300 lbs | Call 30 min before arrival. Contact: Sarah (desk). Data destruction certificate required. |
| 3 | Sunrise Elementary School | 78 Oak Ave, Powell | 11:00 AM | Laptops, printers | 200 lbs | Front office check-in. Park in bus loop ONLY between 10-2. |
| 4 | Henderson Law Office | 560 Gay St, Knoxville | 1:00 PM | Desktops, printers, phones | 150 lbs | 3rd floor. No elevator for large items. Small freight elevator available. |
Steps¶
Step 1: Pre-Route Review (5 min)
- Read every stop on the route — addresses, contacts, special instructions
- Answer these questions before you "leave":
- Which stop requires a phone call before arrival? (Stop 2 — call 30 min before)
- Which stop has a time restriction? (Stop 3 — park in bus loop only 10-2)
- Which stop will need extra time for access? (Stop 4 — 3rd floor, small elevator)
- Which stop requires a certificate? (Stop 2 — data destruction certificate)
- Plan your timing — do the estimated times allow enough travel and loading at each stop?
Step 2: Stop 1 — Valley Medical Center (5 min)
- You arrive at 8:00 AM. Read the special instructions: rear loading dock, Dock 4, ask for Mike.
- You find Mike. He shows you 12 desktops and 8 monitors.
- Simulate the process:
- Confirm materials: "Is this everything? Any items in other areas?"
- Mike says there are 2 more monitors in the basement. You go get them.
- Load heaviest items first (desktops), then monitors on top, secured with straps
- Actual weight: 520 lbs (more than estimated)
- Mark the stop as Complete. Enter actual weight: 520 lbs. Note: "2 extra monitors from basement."
- Move to next stop.
Step 3: Stop 2 — First National Bank (3 min)
- Remember: you need to call 30 min before arrival. Your ETA is 9:30 — call Sarah at 9:00.
- You arrive at 9:25. Check in at the front desk, ask for Sarah.
- Sarah shows you 4 servers and 2 boxes of hard drives. She asks for the data destruction certificate.
- You provide the certificate (or note that one needs to be sent later).
- Load servers first (heavy), then drive boxes. Secure everything.
- Mark complete. Actual weight: 280 lbs. Note: "Data destruction cert provided."
Step 4: Stop 3 — Sunrise Elementary (3 min)
- You arrive at 10:50. Check the time — bus loop parking is available 10-2, so you are within the window.
- Check in at the front office. They direct you to the computer lab.
- 15 laptops and 3 printers. Light load.
- Load everything, secure it.
- Mark complete. Actual weight: 180 lbs. Notes: none needed.
Step 5: Stop 4 — Henderson Law Office (4 min)
- You arrive at 12:45 — a bit early. Read special instructions: 3rd floor, small freight elevator.
- Check in at reception. They send you to the 3rd floor.
- 6 desktops, 2 printers, a box of phones. The printers will NOT fit in the small elevator.
- Decision: carry printers down the stairs (2 people needed) or make multiple elevator trips with desktops and phones.
- You ask reception if there is someone who can help carry. They send a facilities person.
- Load everything. Secure.
- Mark complete. Actual weight: 160 lbs. Note: "Printers carried down stairs — no large elevator access. Suggest hand truck for future visits."
Step 6: Return and Close Out
- Return to the warehouse at 2:30 PM.
- Unload all materials with the receiving team.
- Review your route log — all 4 stops completed, all weights entered, all notes saved.
- Check your KPIs: 4 stops, all on time.
- Post-trip inspection: everything looks good. Park and secure the truck.
Checkpoint¶
- Did you review all special instructions before "departing"?
- Did you identify the stop that requires a phone call in advance?
- Did you note the time restriction at Stop 3?
- Did you plan for the access challenge at Stop 4?
- Did you enter actual weights and notes for every stop?
- Did you complete a post-trip check at the end?
Exercise 9: Customer Interaction Scenarios (15 min)¶
Goal: Practice handling common and challenging customer situations. For each scenario, decide what you would say and do.
Scenario A: The Friendly Customer¶
You arrive at a small business. The owner, Tom, greets you at the door. "Oh great, you're here! I've got a bunch of old computers in the back room. Some of them still have data on them — is that okay?"
What do you say?
Think about your response, then check:
Suggested Response
"Yes, that's not a problem at all. We handle data destruction as part of our service. All hard drives will be securely wiped or destroyed at our facility. If you need a certificate of data destruction, we can provide that. Let me take a look at what you've got and we'll get it loaded up."
Scenario B: The Frustrated Customer¶
You arrive 45 minutes late to a customer. The contact, Janet, is clearly annoyed. "You were supposed to be here at 10. I rearranged my whole morning for this."
What do you say?
Suggested Response
"I apologize for the delay, Janet. We ran into some extra loading time at a previous stop. I understand that is frustrating and I appreciate your patience. Let me get your materials loaded as quickly as possible so I don't take up any more of your time. Where are the items for pickup?"
Key principles: Apologize sincerely. Do not make excuses. Acknowledge their frustration. Get to work quickly. Do NOT blame dispatch, traffic, or other customers.
Scenario C: The Extra Materials¶
You arrive expecting 200 lbs of laptops. The customer has 200 lbs of laptops AND 800 lbs of old server racks. "Oh, we forgot to mention the servers. Can you take those too?"
What do you do?
Suggested Response
- Assess whether you have capacity on the truck (weight and space)
- If you can take them: "Sure, let me see if I can fit them. They're heavier than what was on the schedule, so let me check my truck capacity." Load what you can.
- If you CANNOT take them all: "I can load the laptops and some of the servers today, but I don't have room for everything. Let me call dispatch to schedule a second trip for the rest."
- Call dispatch to report the additional material and arrange follow-up if needed.
- Note the difference in the system.
Scenario D: Hazardous Material¶
You arrive at a cleanup site. Mixed in with the e-waste, you see what appears to be chemical containers and old batteries leaking fluid.
What do you do?
Suggested Response
- Do NOT touch or load the hazardous materials
- Tell the customer: "I can take the e-waste, but those chemical containers and leaking batteries require specialized handling that is outside what we are equipped for today. I'll let my team know and we can figure out the right way to handle those."
- Call dispatch immediately to report what you found
- Photograph the hazardous materials from a safe distance
- Load ONLY the safe e-waste materials
- Note everything in the system
Scenario E: Nobody Home¶
You arrive at an office building. The suite listed on the schedule is locked and dark. Nobody answers the door. No answer on the phone.
What do you do?
Suggested Response
- Check special instructions for a gate code, alternate contact, or key box
- Check with the building front desk or neighboring suites — "I'm looking for [Company Name] in Suite 200. Do you know if they're open today?"
- Call the customer contact number from the schedule
- Wait 5-10 minutes
- If no response, call dispatch: "I'm at Stop 3, nobody is here and the customer isn't answering. How do you want me to proceed?"
- Mark the stop as No-Show with the time you arrived and departed
- Move to the next stop
Checkpoint¶
- Did you think through a response for each scenario before checking the suggested answer?
- Do you understand the principle of never loading hazardous materials you are not equipped for?
- Do you know the no-show procedure (wait, call, mark, move on)?
- Can you handle a frustrated customer professionally without making excuses?
Lesson 10: What-to-Do-When Decision Trees (10 min)¶
Use these decision trees when you encounter common situations on the road. Start at the top and follow the path that matches your situation.
Decision Tree: Truck Problem¶
Truck has a problem
├── Is it a safety issue? (brakes, steering, tires, smoke, warning light)
│ ├── YES → Pull over safely → Turn on hazards → Call dispatch IMMEDIATELY
│ │ → Do NOT continue driving
│ └── NO → Is it affecting your ability to complete the route?
│ ├── YES → Call dispatch → Describe the issue → Follow their instructions
│ └── NO → Note the issue → Complete your route → Submit Helpdesk ticket when you return
Decision Tree: Customer Situation¶
Arrive at customer site
├── Customer is present and ready?
│ ├── YES → Confirm materials → Load → Complete → Move on
│ └── NO → Is someone else available?
│ ├── YES → Work with them → Confirm materials → Proceed
│ └── NO → Check special instructions for access info
│ ├── Access info available (gate code, key) → Use it → Pick up → Complete
│ └── No access → Call customer contact
│ ├── Reached customer → Follow their instructions
│ └── Cannot reach customer → Wait 5-10 min → Call dispatch → Mark No-Show → Move on
Decision Tree: Load Problem¶
Load does not match the schedule
├── MORE material than expected?
│ ├── Fits on the truck safely? → Load it → Note the extra → Complete
│ └── Does NOT fit? → Load what you can → Call dispatch for second trip → Note what remains
├── LESS material than expected?
│ └── Load what is there → Note the difference → Complete
├── DIFFERENT material types?
│ └── Load it → Note the actual types → Complete
├── NOTHING ready?
│ └── Confirm with customer → Mark No-Show → Notify dispatch → Move on
└── HAZARDOUS materials found?
└── Do NOT load → Inform customer → Call dispatch → Photograph safely → Note in system
Decision Tree: Accident or Emergency¶
Accident or emergency occurs
├── Anyone injured?
│ ├── YES → Call 911 → Provide first aid if trained → Call dispatch
│ └── NO → Is the truck drivable?
│ ├── YES → Move to a safe location → Call dispatch → Exchange info → Take photos
│ └── NO → Stay put → Turn on hazards → Call dispatch → Wait for instructions
Quick Reference¶
Daily Driver Checklist¶
Before You Leave:
- Pre-trip inspection completed (tires, lights, brakes, fluids, mirrors)
- Route schedule reviewed — all stops and special instructions noted
- Truck loaded with supplies (empty containers, dollies, paperwork, PPE)
- GPS set for first stop
- Dispatch check-in complete
At Each Stop:
- Parked safely in designated area
- Checked in with customer contact
- Confirmed materials for pickup
- Loaded and secured materials properly
- Recorded actual weight (or estimate)
- Completed any required paperwork
- Marked pickup as complete
- Photos taken if needed
End of Day:
- All materials unloaded at the warehouse
- Route log completed (actual weights, notes, discrepancies)
- Post-trip inspection completed
- Truck issues reported (helpdesk ticket or verbal to supervisor)
- Truck parked and secured
- Keys returned / truck locked
Communication Quick Reference¶
| Situation | Contact | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule change | Dispatch | Call or text |
| Running behind | Dispatch | Call |
| Customer no-show | Customer first, then dispatch | Call |
| Truck breakdown | Dispatch | Call immediately |
| Accident | 911, then dispatch | Call immediately |
| Extra material / second trip needed | Dispatch | Call |
| Maintenance issue (non-urgent) | Helpdesk ticket | Submit after returning |
PPE Quick Reference¶
| Task | Shoes | Gloves | Safety Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving | Closed-toe | -- | -- |
| Loading general | Closed-toe | Yes | Yes |
| E-waste | Closed-toe | Yes | Yes |
| CRT monitors | Closed-toe | Yes | Yes |
| Batteries | Closed-toe | Yes | -- |