Trucks driven by armored truck drivers are equipped with added defenses to safeguard their cargo. They may carry important documents, valuables like jewels or gold, or even cash. The cargo is transported and safeguarded by armored truck drivers. They must keep their cars well-maintained and tidy, as well as complete all documentation linked to delivery and obey all traffic regulations. They are also responsible for the loading and unloading of the goods they transport. To keep their goods secure from thieves, armored truck drivers must adhere to strict safety regulations and stick to predetermined routes.
Being an armored truck driver involves more than meets the eye. Consider their hourly wage of $15.89, for example. An annual salary of $33,043. The profession is predicted to expand by 5% and create almost 100,000 new jobs throughout the United States between 2018 and 2028.
Duties of an Armored Truck Driver
As an armored truck driver, your main responsibility is to assure the safety of the goods you transport. You’ll be responsible for receiving deliveries, keeping an eye on the merchandise while it’s loaded into the truck, and securing the personnel in charge of moving it. When an emergency arises or if someone attempts to loot your vehicle, you must be ready to move swiftly and be prepared to use force if necessary.
You must drive your vehicle as well as handle and safeguard the goods. Keeping in touch with your dispatcher and driving safely are key components of this task. Loading and unloading the vehicle might require heavy, repeated lifting, thus you must be physically fit to do so.
Licenses, Permits, and Certifications Required to Become an Armored Truck Driver
- A clean criminal record.
- A valid driver’s license is a must for working as an armored truck driver.
- Obtaining and maintaining a firearms permit or license. (check state requirements).
Both types of licenses are subject to state regulation, and obtaining one requires that you follow a set of rules. Guards who want to carry guns must meet certain requirements, including evidence of mental stability, passing a background check and proof of citizenship in the U.S. as well as completion of an approved weapons safety training.
Although certification is not always required, it might improve your chances of landing a job. Guards may get the Certified Protection Professional accreditation from the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) to prove their abilities. To be eligible for this certification, you must have at least three years of supervisory experience in the field of security.
Other Requirements
It’s important to know what your company expects of you. It’s possible that a company may need a certain combination of physical fitness and age limits. Many jobs need you to submit to a background check that includes a fingerprinting and a review of your driving record as well as other types of documentation collected by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The ability to navigate traffic in a safe and confident manner is an important skill to have.
Truck driving experience and the capacity to work weekends, holidays, and overtime are other qualifications that certain businesses may look for in their candidates. For the most part, companies just demand a high school diploma or its equivalent, and no more training or education beyond that is normally required. On-the-job training is common for learning about a company’s unique policies and processes. The following subjects may be covered in training:
- Public relations
- Emergency response
- Communication skills
- Report writing
- Use of force
- Crime prevention
- First aid
Primary Responsibility of an Armored Truck Driver
Being an armored truck driver means your primary responsibility is to convey material in a safe and secure manner. In addition to providing security services, you may also assist in loading and unloading the truck or communicate with local authorities. As a driver of an armored truck, you’re often responsible for delivering goods in your immediate area, but you may sometimes travel large distances to convey valuable papers or products.
Typically, these drivers operate in teams of two and may exchange responsibilities between driver and guard for extended voyages. Additionally, you may carry a handgun or other self-defense gear. When referring to a civilian role, this term is often used. Military personnel frequently need to drive armored vehicles and trucks; however, the military seldom advertises for this position unless it is looking for private contractors.
What It Takes to Become an Armored Truck Driver?
Having a valid driver’s license and completing any further training requirements in your state are the most important prerequisites for becoming an armored truck driver. If you’ve worked in police enforcement or the military, you’ll have a leg up on the competition when it comes to applying for these positions. You must be licensed to carry a handgun in order to do so. As an armored truck driver, you must be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to work with local law authorities in the event of an emergency.
Basic Requirements
Large security firms are looking for armored truck drivers that are trustworthy and have a high moral character. The Brinks and Loomis armored jobs, for example, require a driver to be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a criminal record and a credit check. The ability to drive a commercial vehicle or truck is also beneficial.
Physical and Professional Abilities
If you’re interested in becoming an armored truck driver, you’ll need to be physically and professionally prepared for the work. Applicants must pass a physical and drug test administered by the state’s transportation agency to prove their medical fitness and to rule out the usage of prohibited substances. Many jobs need the ability to lift 50 pounds or more. Attentiveness, friendliness, and professionalism are some of the most sought-after personal characteristics.
Weapons License
A state-issued weapon permit is required for employment as an armored vehicle driver. Depending on where you live, the criteria for obtaining a firearms license might vary. If you are hired by a company, you may be required to get a firearm permit in order to continue working there. It is common for a company like Loomis to cover the licensing and permit costs for newly recruited drivers who do not have a firearm’s permit.
Guard Card
A security guard license, or guard card, is available in several states. Employers may demand one of these licenses of an armored van driver. In order to earn this license, one must attend a state-licensed facility for classroom instruction. Candidates learn first aid, how to respond in an emergency, and how to analyze their surroundings through training provided by firms like AEGIS. The Security Guard Training Central website has a list of state-specific criteria for a security guard licenses.
Salary and Advancement
The average wage for an armored truck driver varies depending on the business and the scope of the job. The average hourly compensation for an armored vehicle driver, according to PayScale, is $14.85. Wages in the United States typically vary from $12.31 to $20.36 per hour.
Armored truck drivers in the United States earn an average salary of $33,492. The top income earners (90th percentile) make an average of $79,000 annually. If an employee remains with the same employer for an extended period of time, they may be eligible for advancement.
Obtaining Credentials Can Help You Advance Your Career
Employees in the security industry may wish to explore certification as a means to demonstrate their expertise to potential employers. The Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification is offered by ASIS International. To sit for the certification test, candidates must have six years of relevant job experience, a high school certificate or GED, and no criminal record. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in physical security should have four years of experience and have no criminal records. Every three years, an individual must complete 45 continuing education credits in order to renew their license.
Conclusion
An armored truck driver, like a courier or delivery driver, is responsible for picking up and delivering precious commodities along an assigned route. Armored truck drivers must also have a plan in place in the event of an emergency. An armored truck driver may also be called upon to service automated teller machines, a potentially risky duty. Candidates for armored vehicle service firms must have a clean criminal record, be able to use a pistol, and be in excellent physical condition. A security guard license may also be required in certain states.
Geoff is a freelance writer at TruckersTraining.com with 20+ years of experience driving trucks and buses, dispatching, supervising, and training commercial driving teams. His expertise is writing topics on the transportation and trucking industry, and information technology trends.
