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.
 

dumper driver jobs
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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.
 

Smiling male wearing glasses driving a truck.
Smiling male wearing glasses driving a truck.
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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.
     
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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.
 

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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.
     
smiling male looking on his mobile phone
smiling male looking on his mobile phone
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FAQs

FAQs about working as a dumper driver

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