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JOB FUNCTIONN
The primary functions of a hostler are to hostle (that is, drive, move, hook,
unhook, switch, spot) equipment (tractors, trailers and converter gear) as
required in the terminal yard and/or between the terminal and the rail yards
or harbor, break down or make up various combinations of tractors and single
or multiple trailers, and spot trailers for loading or unloading.
Hostlers are subject to the Hours of Service Regulations of the United
States Department of Transportation if they perform any of their work in a
driving classification on public streets or roads.
When it is a separate job classification, hostler is subject to the
applicable job bidding procedure. Hostling is not normally a hiring
classification.
In some sites, hostlers may also perform the duties of
dock professional,
road driver
and/or
city driver. (See separate job
descriptions.)
JOB DUTIES
Note: The frequency of performance of these essential duties may vary by
site.
- Understands and carries out periodic oral and written instructions on
the equipment to be worked during the shift.
- Drops and/or hooks (breaks down or makes up various combinations of
tractors and trailers) and/or spots (backs trailers up to the dock for
loading or unloading) and otherwise switches (hostles) equipment, including
hooking and unhooking trailers from the tractor itself and pushing,
pulling, placing, lifting and attaching or detaching various types of
converter gear when necessary. This work also includes raising and lowering
the landing gear on semi-trailers and/or the front support on converter
dollies when the dollies are so equipped and adding or removing
accessories, such as mudflaps and light bars, and properly connecting
safety chains on converter gear and making tractor/trailer light and brake
connections.
- Inspects equipment, including converter gear, safety chains and
tractor/trailer light and brake connections, to assure that it is safe and
ready for dispatch into the city or over-the-road.
- Communicates with supervision, in person or by way of telephone or
radio to advise of problems with equipment, goods, etc., receive
instructions on work to be performed, report all delays, report all
injuries and accidents involving the driver or Company equipment and report
safety hazards observed.
- Properly completes all necessary paperwork and maintains records,
including logs, inspection reports, manifests, bills of lading, accident
reports and any other report or record required by law, regulation or
Company policy.
- Understands and implements safe and efficient shipment-handling and
-lifting procedures. Ensures that the goods being transported have been
properly situated, distributed and secured on or in a vehicle.
- Comprehends and complies with applicable hazardous materials handling
and placarding regulations, and required emergency responses to hazardous
material spills or incidents. Determines the applicability of hazardous
materials regulations and placarding requirements to the nature and amount
of goods on a load.
- Operates a forklift if required, including changing and using various
accessories, and shipment-handling equipment, including a two-wheel hand
truck and a four-wheel dock cart.
- Performs the work required in a timely manner and maintains adequate
production to meet service schedules.
When assigned to city driving, road driving, shuttling or dock work,
hostlers must perform the essential functions of the job(s) assigned.
OTHER DUTIES
Depending on site, hostlers perform other duties as assigned, including but
not limited to the following:
- Reports safety hazards observed.
- Communicates tactfully and diplomatically with persons with whom the
employee is in contact as Company representative.
- Sweeping and cleaning dock and equipment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Can read, write, communicate and comprehend the English language
sufficiently to perform the various tasks of the job, including, but not
limited to: communicating with coworkers and the general public;
understanding oral and written instructions, Company policies and
governmental regulations; responding to questions and inquiries from
management and government representatives; and accurately completing
various shipping papers, reports and records required of the position.
- Can accurately and efficiently perform mathematical calculations
necessary to do the work, including counting goods, weight calculation,
hours of service determination, time and mileage computation, etc.
Can operate scanning devices at the work site.
- Possesses the good judgment necessary to perform the functions of the
job.
- Has no conviction record indicating that the applicant cannot
reasonably be expected to properly fulfill the duties of the job in
question.
- Has a satisfactory past work record.
- Is able to work on shift available—either an eight-hour, five-day
work week or a ten-hour, four-day work week—plus any required
overtime. Overtime may exceed four hours a day and may include fifth,
sixth and/or seventh day of work as needed.
- Has demonstrated the ability to maintain good attendance.
- Is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle as
demonstrated by a current medical examiner's certificate.
- Does not use any drugs or substances that would interfere with the
ability to drive safely. Able to pass any Company-administered
drug/alcohol test.
- Passes a Company-administered physical performance test.
- Passes a driving test on Company equipment in order to demonstrate
driving skills and ability.
- Is able to enter and exit various types of equipment efficiently and
safely.
- Is able to perform job duties on unforgiving surfaces, such as
concrete, wood and metal, and sometimes on slippery and wet surfaces,
for the duration of shift and overtime hours.
- Is able to open and close swing-type and roll-up type trailer doors
as needed in the pickup and delivery of freight.
- Is able to work in adverse weather conditions without temperature or
other environmental controls and subject to ambient weather conditions.
- Can perform the work required in a timely manner and maintain
adequate production in order to meet service schedules.
When assigned to city driving, road driving, or dock work, hostlers must
meet the minimum qualifications of the classification in which they are
working.
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