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Armored truck drivers are essential members of any armored transport service team. They possess a unique and vital skill set that includes maneuvering an armored transport vehicle, which is often a large truck, mastery of firearms, and first aid, among others. At Blue Line Protection Group, our team of armored truck drivers are highly trained and experts at what they do. The path to becoming an armored truck driver requires hard work, but can be tremendously rewarding. If you’ve considered a career as an armored truck driver, review the requirements and steps to take to find out if it’s the right fit for you.
Armored truck drivers are the backbone of armored truck services, operating state-of-the-art secure vehicles that protect against theft, loss, and accidents as they transport cash and other valuable assets. Armored transport services may be hired to transport anything from money to private data or jewels, and armed truck drivers must ensure that these items reach their destination safely. They are also responsible for maintaining their armored vehicles, adhering to all traffic laws, and filling out all of the paperwork that pertains to the pick-ups and deliveries of the assets they transport. Furthermore, armored truck drivers must load and unload cargo from their vehicles and follow any and all company guidelines and protocols that have been set forth to ensure the safety of their deliveries.
Day to day responsibilities of an armored truck driver include picking up deliveries and providing a watchful, guarding eye over assets as they are moved into the truck as well as those responsible for transferring those assets. Armored truck drivers need to have excellent reflexes and reaction time, as in the event of emergencies, like attacks or theft, it is up to the armored truck driver to take action and use force if the situation requires. Armored truck drivers are also tasked with communicating clearly with their dispatcher, obeying directions, staying on route, and driving safely. As they are often responsible for loading and unloading the vehicle, armored truck drivers must be fit, capable of performing heavy lifting when necessary.
To become an armored truck driver, the most basic requirement is a high school diploma (or equivalent) and a valid driver’s license. Armored truck driver candidates must have a clean driving record and no criminal history. It is very likely that a background check will be performed as part of the hiring process. Age requirements vary by state, but many states require armored truck drivers to be at least twenty-one years of age. Some armored transportation companies may require previous experience performing security or driving professionally.
A firearm permit or license is also critical to becoming an armored truck driver. The guidelines necessary to obtain a permit or license are different in each state, and some states have permits unique to security personnel where others do not. To receive a firearms permit or license, candidates may need to be evaluated to prove mental stability, agree to a background check, sign an application, provide proof of citizenship, pay a fee, pass a safety course, or any combination of the above. (1)
Many areas mandate that armed guards hold licenses issued by the state, the requirements for which differ state to state. Security guard skills can be demonstrated and validated through The American Society for Industrial Security, which issues a credential certifying a Physical Security Professional, or PSP. To earn this certification, security experience is required, including a minimum of three years in a position of leadership.
Different armored transport companies will have different criteria set forth for their drivers. Some may ask for proof of a good credit history, a consistent employment history, some degree of truck driving experience, and a flexible schedule. In nearly every case, armored truck drivers will be provided with on-the-job training that covers everything from first aid to crime prevention and public relations.
All different types of people from every background and region make excellent armored truck drivers and security personnel, however there are certain traits that often lend themselves nicely to those in the armored transport field. Successful armored truck drivers are typically honest and abide by rules, laws, guidelines, and protocols. Armored truck drivers tend to possess excellent communication skills, are observant, and are good at making decisions, even in stressful circumstances. They are responsible, and thrive best when they are on a team working together toward a shared goal. Armed truck drivers must also be physically healthy and fit, as the job does have a significant physical component when it comes to loading and unloading cargo.
Salaries fall within a standard range for armored truck drivers, typically between $33,000 and $50,000 annually, however there is some variation from city to city. Experience, special skills, and certifications may also play a key role in determining the salary of an armored truck driver. Armored truck drivers may have opportunities to earn overtime pay on holidays, overnight, and on weekends. Armored transport companies will discuss salary as part of the hiring process, at which time they should be made aware of any relevant experience and qualifications that may influence salary if they have not already been disclosed.
