How Do I Become an Armored Truck Driver?
Research what it takes to become an armored truck driver. Learn about the job responsibilities, licensure and certification requirements, along with salary information, to find out if this is the career for you.
What Is an Armored Truck Driver?
Armored truck drivers operate vehicles that are designed with extra protection for valuable cargo. They may transport sensitive data, jewelry, gold or cash. Armored truck drivers are responsible for transporting the cargo and keeping it safe. They perform basic vehicle maintenance and keep their vehicles clean, complete all required paperwork related to their deliveries and must follow all traffic laws. They also load and unload their cargo. Armored truck drivers must follow specific safety guidelines to protect their cargo from theft, and must also follow assigned and approved routes for their deliveries.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Education Required</b> </td><td> High school diploma or equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training Required</b></td><td> On-the-job training</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Protect and safely transport cargo, pick up deliveries, respond to emergency situations, heavy and repetitive lifting</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Licensure/Certification</b> </td><td> Valid driver's license, state firearm permit or license, Certified Protection Professional (recommended)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 15%* (security guards)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2021)</b></td><td> $50,000** (armored car guard and driver)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheJobDutiesOfAnArmoredTruckDriver">What Are the Job Duties of an Armored Truck Driver?</h3><p>Your primary duties as an armored truck driver are to protect the cargo inside your vehicle and ensure it gets to its destination safely. You'll pick up deliveries, guard cargo as it's moved in the truck and protect the people transferring the shipment. You must be able to react quickly if there is an emergency or if someone tries to rob your truck and be willing to use force, if necessary, to stop crime from occurring.
</p><p>In addition to handling and protecting the cargo, you must operate your truck. This involves driving safely, following directions, staying on course and maintaining contact with your dispatcher. You need to be in good physical shape to load and unload the truck, which could involve heavy, repetitive lifting.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatLicensesPermitsOrCertificationsDoINeed">What Licenses, Permits or Certifications Do I Need?</h3><p>To be an armored truck driver, you'll need a valid driver's license. You'll also have to qualify for and maintain a firearm permit or license. States regulate both licenses and have specific guidelines that you need to follow to obtain them. Some states have special firearms permits for security guards, and you might be required to show proof of mental stability, submit to a criminal background check, complete a signed application, pay of a fee, provide proof of U.S. citizenship and pass a firearms safety course.
</p><p>Certification is not usually mandatory, but can help you be more competitive in getting a job. The American Society for Industrial Security International allows you to validate your skills as a guard with the Certified Protection Professional designation. To earn the credential, you'll need significant experience in security with at least three years in a supervisory role.
</p><h3 id="section---AreThereOtherRequirementsINeedToMeet">Are There Other Requirements I Need to Meet?</h3><p>Requirements vary based on your employer. Some companies might have certain age restrictions and mandatory physical capabilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it's common for you to have to submit to criminal background checks, fingerprinting and driving record assessments.
</p><p>Some employers might also require a good credit record, steady employment history, experience as a truck driver and the ability to work weekends, holidays and overtime. Most employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but no postsecondary education is usually necessary. You'll usually get on-the-job training to teach you about specific company procedures. Training might cover the following topics:
</p><ul><li>First aid
</li><li>Crime prevention
</li><li>Use of force
</li><li>Report writing
</li><li>Communication skills
</li><li>Emergency response
</li><li>Public relations
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Chauffeurs and delivery drivers have a number of duties that are the same as those armored truck drivers perform. They must do maintenance checks on their vehicle and are also responsible for keeping their vehicle clean. They must also follow all traffic laws and need to use approved routes. Some chauffeurs may transport celebrities or government officials and, like armored truck drivers, they may work with security guards or law enforcement to ensure the safe transport of their passengers. Chauffeurs and delivery drivers need a driver's license, a clean driving history, and may need to pass a background check. They may also need to complete on-the-job training, and they must have any state or city license required.</p>