Company: Unitrans
Business Unit: Petroleum
Contract: Shell East London
Position: Petroleum Tanker Driver
Reference Number: UNI260805-8
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: East London, South Africa
Province: Eastern Cape
Closing Date: 13 August 2026
Minimum Education: Grade 12 / National Certificate
Petroleum Tanker Driver Job Opportunity
Unitrans is looking for an experienced Petroleum Tanker Driver to join its Petroleum business unit on a permanent basis. The successful applicant will be responsible for safely operating an ultra-heavy-duty vehicle used to transport petroleum products to customers.
This position involves operating vehicles with a gross vehicle mass or gross combination mass exceeding 25,000 kg. Because the role involves the transportation of petroleum products, the successful driver must demonstrate a strong commitment to road safety, vehicle compliance, responsible driving and accurate handling of transported goods.
The position is based in East London and forms part of the company’s petroleum operations serving the Shell East London contract.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants interested in this opportunity should meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12 / Matric or an equivalent qualification.
- NQF Level 4 qualification, where applicable.
- Grade 10 / NQF Level 2 may be considered in accordance with the advertised requirements.
- A valid Code EC Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), including the relevant dangerous goods authorisation where required to operate a DG vehicle.
- At least three years of experience working as a petroleum driver.
- A safe and responsible driving history.
- A clean criminal record.
- Experience operating heavy or ultra-heavy-duty vehicles will be important for the successful execution of the role.
- Ability to work shifts as required by the operational schedule.
- Willingness to work weekends and public holidays when scheduled.
Candidates should be safety-conscious, dependable and capable of working independently while following company procedures and instructions.
Key Responsibilities
The successful Petroleum Tanker Driver will be responsible for ensuring that assigned vehicles, documentation and transported products are handled safely and correctly throughout each trip.
Before departing from the depot, the driver will be required to prepare the vehicle for the journey and ensure that it is suitable for the planned trip. This includes conducting appropriate inspections and identifying any issues that could affect the safe operation of the vehicle.
Key duties will include:
- Preparing the assigned vehicle before each journey.
- Operating ultra-heavy-duty vehicles in accordance with applicable road and company safety requirements.
- Conducting vehicle inspections before departure and after completing a trip.
- Ensuring that the vehicle remains roadworthy throughout the operation.
- Taking responsibility for the roadworthiness of the vehicle when leaving the depot.
- Handling required documentation from dispatch through to the customer and returning documentation to the distribution centre.
- Ensuring that all petroleum products or other goods assigned for transportation are properly accounted for.
- Delivering products to customers safely and according to operational requirements.
- Following prescribed procedures for the transportation of dangerous goods.
- Reporting relevant vehicle, delivery or operational concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
- Complying with reasonable instructions issued by management or the supervisor.
- Maintaining professional conduct when interacting with customers and other stakeholders.
- Working according to scheduled shifts, including weekends and public holidays where required.
Safety and Compliance
Safety is a critical part of petroleum transportation. The successful candidate will be expected to operate the vehicle responsibly and comply with all applicable company procedures and road safety requirements.
Drivers must conduct the necessary vehicle checks and ensure that the assigned tanker is roadworthy before leaving the depot. They will also be responsible for ensuring that documentation associated with each delivery is correctly managed.
Because the position involves petroleum transportation, candidates must understand the importance of careful driving, compliance and responsible handling of transported products.
Employment Details
Position: Petroleum Tanker Driver
Company: Unitrans
Business Unit: Petroleum
Contract: Shell East London
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: East London, South Africa
Province: Eastern Cape
Reference Number: UNI260805-8
How to Apply
Qualified and experienced candidates are encouraged to apply for the Petroleum Tanker Driver position before the closing date.
Applicants should ensure that their CV accurately reflects their petroleum driving experience, qualifications, professional driving permit and relevant heavy-vehicle experience.
Closing Date: 13 August 2026
Applications received after the closing date may not be considered.
Important Information
This is a permanent opportunity within Unitrans’ Petroleum business unit. The successful candidate will be expected to meet the operational requirements of the Shell East London contract and must be prepared to work according to the required shift schedule.
The role may involve working outside normal business hours, including weekends and public holidays, depending on operational needs.
Candidates should carefully review the minimum requirements before submitting their applications, particularly the petroleum driving experience, appropriate driving permit requirements, driving record and criminal record requirements.
Job Category: Driving / Transport / Logistics
Industry: Petroleum / Fuel Transportation
Job Type: Permanent
Experience Required: At least 3 years’ petroleum driving experience
Closing Date: 13 August 2026