Petroleum Tanker Driver – Shell East London
Company: Unitrans
Position: Petroleum Tanker Driver
Reference Number: UNI260805-8
Business Unit: Petroleum
Contract Type: Permanent (Normal)
Location: East London, South Africa (Listing states Western Cape, however East London is in the Eastern Cape.)
Minimum Education: Grade 12 | National Certificate
Closing Date: 13 August 2026
Job Overview
Unitrans is currently recruiting an experienced Petroleum Tanker Driver to join its Petroleum Division, operating from the Shell East London contract. This permanent opportunity is ideal for professional heavy-duty drivers with proven experience transporting petroleum and other dangerous goods safely and efficiently.
The successful candidate will be responsible for operating ultra-heavy motor vehicles with a gross vehicle mass or gross combination mass exceeding 25 000 kg. Safety is at the heart of this role, requiring strict adherence to company policies, road traffic legislation, and hazardous goods transport regulations.
As a Petroleum Tanker Driver, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and timely delivery of petroleum products to customers while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and operational excellence. You will be entrusted with valuable cargo, responsible for vehicle roadworthiness, and expected to complete all required documentation accurately from dispatch through to final delivery.
This role is suited to experienced Code EC drivers who are committed to safe driving practices, enjoy working independently, and are prepared to work flexible hours, including weekends, shifts, and public holidays when operational requirements demand it.
If you have a strong safety record, extensive petroleum transport experience, and take pride in delivering exceptional service, this opportunity offers the chance to join one of South Africa’s leading logistics and supply chain companies.
Key Responsibilities
As a Petroleum Tanker Driver, your responsibilities will include:
- Prepare vehicles before every trip.
- Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
- Operate ultra-heavy petroleum tanker vehicles safely and responsibly.
- Ensure the vehicle is roadworthy before leaving the depot.
- Safely transport petroleum products to customer locations.
- Complete all dispatch, delivery, and return documentation accurately.
- Account for all products transported throughout each trip.
- Follow planned delivery routes and schedules.
- Adhere to all dangerous goods transport regulations.
- Maintain high standards of safety at all times.
- Report vehicle defects or incidents immediately.
- Follow all reasonable instructions from supervisors and management.
- Represent the company professionally while interacting with customers.
- Work shifts, weekends, and public holidays when required.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Grade 12 (Matric), NQF Level 4, or Grade 10 (NQF Level 2).
- A valid Code EC Driver’s Licence.
- A valid Professional Driving Permit (PrDP).
- Dangerous Goods (“D”) endorsement where required.
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience as a petroleum tanker driver.
- A safe driving record.
- A clean criminal record.
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should possess:
- Excellent heavy vehicle driving skills.
- Strong knowledge of dangerous goods transport regulations.
- High level of responsibility and accountability.
- Good communication skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Strong safety awareness.
- Time management skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Professional customer service skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Reliable and dependable work ethic.
Why Join Unitrans?
Unitrans is one of Southern Africa’s leading logistics and supply chain companies, providing transport solutions across multiple industries. Employees become part of an organisation committed to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
As a Petroleum Tanker Driver, you will join a professional team responsible for transporting hazardous products safely while working with modern equipment and established operational procedures. The company values experienced drivers who demonstrate responsibility, professionalism, and a commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.
This role offers long-term employment for qualified drivers seeking career stability within the petroleum transport sector.
Working Conditions
Successful candidates should be prepared to:
- Work rotational shifts.
- Work weekends and public holidays.
- Operate ultra-heavy tanker vehicles.
- Travel according to operational requirements.
- Comply with all company safety procedures and transport legislation.
- Maintain accurate documentation throughout every trip.
Location
This permanent position operates from the Shell East London contract in East London, South Africa.
Note: The vacancy lists the province as Western Cape, but East London is located in the Eastern Cape. Applicants should verify the reporting location when applying.
Why You Should Apply
If you are an experienced Code EC driver with a proven background in petroleum transportation and a commitment to safe driving, this is an excellent opportunity to secure a permanent position with a respected logistics company. With a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and operational excellence, this role is ideal for drivers looking to continue building a long-term career in the fuel and logistics industry. Apply before the 13 August 2026 closing date.