Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Driver: Port Mobile Equipment at its Saldanha Multi-Purpose Terminal (MPT) in the Western Cape.

This opportunity requires Matric/NQF Level 4, a Code 14 (EC) driver’s licence and relevant driving experience. Successful candidates will operate various heavy mobile equipment used for loading, transporting and unloading cargo within the terminal.

Job Details

Position: Driver: Port Mobile Equipment
Company: Transnet Port Terminals (TPT)
Location: Saldanha, Western Cape
Operating Division: TPT Saldanha MPT
Department: TPT, Operations Shift D, WC
Employee Group: Non-Permanent
Grade: HRLYJ1
Reporting To: Operations Shift Manager
Reference Number: req5488
Posted: 18 August 2026
Closing Date: 27 August 2026

Position Purpose

The Driver: Port Mobile Equipment is responsible for loading, transporting and unloading cargo within MPT Saldanha using the appropriate plant and equipment.

All equipment must be operated according to applicable standard operating procedures to ensure efficient cargo movement, minimise damage and support terminal operations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

-Performing daily checks on allocated machines before starting work.

-Ensuring equipment is operational and safe to use.

-Completing daily task sheets.

-Recording equipment defects and reporting them to the supervisor.

-Replenishing fuel and other required fluid levels.

-Operating allocated equipment according to standard operating procedures.

-Monitoring equipment performance while completing assigned work.

-Operating articulated vehicles.

-Operating tractor/trailer combinations.

-Operating forklift trucks.

-Operating payloaders.

-Operating tip trucks.

-Reporting accidents and incidents occurring during the performance of duties.

-Ensuring the correct equipment and attachments are used for each task.

-Changing equipment or attachments where required to accommodate different commodities.

-Performing required end-of-shift tasks.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Qualifications

• Matric / NQF Level 4
• Code 14 / EC Driver’s Licence
• Certificate of Competence for each machine operated

Experience

Candidates should have either:

• 2 years’ relevant driving experience within Port Operations, Maritime Services or Warehouse Tally;

OR

• Basic numeracy and literacy with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience.

Applicants should carefully check that they meet the applicable experience requirements before submitting an application.

Required Knowledge and Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Knowledge of operational areas and procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of terminal mobile machines.
• Competence in operating relevant terminal machinery.
• Ability to identify and report equipment defects.
• Ability to complete daily machine checklists.
• Knowledge of workplace and operational safety.
• Understanding of machine loading capacities.
• Knowledge of safe operating procedures.
• Ability to safely handle and load different materials and cargo.

Equipment You May Be Required to Operate

Depending on operational requirements and your certificates of competence, equipment may include:

• Articulated vehicles
• Tractor/trailer combinations
• Forklift trucks
• Payloaders
• Tip trucks
• Other applicable terminal mobile equipment

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the Transnet recruitment system for vacancy reference req5488.

When searching for the vacancy, use:

Job Title: Driver: Port Mobile Equipment
Reference: req5488
Location: Saldanha

Closing Date: 27 August 2026

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that Transnet HR receives the application before the closing date. Late applications may not be considered.

Documents to Prepare

Although the supplied advert does not provide a complete document checklist, candidates should ensure that the information entered in their online application accurately reflects the advertised requirements, particularly their:

• Matric/NQF Level 4 qualification
• Code 14 (EC) driver’s licence
• Certificates of competence for machinery operated
• Relevant driving/work experience

Do not claim licences, certificates or experience that you do not have.

Employment Equity

Preference may be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups, in accordance with Transnet’s Employment Equity Plan and the targets of the relevant operating division.

Important Fraud Warning

Transnet does not charge job seekers a fee to apply for employment.

Any person claiming that you need to pay money to secure this position should be treated as suspicious. Use only legitimate Transnet recruitment channels when applying.

If you do not hear from Transnet within 90 days, the advert advises that you should consider your application unsuccessful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What position is Transnet recruiting for?

Transnet Port Terminals is recruiting for a Driver: Port Mobile Equipment at the Saldanha Multi-Purpose Terminal.

2. What is the reference number?

The vacancy reference number is req5488.

3. Where is the job based?

The position is based in Saldanha, Western Cape, South Africa.

4. Is Grade 12 required?

Yes. The advertised qualification requirement is Matric/NQF Level 4.

5. What driver’s licence is required?

Applicants require a valid Code 14 (EC) driver’s licence.

6. Is experience required?

Yes. The advert specifies 2 years’ relevant driving experience in Port Operations, Maritime Services or Warehouse Tally, or the alternative experience requirement stated in the vacancy.

7. Do I need experience operating heavy machinery?

The advert requires a Certificate of Competence for each machine operated, and candidates must be competent in operating applicable terminal machines.

8. What types of vehicles or machines will I operate?

The duties mention articulated vehicles, tractor/trailers, forklift trucks, payloaders and tip trucks.

9. Is this a permanent position?

The advert classifies the employee group as Non-Permanent.

10. When is the closing date?

Applications close on 27 August 2026.

11. Does Transnet charge an application fee?

No. The vacancy specifically warns that Transnet, its employees and representatives never ask job seekers to pay a fee.

Possible Interview Questions

These are preparation questions based on the advertised duties and are not confirmed Transnet interview questions.

1. Tell us about your experience operating heavy-duty or mobile equipment.
Mention the specific vehicles and machines you have operated, how long you operated them and the environments in which you worked.

2. What checks would you perform before operating a vehicle or machine?
Discuss pre-use inspections, tyres, fluid levels, brakes, lights, warning systems, visible defects and other checks relevant to the equipment.

3. What would you do if you discovered a defect during your pre-use inspection?
Explain that you would follow the applicable procedure, report the defect and avoid operating unsafe equipment.

4. What experience do you have operating forklifts, payloaders, tip trucks or articulated vehicles?
Only mention machinery you are genuinely competent and authorised to operate.

5. Why is machine loading capacity important?
Explain the safety and operational risks associated with exceeding equipment limits.

6. How would you safely handle different types of cargo?
Discuss selecting the correct equipment or attachment, assessing the cargo and following applicable operating procedures.

7. What would you do if an accident or incident occurred during your shift?
Focus on immediate safety, following emergency procedures and reporting the incident according to company requirements.

8. Why are daily machine checklists important?
They help identify defects before operation, support equipment reliability and contribute to safe operations.

9. How do you maintain safety when working around other vehicles and heavy equipment?
Discuss situational awareness, communication, designated routes, speed limits and adherence to site procedures.

10. Why do you want to work for Transnet Port Terminals?
Prepare an answer connecting your driving and equipment-operation experience with the requirements of a large cargo and terminal operation.