Class 5 Driver - Ferry & Port Logistics

AWF Limited; Picton; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

AWF Limited invites applications for Class 5 Drivers at Picton Ferry Terminal. You will operate Class 5 vehicles in a busy port setting, safely moving trailers and freight units to keep goods flowing across the Cook Strait.

Ideal candidates hold a current NZ Class 5 licence with 3+ years of Class 5 driving, plus experience with B-Trains or heavy transport. A strong safety ethic and teamwork are essential for this hands-on role.

Qualifications

• Current Full NZ Class 5 Licence.
• Minimum 3+ years Class 5 driving experience.
• Experience operating B-Trains, truck and trailer units, shunts, or heavy transport.
• Strong safety awareness and problem-solving abilities.
• Reliable, professional and methodical attitude; team player.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment Drug & Alcohol screening.

Responsibilities

• Operating Class 5 vehicles within a busy port environment.
• Transporting freight, materials, or equipment safely and efficiently.
• Supporting site operations where required.
• Completing pre-start checks and maintaining vehicle standards.
• Following all health and safety procedures and site requirements.

Skills

NZ Class 5 Licence

3+ years driving

B-Trains / trailers experience

Safety mindset

Problem solving

Team player

Drug & Alcohol screening

Job description

This is a unique opportunity to put your Class 5 skills into action in a real-life game of Tetris, strategically moving and positioning containers in a busy and exciting port environment, with no on-road travel required.

Safely manoeuvring trailers, freight units, and heavy vehicles on and off ferry vessels and in/around the yards. Previous B-Train, truck and trailer, shunt, or yard driving experience will be highly regarded, however if this type of work interests you and you have solid Class 5 driving experience, we'd still love to hear from you.

AWF are proudly partnering with Bluebridge Ferries (StraitNZ) and looking for experienced Class 5 Drivers for permanent positions at Picton Ferry Terminal.

About the Roles

As a Class 5 Driver / Operator, you'll work within a fast-paced ferry and port operation, manoeuvring freight units and trailers safely and efficiently throughout the terminal. Every shift brings something different as you help connect the North and South Islands, keeping goods moving across the Cook Strait and supporting the supply chains that keep New Zealand running.

You will be a confident, reliable driver with strong technical ability, a commitment to safety, and a willingness to get involved in hands‑on tasks where required.

Key Responsibilities Include, but not limited to -

• Operating Class 5 vehicles within a busy port environment
• Transporting freight, materials, or equipment safely and efficiently
• Supporting site operations where required
• Completing pre-start checks and maintaining vehicle standards
• Following all health and safety procedures and site requirements

Skills & Experience Required -

To be successful, you will have:

• Current Full NZ Class 5 Licence
• Minimum 3+ years Class 5 driving experience
• Experience operating B-Trains, truck and trailer units, shunts, or heavy transport combinations - or the willingness to learn
• Strong reversing and manoeuvring skills with excellent spatial awareness
• Excellent safety awareness and an aptitude for problem solving
• Reliable, professional and methodical attitude
• Be a team player
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening

What's in It for You?

• Permanent employment with a respected New Zealand transport operator
• Competitive pay
• Stay local with no long-haul routes or overnight travel
• Consistent rostered hours
• Full training provided in specialised ferry and port operations
• A unique and interesting role where no two days are the same

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must have the current right to work in New Zealand. Unfortunately, we're unable to sponsor or qualify work visas through these roles.
• As per our standard procedures, all candidates must pass a pre-employment Drug & Alcohol screening test.
• Ministry of Justice criminal background checks are part of our standard process, please speak to our team if you need to discuss your application process further.