What are the responsibilities and job description for the Driver Manager position at Hermann Forwarding?
Driver Manager (DM)
Position Overview
Hermann Transportation is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and experienced Driver Manager (DM) to support our asset-based trucking operation in New Jersey. This position plays a critical role in driver engagement, operational execution, on-time performance, and customer service delivery.
The ideal candidate understands the operational realities of trucking, driver hours-of-service (HOS), appointment-based freight, and the importance of maintaining strong driver relationships in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.
This role requires strong system proficiency, including experience with McLeod software, and the ability to adapt as we transition our telematics platform from OmniTracs to Samsara.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a fleet of assigned drivers to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations
- Oversee dispatch execution, driver scheduling, and load assignment in coordination with planners
- Monitor driver HOS, availability, and performance using McLeod and telematics systems
- Proactively address service issues, delays, and breakdowns to protect customer commitments
- Maintain daily communication with drivers regarding load details, appointment times, and expectations
- Support driver retention and engagement through consistent follow-up and relationship-building
- Ensure accurate and timely load updates within McLeod
- Review and manage driver logs and compliance requirements
- Coordinate closely with CSRs, Planners, and Maintenance to ensure seamless freight movement
- Assist drivers with onboarding and integration into company systems
Systems & Technology Requirements
- Proficiency in McLeod software is required
- Experience with telematics systems, specifically:
- Familiarity with OmniTracs
- Ability to adapt and support transition to Samsara platform
- Comfortable managing load tracking, driver communication, and reporting through digital platforms
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Excel
Required Qualifications
- 3 years of experience in trucking operations or driver management
- Strong understanding of dispatch processes and HOS regulations
- Knowledge of appointment-based freight and time-sensitive deliveries
- Experience managing multiple drivers simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and conflict resolution skills
- Self-motivated and able to prioritize without constant supervision
- Ability to perform effectively in a high-pressure operations setting
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in an asset-based carrier environment
- Background in driver retention and engagement strategies
- Working knowledge of DOT compliance requirements
- Experience implementing or transitioning telematics systems
Work Environment
Hermann Transportation operates in a high-energy, service-driven environment where attention to detail and urgency matter. The Driver Manager role requires:
- Strong multitasking ability
- Professional composure under stress
- Clear, direct communication
- Daily collaboration with cross-functional teams
- A hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in operations, enjoys supporting drivers, and understands that every decision impacts service performance.