Driver - CDL

The CDL Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transport of ingredients, packaging materials, supplies, and finished goods between company facilities, cold storage locations, and customer sites. This position operates tractor-trailers or straight trucks and is occasionally required to use forklifts or pallet jacks for loading and unloading. The CDL Driver ensures the timely movement and accurate documentation of all product transfers in compliance with company standards, safety regulations, and good manufacturing practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate a tractor-trailer combination or straight truck to transport materials, supplies, and finished goods between facilities, vendors, and customers.
• Load and unload raw materials, packaging, supplies, and finished products using forklifts, motorized pallet jacks, or pallet jacks as needed.
• Monitor, record, and communicate trailer movements within drop lots and facility grounds.
• Deliver finished goods to customers and cold storage facilities in a safe and timely manner.
• Pick up raw materials, packaging, and supplies from vendors or other facilities as directed.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vehicles to ensure safe operation.
• Complete all required documentation accurately, including shipping logs, delivery receipts, and transfer records.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area both inside and outside the vehicle.
• Assist in training new employees on safe and effective transport and loading procedures.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, warehouse staff, and production personnel to coordinate deliveries and pickups.
• Adhere to all company policies, safety standards, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Work with enthusiasm and urgency to meet production and delivery schedules.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must possess a valid, company-insurable Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Minimum of 2 years of verifiable commercial driving experience preferred.
• Experience operating forklifts, motorized pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment desirable.
• Working knowledge of basic math for recording and calculating load weights, quantities, and transfers.
• Experience in food manufacturing or logistics preferred.

Competencies and Skills:

• Strong commitment to safety, reliability, and professionalism.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to read and follow instructions, schedules, and shipping documents accurately.
• Strong time management and organizational skills to meet delivery deadlines.
• Basic computer or handheld device skills for data entry and recordkeeping.
• Mechanical aptitude to perform vehicle inspections and basic maintenance.
• Ability to maintain composure and focus in fast-paced or changing environments.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 110 pounds.
• Must be able to operate forklift and other material-handling equipment safely.
• Requires good hand-eye coordination and ability to handle repetitive motions.
• Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and holidays as production needs require.

Work Environment and Personal Protective Equipment:

• Work may be performed indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Regular exposure to extreme cold, wet or humid conditions, and moving mechanical parts.
• May work at heights or in confined spaces.
• Moderate to loud noise levels typical of warehouse and transportation environments.
• Safety shoes or boots
• Insulated gloves (as needed)
• Safety vest or reflective gear
• Hearing protection (as required in certain areas)
• Any additional PPE as specified by company safety standards.

MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER
NOTE: This role will require extended hours based on production needs, including work to be performed after regular business hours and on weekends.