What are the responsibilities and job description for the Non-CDL Escort Driver position at Palmetto Yacht Management?
Start Your Career in the Boat Transportation Industry
Looking to get into the transportation industry—but don’t yet have a CDL or experience?
This is your opportunity.
Palmetto Yacht Management is hiring Non-CDL Escort Drivers to support our vessel transport operations across the East Coast. This role is designed as an on-the-job training (OJT) apprenticeship, providing a direct path to becoming a professional driver within one of the nation’s leading boat transportation companies.
💡 Why This Role Stands Out
- Paid Apprenticeship – Learn while you earn
- Direct Path to CDL Driver Roles
- Hands-On Training with Experienced Operators
- Exposure to High-Value Vessel Transport Operations
- Opportunity to Grow with a Rapidly Expanding Company
🔧 What You’ll Be Doing
As an Escort Driver, you play a critical role in ensuring safe and efficient transport of oversized vessels.
Your responsibilities include:
- Operating escort vehicles for boat transports (no CDL required)
- Supporting drivers with routing, safety awareness, and communication
- Assisting with loading and unloading vessels
- Yard operations including:
- Boat staging and positioning
- Trailer spotting (“yard jockey” work)
- Boat detailing and prep prior to delivery
- Basic mechanical support and troubleshooting of trailers and equipment
- Performing pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Maintaining a professional presence with OEMs, dealers, and clients
🧠 What We’re Looking For
We’re not just hiring escort drivers—we’re building future operators.
- Strong mechanical aptitude (trailers, equipment, or marine preferred)
- Natural problem solver who can think on their feet
- Comfortable working outdoors and traveling
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Ability to follow direction and communicate clearly
- Interest in growing into a CDL / Transport Driver role
🎯 Ideal Candidate
- 18 years old
- Trade school or vocational mindset preferred (college not required)
- Background in:
- Automotive / mechanical work
- Marine industry
- Equipment operation
- General labor with tools
📈 Career Path
This is not a dead-end job.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to advance into:
➡️ Lead Escort Driver
➡️ Transport Driver (CDL Track)
➡️ Logistics / Operations Roles
💼 Compensation & Perks
- Competitive hourly pay (based on experience)
- Travel opportunities across the Southeast and beyond
- Hands-on training from industry professionals
- Opportunity for rapid advancement
Salary : $25