CDL DRIVER JOB DESCRIPTION

Route delivery in food and grocery distribution sounds straightforward. It rarely is. A CDL Driver in this sector manages DOT Hours of Service compliance, refrigerated load integrity, and live customer account relationships - all within a single shift. The role operates out of a distribution warehouse and serves retail, foodservice, or wholesale accounts on assigned daily routes. Accurate deliveries and product safety are the non-negotiable outputs this position is measured against.

As the CDL Driver, you are responsible for the safe, compliant, and on-time delivery of food and grocery products to retail and foodservice customer accounts along assigned routes. You operate within a distribution team, coordinate daily with dispatch and account management, and serve as the direct point of contact between the warehouse and the customer on every stop.

Career Impact: Holding a Class A CDL with a clean Motor Vehicle Report and verified DOT Health Card in the food distribution sector builds a verifiable, portable record that carries weight with regional and national carriers.

Business Impact: Retail and foodservice accounts depend on accurate, temperature-controlled deliveries to maintain shelf availability and food safety compliance, and the CDL Driver is the person who either protects or breaks that chain on every run.

Growth Opportunity: Drivers who demonstrate route efficiency and customer relationship skills in food distribution are frequently considered for lead driver, dispatcher, or fleet supervisor roles as operations scale.

• Transport food and grocery products from the distribution warehouse to assigned retail and foodservice customer accounts on schedule.
• Unload product from trailer using hand cart or manual handling across ramps, docks, and stairs in all weather conditions.
• Inspect product for visible damage and verify load temperatures prior to delivery to maintain food safety compliance.
• Complete all DOT-required documentation, including pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports, driver logs, and customer invoices accurately each day.
• Collect and return damaged goods and customer returns to the warehouse, recording all shortages and discrepancies promptly.
• Communicate route deviations, vehicle issues, and customer concerns to dispatch or management in a timely manner.
• Build and maintain professional customer relationships through consistent, courteous, and accurate service on every delivery stop.
• Secure and operate all assigned equipment, including load bars, hand carts, and personal protective equipment, to company and DOT standards.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of tractor-trailer driving experience, with documented food or grocery distribution route experience preferred.
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with a clean Motor Vehicle Report for the past 3 years.
• Current DOT Health Card and the ability to maintain Medical Examiner certification throughout employment.
• Knowledge of DOT Hours of Service regulations, Hazmat handling guidelines, and food safety temperature requirements for frozen, refrigerated, and dry product.
• Ability to operate a multi-axle tractor and 45 to 48 ft trailer, including manual loading equipment such as a 2-wheel hand cart and lift gate.
• Ability to lift and move product cases routinely between 10 and 60 pounds, with occasional loads up to 90 pounds.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English as required by DOT safety regulations and customer documentation.

• Prior experience managing backhaul pickups and line haul transfers within a food distribution network.
• Familiarity with electronic on-board recording systems and computerized delivery confirmation workflows.
• Experience collecting customer payments and reconciling daily invoice registers accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to flex between multiple route types, including local, overnight, and OTR assignments, as business needs change.

• On-time delivery rate per route, measured against the scheduled stop window for each account.
• Food safety compliance rate, reflecting zero temperature excursion incidents per delivery period.
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection completion rate, with no missed or incomplete daily submissions.
• Customer invoice accuracy rate, tracking the percentage of stops with no shortage or documentation error.
• Return and damage reporting turnaround, measured in hours from pickup to warehouse submission.
• Typical tools: Electronic logging devices (commonly Peoplenet or KeepTruckin), handheld delivery confirmation units (commonly Honeywell or Zebra mobile computers).

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on route type and experience.
• Bonus: Performance-based safety and attendance bonuses, typically $500 to $2,000 annually.
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level in food distribution.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, often available from day one.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days per year plus federal holidays, varying by employer.
• Common Perks: Paid CDL renewal, uniform allowance, and per diem on overnight runs.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Candidates are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and in the performance of job duties upon request. Employment in this role is contingent on successful completion of a background check, Motor Vehicle Record review, DOT drug and alcohol screening, and road test. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

The CDL Driver owns the end-to-end delivery of food products from warehouse to customer, safely transporting product across assigned routes while maintaining DOT compliance, food safety protocols, and accurate documentation. Working alongside management and customer teams, the driver builds lasting service relationships that support on-time, accurate delivery outcomes across all weather conditions and route types.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely transport product from the warehouse to the customer location and ensure product is delivered on a timely basis, according to assigned route.
• Unload product from trailer, by hand or using hand cart down ramps, stairs, or docks, in all weather conditions and place in designated customer storage areas according to customer specifications and company standards.
• Pick up, load and unload damaged goods and customer returns, and transport products back to the warehouse.
• Ensure all food safety protocols are met, including maintaining proper temperatures in the delivery vehicle, inspecting product for visible damages prior to delivery, and storing product to prevent cross contamination.
• Follow preferred work methods at all times and immediately advise management of any unsafe conditions.
• Maintain and safely operate all assigned equipment, including hand cart, pallets, load bars, SLS unit, and personal protective equipment.
• Develop and establish good relationships with customers by providing excellent and courteous service with clear communication.
• Communicate with management regarding any deviations to route, trailer or loading issues and customer or product issues.
• Safely transport product picked up via backhauls and line hauls and ensure picked up product is correct and delivered on a timely basis.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent degree, plus 1 year of tractor trailer driving experience preferred.
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License required, must be insurable to operate a vehicle.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, Hazmat guidelines, and safe lifting and delivery practices.
• Experience driving over long distances, over a variety of terrains and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to operate a 3 axle tractor, 45-48 ft trailer, straight truck, on board computer, keypad, and a 2 wheel hand cart.
• Ability to handle hazardous materials and food and restaurant items that are frozen, dry, and refrigerated.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English as it relates to the job and safety regulations.
• Ability to perform basic math functions, plan and organize work activities independently, and solve problems.

Embedded within the transportation and delivery team, the CDL Driver learns to operate tractor trailers and straight trucks on intrastate and interstate routes, delivering and unloading food and food related products to customers safely and in accordance with DOT regulations. Working closely with supervisors and customers, the driver builds foundational route delivery skills that support accurate, on-time service across the distribution network.

Core Functions

• Perform count check of items and check customer invoices of products that have been loaded.
• Check and complete all required paperwork associated with freight in an accurate and legible fashion.
• Move tractor to the loading dock and attach preloaded trailer as needed.
• Drive to and deliver customer orders according to a predetermined route and delivery schedule.
• Unload products from the trailer and transport items into designated customer storage areas.
• Perform damage control checks on items and contact supervisor about removing orders according to company policy.
• Verify delivery of items with customer, obtain proper signatures, and collect money where required.
• Load customer returns onto trailer and secure trailer doors.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or state approved equivalent.
• Valid Class A CDL required, must be 21 years of age and meet all state licensing and certification requirements.
• Clean Motor Vehicle Report for past 3 years, pass post offer drug test and criminal background check.
• Must pass road test and attain or maintain a valid current DOT Health Card.
• Ability to hand-lift and utilize two-wheeler, lift gate.
• Internal applicants must meet requirements outlined in the PFG Entry Level Driver Trainee or Dock to Driver Training Program.

Reporting to operations management, the CDL Driver delivers building products including windows and doors to customer locations while maintaining full compliance with federal and state regulations. Partnering with customers and internal teams, the driver ensures accurate, safe, and professional delivery outcomes that protect both product integrity and company reputation.

Primary Duties

• Safely assist in the loading and unloading of product to customer locations and return products as needed.
• Drive truck to destinations in accordance with Federal regulations.
• Maintain records required for compliance with state and federal regulations, including driver logs, fuel purchases, mileage records, and other records required by law.
• Perform all duties in accordance with company policies and procedures, and comply with all federal, state, and local regulations for safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
• Represent the company professionally to customers and the public.
• Answer questions regarding packing lists, invoices, packaging, and material content.
• Perform frequent lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying of windows and doors of varying weights.

Skills and Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License required, doubles endorsement required if twin trailers are pulled.
• 2 years of previous tractor-trailer or straight truck driving experience, including winter driving experience.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations governing safe driving, hours of service, vehicle inspection, and maintenance.
• Ability to operate manual transmission and working knowledge of vehicle safety and control systems.
• Ability to read, write, and perform simple mathematical calculations, including handling receipts, reading maps, road signs, and maintaining logs.
• Good oral communication skills and ability to follow instructions via on-board computer system and by phone.
• Must meet or exceed the medical standards of the US Department of Transportation and pass a drug test.

Sitting at the intersection of logistics and customer service, the CDL Driver ensures safe, accurate, and timely delivery of food service products while building and maintaining positive customer relationships. Operating across route delivery, equipment maintenance, and daily check-in functions, the driver directly supports customer satisfaction and business retention outcomes.

Duties

• Present a positive image to customers through courteous, on-time, and accurate deliveries of products.
• Ensure safe, accurate, timely, and efficient deliveries of products.
• Build and maintain good customer relationships and demonstrate self-control in all interactions.
• Accurately collect customer payments, safeguard company funds, and follow banking policies.
• Perform proper equipment maintenance, monitor refrigeration temperature, and report mechanical issues and damages in a timely manner.
• Complete daily check-ins in a timely manner with no errors and manage paperwork including register, credits, and pick-ups.
• Collaborate with management and sales representatives to communicate customer concerns.
• Perform daily pre and post trip inspection of vehicles and equipment.
• Perform all sales service functions by the 90th day of employment.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with other employees and attend department meetings.

Experience and Qualifications

• Ability to adhere to all safety and compliance regulations and procedures.
• Experience in professional customer service, problem solving, and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and function in a team environment.
• Ability to read, write, understand, and communicate in English.
• Ability to meet physical demands including lifting, pushing, and pulling of product.
• Must maintain a professional appearance and be goal oriented with a positive attitude.

A key member of the equipment group, the CDL Driver delivers and retrieves heavy and light equipment between shop locations and job sites while maintaining vehicles, trailers, and load securement to company and safety standards. Collaborating across shop foremen, dispatchers, and field teams, the driver supports safe, efficient equipment availability that keeps construction operations running on schedule.

Accountabilities

• Move equipment from shop to jobsite or to rental house.
• Load and unload equipment, and tie off or strap material down to the trailer correctly.
• Measure the height of any equipment that may be over height on the trailer.
• Check truck and trailer oil, tires, water, and leaks each day before starting.
• Pick up parts for shop when needed and wash trucks and equipment when not driving.
• Keep beds of dump trucks cleaned out and help around shop as needed.
• Ensure correct number of chains, binders, and straps for load pick up.
• Interact with internal and external customers professionally and verify correct equipment or material for each job.
• Work in a safe manner and comply with safety requirements, serving as a safe and productive member of the equipment group.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Knowledge of light and heavy equipment operation and maintenance.
• Ability to read road maps and service manuals.
• Ability to implement assigned work tasks within designated work teams and assist with development of site safety plans.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and maintenance-oriented reasoning skills.
• Ability to communicate with shop foremen, dispatchers, and team members, and recognize and correct job site hazards.
• Ability to think logically and critically, focus on safety, quality, production, and innovation, and demonstrate manual dexterity and mechanical reasoning.

On-time residential and commercial job site delivery depends on the CDL Driver, who operates vehicles safely and efficiently while maintaining accurate delivery logs, load securement compliance, and DOT-compliant documentation. Based within a supply center environment, the driver serves as the primary point of contact for customers and staff, enabling consistent service quality across all delivery operations.

Functions

• Ensure delivery vehicles and equipment are operated safely and efficiently.
• Maintain accurate delivery logs and follow DOT regulations and company safety policies.
• Complete required paperwork and provide to the appropriate department.
• Handle materials accurately to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Assist in day to day functions of warehouse execution while following 5S practices.
• Operate in a safe manner and maintain a safe work environment, ensuring all daily checklists are completed.
• Monitor and ensure all load securement policies are followed for safe and accurate deliveries on site.
• Communicate with supply center staff and customers to provide on time delivery.
• Prvide industry leading customer service when conducting residential and commercial job site deliveries.

Requirements

• Commercial Driver's License Class B or Class A required.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in delivery and basic warehouse or wholesale operations.
• Knowledge of safety policies and processes and ability to read and interpret safety rules, maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Boom experience preferred.

As the CDL Driver, this role operates vacuum trucks, roll offs, and specialty vehicles to support industrial field projects including tank cleaning, emergency response, and site remediation in all weather conditions year round. The environmental services team relies on this work to maintain safe, compliant, and timely project execution across a broad range of industrial client sites.

Job Functions

• Ensure health and safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and acting in a safe manner at all times.
• Operate vehicles such as Vacuum Trucks, Cusco, Air Movers, Guzzlers, and Roll offs.
• Perform labor associated with industrial tank cleaning, utility work, facility shutdowns, emergency response, site remediation, and rail car cleaning.
• Maintain daily logs, time sheets, expense reports, dispatch and trip reports, and vehicle inspection reports.
• Obtain Hazmat and Tanker endorsements upon hire, wear a respirator as required, and be available on call 2 weeks each month.
• Travel overnight up to 30% annually as required by job assignments.

Position Requirements

• Class A or B CDL required.
• Ability to operate manual transmission.
• Previous experience utilizing Roll-off, Vacuum Trucks, or Tanker trucks preferred.
• Hazmat and Tanker endorsements required to be obtained upon hire.
• Willingness to shave and wear a respirator and ability to be on call 2 weeks each month.
• Ability to travel overnight up to 30% annually.

CDL Driver delivers freight safely and in full regulatory compliance, maintaining accurate records and logs while detecting and eliminating safety hazards across all assigned routes and load types. The work directly supports the company's commitment to safety-first operations and ensures freight is handled correctly from first pick up through final delivery.

What You'll Do

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and agency rules, standards, and guidelines.
• Detect and eliminate or minimize safety hazards at all times.
• Maintain accurate records and logs in accordance with company and DOT requirements.
• Load and unload freight, or assist in loading and unloading if required by the customer.
• Focus on safety, attention to detail, and performing the job correctly the first time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid CDL with appropriate endorsements for the position.
• Must have Class A verifiable experience in a tractor trailer or comparable vehicle: 9 months within the past 3 years, 2 years within the last 5 years, or 5 years within the last 10 years.
• Must pass background check, motor vehicle check, and drug and alcohol verification from previous employers for the last 3 years.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

The Local CDL Driver owns the professional, safe, and compliant delivery of fuel and propane products across local routes, securing loads, completing regulatory paperwork, and representing the company to customers and the public with five star service standards. Working alongside operations leadership and adapting to changing route and job assignments, the driver enables reliable product availability and customer satisfaction across the distribution territory.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Transport and deliver products in a professional, safe, efficient, timely, and legal manner.
• Hook and unhook trailers when required.
• Secure all case products, propane bottles, hoses, and other essential tools using any company approved securing method.
• Load and unload trailers while performing frequent lifting, pulling, pushing, and carrying of products, hoses, propane bottles, and applicable tools.
• Complete all necessary paperwork and maintain records required under state and federal laws and regulations.
• Ensure all operations are in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, as well as company policies.
• Represent the company professionally to customers, the public, and the trucking industry and deliver 5 star service at all times.
• Flex between different job and route assignments as business conditions require.

Background and Experience

• Commercial Driver's License Class B required, Class A strongly preferred.
• Hazmat, Airbrakes, and Tanker endorsements strongly preferred and to be obtained upon employment.
• Must possess a current DOT health card and an excellent driving and safety record.
• Must pass criminal background check including Motor Vehicle Records, DOT, and employment reference verification.
• Must have negative results on all drug and alcohol screening tests, including pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and random.
• Previous experience in oil and fuel transportation preferred.
• Ability to squat, crouch, and reach as needed, and enter and exit the vehicle cab numerous times each day.

Embedded within a medical waste management operation, the Non-CDL Driver collects, delivers, and stores medical waste containers at customer locations while operating vehicles up to 26 ft box trucks safely and in full DOT compliance. Working closely with route leadership and customers, the driver delivers timely, organized service that supports regulatory compliance and strong client relationships.

Scope of Work

• Safely collect, deliver, and store medical waste containers at customer locations.
• Provide strong customer service and build positive customer relationships.
• Operate vehicles in a safe manner, including vehicles as large as 26 ft box trucks.
• Complete deliveries on schedule and clearly communicate changes or challenges as they arise.
• Load and unload, and prioritize and organize the truck per schedule and needs.
• Manage a route per leadership direction and deliver timely, efficient, and effective service.
• Comply with DOT regulations, log hours, and complete roadside inspections.
• Perform heavy lifting as required by the role.

Professional Experience

• Safely experience operating vehicles, including vehicles as large as 26 ft box trucks.
• Experience with pre-trip and post-trip vehicle evaluations.
• Experience with DOT compliance, logging hours, and roadside inspections, and confidence in road check levels 1 through 3.
• Flexible, can-do attitude with a strong customer focus.
• Proven longevity in past employment and on time delivery practices.

Reporting to site and dispatch leadership, the CDL Driver operates commercial tandem dump trucks between storage yards and job sites, performing daily safety checks, maintaining load tickets, and upholding vehicle cleanliness and safety standards throughout each shift. Partnering with dispatch and site supervisors, the driver supports reliable, safe material transport that keeps construction project timelines on track.

Work Activities

• The driver will report to the office every morning for pre-trip inspections and be sent to pick up loads at various storage yards.
• Operate commercial vehicles to, from, and around the job site.
• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks on the vehicle.
• Load and unload the truck and maintain the vehicle to proper safety and cleanliness standards.
• Maintain set routes and timetables for daily routes.
• Maintain and organize all daily load tickets.
• Practice workplace safety at all times.

Education and Experience

• Class A driver's license required with a current Medical Card and self-identification with the Department of Public Safety.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience driving tandem dump trucks.
• Ability to adhere to proper DOT inspections and daily paperwork.
• Ability to work in extreme conditions including temperatures exceeding 100 degrees F and direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Ability to work near or about natural bodies of water and direct automotive traffic.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and twist continuously throughout the day and work with a safety first attitude.

A key member of the waste management and sanitation services team, the Class A CDL Driver loads, transports, and processes waste containers while operating shredding machines, bailing equipment, and industrial washing machines in full compliance with DOH and DOT requirements. Collaborating across supervisors, customers, and regulators, the driver supports sanitation service continuity and regulatory compliance across all assigned routes and facilities.

Key Deliverables

• Work and drive in a safe and efficient manner and follow all company safety and infection control protocols.
• Complete pre and post trip vehicle inspections and enter service information into Navusoft using company phone.
• Load and unload trucks and trailers and ensure loads are secure for transport.
• Provide excellent customer service and create labels using handheld printer and attach to appropriate containers.
• Operate pallet jacks and hand trucks, and maintain a clean interior in the vehicle.
• Follow all DOH and DOT requirements and comply with all vehicle and driving laws.
• Pull orders to load supplies onto trucks for next day service, weigh containers, and enter weights into computer.
• Operate shredding machines, bailing equipment, and industrial container washing machines.
• Perform daily sanitation protocols and other duties assigned by supervisor.

Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be licensed for vehicle to be driven, Class A or Class B, and must be able to obtain and maintain a Medical Examiner's Card.
• No DUI or DWI convictions in the past 7 years, must pass random drug and alcohol testing, and complete all DOT and company required training.
• Excellent customer service skills with employees, customers, and regulators.
• Strong written and communication skills and excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing business demands and grasp new tasks, software, and protocols.

CDL Driver transports product over land to retail centers on day and overnight runs across a multi-state territory, inspecting vehicles daily, complying with all applicable trucking regulations, and operating warehouse equipment as needed. The work directly supports retail supply chain continuity and ensures product reaches store locations accurately and on schedule.

Operational Focus

• Transport product over land to retail centers on day and overnight runs.
• Inspect vehicles daily for mechanical and safety issues and find resolution if needed.
• Comply with truck driving rules and regulations regarding size, weight, route designations, parking, and break periods, as well as company policies and procedures.
• Maneuver trucks into unloading positions and unload product.
• Report defects, accidents, or violations to the appropriate parties.
• Work various jobs in the warehouse as needed and requested by supervisor.
• Operate pallet jacks, hand trucks, and forklifts as required.

Experience and Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a truck driver.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable truck driving rules and regulations.
• Ability to handle unexpected situations including traffic, weather conditions, breakdowns, and customer issues.
• Ability to present professionally at all times, with good personal hygiene and courteous customer interaction.
• Willingness to travel within Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado.