Class A CDL Trainee

PFG | Performance Good Group•Columbus, OH

About The Position

The Class A CDL Trainee is an entry-level driver training role. The trainee learns and gains experience hauling freight and operating tractor-trailers while assisting a designated driver trainer with deliveries and routes. The role supports food distribution by ensuring customer orders arrive on schedule and in good condition, while communicating professionally with customers, vendors, and coworkers. The company provides paid training to become a licensed CDL A driver. The position involves local delivery with home-daily routes and a four-day work week. Overtime pay is available after 40 hours, and an off-day bonus may be available. The trainee completes required training, assists with deliveries, and performs driving, freight-handling, safety, documentation, and vehicle-cleanliness duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
0–6 months of driving experience; the posting separately specifies 6–12 months for external entry-level hires.
Internal PFG candidates must have one year of service in good standing as outlined in the PFG Entry Level Driver Trainee or Dock to Driver Training Program and be able to attain a CDL permit and DOT Health Card.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Meet applicable state licensing and/or certification requirements.
Clean motor vehicle record for the past three years.
Pass a pre-employment drug test and road test.
Attain or hold a valid current DOT Health Card.
Able to hand-lift and use a two-wheeler, lift gate, and/or other equipment to move or stack product cases or freight generally weighing approximately 60–90 pounds, depending on location.

Nice To Haves

6–12 months of commercial driving experience in the foodservice industry.
Experience in the foodservice distribution industry.
Experience with onboard computers and electronic log systems, such as PeopleNet.
Experience with handheld point-of-delivery scanning systems, such as POD.

Responsibilities

Complete the Entry Level Driver Trainee or Dock to Driver Training Program as required; ride with and assist a driver trainer on deliveries.
Perform required pre-trip and post-trip safety checks and inspect the tractor or truck and trailer according to DOT regulations and company safety standards.
Report safety issues, required repairs, and hazards; follow DOT regulations and company safe-driving policies.
Inspect trailers for properly loaded and secured freight, count items, and verify customer invoices against loaded products.
Complete required freight paperwork accurately and legibly.
Move the tractor to the loading dock and attach a preloaded trailer as needed.
Drive to customers and deliver orders according to the predetermined route schedule.
Unload products and transport them to designated customer storage areas.
Check for damaged items, scan products, and contact a supervisor about removing orders according to company policy.
Verify deliveries with customers and obtain appropriate signatures.
Collect cash or checks where required; load customer returns and secure trailer doors.
Unload damaged goods and customer returns at driver check-in and complete the required paperwork.
Unload equipment and materials and remove trash from trailers as required.
Record hours of service and maintain logs according to federal DOT, state, and company requirements.
Perform housekeeping in the tractor and loading dock area and keep trailers clean.
Perform other related duties as assigned.