Driver Apprentice

Estes Express Lines • Williston, VT

4d • $34 - $35 • Onsite

About The Position

This role requires operating all types of equipment safely, including manual transmission and tire chaining. The driver will be responsible for safely operating a tractor/trailer, transporting freight in compliance with all Company, Federal, State, and Local laws, including run times and FMCSA regulations. Adherence to all FMCSA requirements for Commercial Driver's License holders is mandatory. Responsibilities include maintaining compliance records, ensuring equipment and cargo security, conducting pre-trip and post-trip inspections, monitoring for malfunctions, reporting maintenance issues, verifying unit numbers against paperwork, and potentially using in-cab technology like electronic logs. The role may involve driving different schedules and performing dock work based on business needs. Providing professional and courteous service to customers and the public is essential. Assistance may be required with tasks such as dock work or loading/unloading freight at customer sites. Regular attendance is required. This list is not exhaustive, and employees must be able to perform any other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Educational Degree (GED), or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
• 21 years of age required per FMCSA regulations.
• Must possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License.
• Must be registered with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Must reside within 75 miles of the domiciled Service Center and/or work assignment.
• Must be able to drive a tractor trailer for a period of time that will conform to FMCSA requirements as approved by Safety.
• Ability to operate a forklift (minimum 7,500 lb. vehicle).
• Ability to push or pull a loaded pallet jack and/or hand truck with a minimum load of 70 lbs.
• Physical activities include standing, lifting, twisting, turning, climbing a ladder, etc.
• Must be capable of dropping/hooking and coupling trailers which involves cranking landing gear, pulling 5th wheel pin which takes approximately 65 lbs. of pressure; and maneuvering a trailer dolly.
• Must be able to provide an acceptable MVR.
• Must be familiar with state motor vehicle laws and FMCSA rules and regulations.
• Must pass a FMCSA required medical exam.
• Must pass a road test.
• Ability to meet the FMCSA’s requirements to speak and read English.
• Must be able to lift approximately 70 lbs., or more if required by the essential functions of the job.
• Must be able to drive all routes and in all types of terrain, including, but not limited to, mountains, steep inclined roads, curvy highways, desert areas, bridges, tunnels, etc.
• Must be able to drive in a wide range of environmental conditions, including, but not limited to, rain, wind, snow, freezing temperatures, hot weather, etc.
• Must be able to operate all safety and operational functions of equipment, including, but not limited to, chaining tires, driving manual transmission vehicles, etc.
• Must be able to comply with all company policies, rules, procedures and Code of Conduct.
• Must be able to interact well with others.
• Must be able to work independently, or in a team setting.
• Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high volume environment with multiple priorities.
• Responds well to questions; Ability to read, interpret and comply with written information and documents such as safety rules, operations / procedure manuals and maintenance instructions with a high comprehension and concentration level to include the ability to meet deadlines.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, random drug and/or alcohol tests, and will be subject to a criminal history background check.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Stable employment history preferred.
• Willing to obtain doubles, hazmat and tanker endorsements once hired.

Responsibilities

• Operate all types of equipment to perform all safety functions, including operating manual transmission and chaining tires.
• Drive in all types of terrain, routes, and environmental conditions.
• Safely operate a tractor/trailer in the transportation of freight in accordance with Company, Federal, State and Local laws with regard to run times and FMCSA regulations.
• Adhere to all FMCSA requirements of those holding a Commercial Driver’s License.
• Maintain records required for compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
• Ensure security of equipment and cargo.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure safe working conditions of the tractor, trailer(s), and dollies (if applicable), prior to each trip and at the end of each trip.
• Check gauges and visual indicators for malfunctions, ensure seal or lock on trailers and conduct inspection of vehicle before and during trips to determine problems.
• Promptly report all maintenance problems to Fleet Services and/or supervision.
• Verify unit numbers versus paperwork given and report any discrepancies to your supervisor.
• Use in-cab technology, to include electronic logs and other items.
• Drive different schedules and work the dock based on business needs.
• Provide professional and courteous service to our customers and the general public.
• Assist where needed based on business requirements e.g., dock work/customer site loading/unloading freight, etc.
• Regular attendance is required.

Benefits

• The information in this application may be used and prior employers will be contacted for the purpose of investigating the applicant's safety and performance history information as required by 391.23 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
• If your employment in the preceding three years has been regulated by the Department of Transportation, you have the following rights: the right to review information provided by previous employers; the right to have errors in the information corrected by the previous employer and for that employer to re-send the corrected information to Estes Express Lines; and the right to have a rebuttal statement attached to the alleged erroneous information, if the previous employer and the driver cannot agree on the accuracy of the information.
• If you wish to review the previous employer-provided investigative information, you must submit a written request to Estes Express Lines no later than 30 days after being employed or being notified of denial of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED