Driver Manager

Ashley Furniture Industries•Ecru, MS

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Driver Manager is responsible for managing daily activities of a group of professional drivers (“Ambassadors”) to ensure safe, on-time, and cost-effective transportation service. This role serves as the primary point of contact for assigned drivers, providing direction, support, and performance management while ensuring compliance with DOT/FMCSA regulations and company policies. The Driver Manager balances service, safety, and productivity by monitoring driver performance, managing hours of service (HOS), resolving issues, and coordinating closely with dispatch, planning, customer service, and operations teams.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
2–4 years of experience in transportation, dispatch, driver management, or logistics operations.
Working knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations and HOS requirements.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with drivers and cross-functional partners.
Solid organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple drivers and issues simultaneously.
Basic analytical skills with ability to interpret performance data and make informed decisions.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ability to learn TMS and telematics systems.
Ability to work flexible hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and on-call rotation as needed.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or related field.
Experience in dedicated fleet operations, regional/OTR trucking, or last-mile delivery.
Experience with TMS platforms, ELD systems, and telematics tools.
CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) or prior commercial driving experience (helpful but not required).
Experience in furniture, retail, or manufacturing distribution environment.
Exposure to Lean or continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary liaison for assigned drivers, providing daily direction, support, and communication.
Build strong relationships with drivers based on trust, respect, and consistent follow-through.
Monitor driver performance, including on-time delivery, safety, HOS compliance, productivity, and customer service.
Conduct regular check-ins with drivers to review performance, address concerns, and provide coaching.
Assist with driver onboarding, orientation, and ongoing training initiatives.
Support driver retention by addressing issues promptly and recognizing strong performance.
Work closely with dispatch and planning teams to align driver assignments with available capacity and service requirements.
Ensure drivers understand load details, routes, appointment windows, and special instructions.
Monitor load progress and proactively address delays, breakdowns, weather disruptions, or other service-impacting events.
Adjust plans as needed to maintain service performance while respecting HOS and safety requirements.
Help optimize driver utilization by minimizing empty miles, maximizing miles per day, and balancing work across the fleet.
Ensure driver adherence to DOT/FMCSA regulations including HOS, ELD usage, vehicle inspections, and driver qualification requirements.
Promote a safety-first culture and reinforce safe driving behaviors in all interactions.
Review safety performance including accidents, incidents, violations, and near-misses; support corrective action plans.
Coordinate with Safety, HR, and Fleet Maintenance on issues involving compliance, training, or disciplinary action.
Verify that drivers complete required pre-trip/post-trip inspections and report equipment defects promptly.
Serve as a point of escalation for driver- or load-related issues impacting customers or operations.
Support resolution of service failures, appointment issues, detention, or access challenges.
Communicate key service updates, delays, and resolution plans to internal stakeholders (customer service, operations, sales).
Assist drivers with on-the-road issues by coordinating with dispatch, maintenance, and other support functions.
Track key metrics for assigned drivers such as on-time performance, miles, fuel usage, idle time, out-of-route miles, and safety indicators.
Use transportation management systems (TMS) and telematics tools to monitor driver activity and performance.
Review HOS and ELD data regularly to ensure compliance and effectiveness of trip planning.
Provide input on driver performance reviews, pay recommendations, and incentive programs.
Support continuous improvement by identifying trends and recommending process changes.
Collaborate with transportation leadership, dispatch, planning, customer service, fleet maintenance, and warehouse operations to ensure alignment.
Participate in daily/weekly operations meetings to review performance and upcoming needs.
Communicate company policies, changes, and initiatives clearly to drivers.
Help implement network changes, new lanes, or service models by supporting communication and change management with drivers.
Demonstrate the company’s core and growth values in all interactions and decisions.
Model a “dirty fingernail” mindset by going to the work (yard, dock, road observations) to understand realities firsthand.
Promote continuous improvement, accountability, and a customer-centered approach across assigned driver teams.