Driver Manager - 3rd Shift

Venture Transport•Cottage Grove, MN

About The Position

The Driver Manager serves as the primary liaison between the company and its professional drivers, ensuring operational efficiency, driver satisfaction, and compliance with company policy and achievement of enterprise goals. Each Driver Manager oversees a fleet of drivers, managing performance, safety, and productivity to support the company’s strategic objectives. Schedule - Monday through Friday (11pm to 9am)

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
1+ year(s) experience in transportation or logistics industry
Ability to work and communicate effectively with others, promoting a team environment
Accepts constructive criticism with professionalism and uses it as a tool for continuous learning and skill enhancement
Effectively communicates with personnel at all organizational levels, both internal and external, to foster collaboration and drive process improvements
Strong listening skills to fully understand customer concerns, able to respond with thoughtful solutions, and handle criticism constructively and without emotional reactivity
Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced office and field environment
Occasional travel to terminals, customer sites, or operational meetings
Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods
May be required to climb into trucks or trailers for inspections or operational reviews
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
On-call and/or after-hours availability may be required
Fast paced, high volume work environment with frequent communication needs

Nice To Haves

Associates or bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, or Business Administration, or related field
Experience managing drivers in a mid-to-large scale trucking operation
Knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations and safety protocols
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
Knowledge of Transportation, Operations, and/or Logistics Industries
Experience in TMW Office Suite and ELD systems
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

Responsibilities

Build strong, trust-based relationships with assigned drivers to understand their preferences, challenges, and career goals.
Monitor and manage driver performance metrics including revenue, miles per week, MPG, on-time delivery, and safety compliance.
Provide coaching, counseling, and performance feedback to drivers; initiate disciplinary actions or terminations when necessary.
Ensure drivers have clear weekly plans and understand load assignments to maximize productivity and satisfaction.
Demonstrate a consistently positive and professional demeanor, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
Handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity. Uphold confidentiality standards in all communications and decisions, ensuring trust and compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of employee interactions in accordance with HR policy.
Collaborate with Planners, Customer Service Representatives (CSRs), and Load Planners to ensure efficient load assignments and route optimization.
Proactively communicate delays, detention issues, and potential service failures to internal stakeholders.
Monitor and update ETAs, driver statuses, and trip alerts in real-time
Ensure drivers adhere to all safety protocols and DOT regulations.
Partner with Safety and Maintenance departments to address equipment issues and promote safe driving practices.
Track and update driver documentation including license expirations, medical cards, and training records.
Maintain accurate and timely records in TMW or other fleet management systems.
Conduct daily driver check-ins by 9:00 AM and if needed, ensure weekend coverage plans are in place.
Support onboarding and orientation of new drivers, setting clear expectations from day one.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance, along with being available in an on-call status
Perform additional duties as assigned
Comply with company policies and procedures and all applicable laws and regulations