Driver Trainee (Dock)

Estes Express Lines•Omaha, NE
•$28 - $30

About The Position

The Driver Trainee (Dock) safely handles and maneuvers tractors, trailers, and other large equipment in the yard to support loading and unloading operations. The role also handles freight using forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, or by hand; secures freight; records freight condition; and performs inspections of yard and dock equipment. The employee works in the dock at least five hours per week in addition to yard work as a jockey/hostler, and tracks dock and jockey time using the Kronos clock. The position requires regular attendance and may involve other duties as assigned to meet operational and safety needs. The employee must enroll in the next available Estes-sponsored driving school for the region after selection, meet FMCSA requirements, and complete required screening and physical examinations before attending driving school. Night and weekend shifts may be required. Work takes place in outdoor weather and may involve moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, high or precarious places, and hazardous materials. Noise levels range from quiet to loud. The physical demands include frequently lifting or moving at least 70 pounds, standing, walking, handling objects, reaching, twisting, turning, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, sitting, and climbing or balancing. Vision requirements include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Able to perform the duties assigned for the driver trainee program.
  • At least 21 years of age, as required by FMCSA regulations.
  • Outstanding Estes performance record; no final written warning within the previous 90 days and no pattern or progression of continued disciplinary action.
  • Maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record; disqualifying offenses may include DUI, DWI, possession of narcotics or controlled substances, and reckless driving.
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to obtain a CDL learner's permit when notified of acceptance to driving school.
  • Register with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse once selected for driving school.
  • Once approved by Safety as a qualified driver, reside within 75 miles of the domiciled service center and/or work assignment.
  • Meet the minimum physical qualifications for a driver position and pass the FMCSA physical before driving school.
  • Ability to operate a forklift with a minimum 7,500-pound capacity.
  • Ability to push or pull a loaded pallet jack and/or hand truck with a minimum load of 70 pounds.
  • Ability to lift approximately 70 pounds or more when required by essential job functions.
  • Familiarity with state motor vehicle laws and FMCSA rules and regulations.
  • Meet FMCSA requirements for speaking and reading English.
  • Pass an FMCSA pre-employment drug screen before driving school, as well as required pre-employment and random drug and/or alcohol tests.
  • Agree to the driving school agreement and enroll in the next available Estes-sponsored driving school for the respective region.
  • Comply with company policies, rules, procedures, and Code of Conduct.
  • Interact well with others and work independently or as part of a team.
  • Work under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
  • Read, interpret, and comply with written information, including safety rules, operations and procedure manuals, and maintenance instructions; demonstrate comprehension, concentration, and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Submit to a criminal history background check.
  • Be authorized to work in the United States.
  • Meet the job's physical demands, including frequently lifting and/or moving at least 70 pounds, standing, walking, reaching, handling objects, twisting, turning, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, sitting, and climbing or balancing.
  • Possess close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

  • Safely handle and maneuver tractors, trailers, and other large equipment in the yard to support loading and unloading.
  • Cube, load, and unload freight using a forklift, pallet jack, hand truck, or by hand.
  • Strap, brace, and secure freight to prevent damage or shifting.
  • Accurately record freight condition as it arrives at the service center.
  • Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections of yard and dock equipment.
  • Safely set up, break down, and hook trailers.
  • Ensure pup-trailer tilt bars are lowered before loading freight.
  • Raise and lower landing gear.
  • Monitor the yard for unsafe drivers and non-employees and report concerns to management.
  • Promptly report maintenance problems to Fleet Services and/or supervision.
  • Work on the dock at least five hours per week in addition to yard work as a jockey/hostler.
  • Use the Kronos clock to record and distinguish dock time from jockey time.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet operational, safety, and other needs.
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