Driver Trainee (Dock)

Estes Express Lines•Des Moines, IA

19h

About The Position

The Driver Trainee (Dock) safely maneuvers tractors, trailers, and other large equipment in the yard and supports freight loading and unloading. The role includes work on the dock for a minimum of five hours per week, in addition to yard work as a jockey/hostler. The employee records dock and jockey time using the Kronos clock and is expected to attend regularly and perform other duties as assigned to meet operational and safety needs. The position requires working outdoors in various weather conditions and may involve night or weekend shifts. Candidates must meet applicable FMCSA physical and qualification requirements, pass required screenings, and enroll in the next available Estes-sponsored driving school for their region after selection.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be at least 21 years old, as required by FMCSA regulations.
Must have an outstanding performance record with Estes; a final written warning within the previous 90 days or a pattern or progression of continued disciplinary action may disqualify a candidate.
Must have and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR). Disqualifying offenses may include DUI, DWI, possession of narcotics or controlled substances, and reckless driving.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to obtain a CDL learner’s permit when notified of acceptance to driving school.
Once selected for driving school, must be registered with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
Once approved by Safety as a qualified driver, must reside within 75 miles of the domiciled service center and/or work assignment.
Must meet minimum physical qualifications for a driver position and pass an FMCSA physical before attending driving school.
Must pass an FMCSA pre-employment drug screen before attending driving school; must also pass a pre-employment drug screen and be subject to random drug and/or alcohol tests and a criminal history background check.
Must be able to operate a forklift with a minimum 7,500-pound capacity.
Must be able to push or pull a loaded pallet jack and/or hand truck with a minimum load of 70 pounds.
Must be able to lift approximately 70 pounds or more when required by essential job functions.
Must agree to the driving school agreement and enroll in the next available Estes-sponsored driving school for the respective region.
Must be familiar with state motor vehicle laws and FMCSA rules and regulations.
Must meet FMCSA requirements to speak and read English.
Must be able to comply with company policies, rules, procedures, and Code of Conduct.
Must interact well with others and work independently or as part of a team.
Must work effectively under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
Must be able to read, interpret, and comply with written information such as safety rules, operations and procedure manuals, and maintenance instructions, with strong comprehension and concentration and the ability to meet deadlines.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Night and/or weekend shifts may be required.
Must be able to perform the physical activities of the job, including standing, walking, lifting, twisting, turning, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, sitting, and climbing or balancing.

Responsibilities

Safely handle and maneuver tractors, trailers, and other large equipment in the yard to support loading and unloading operations.
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 the condition of freight upon arrival at the service center.
Inspect yard and dock equipment before and after shifts.
Set up, break down, and hook trailers safely.
Ensure pup trailers’ 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.
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.
Promptly report maintenance problems to Fleet Services and/or supervision.
Perform other duties and tasks as assigned to meet operational, safety, and other needs.