Driver Trainee (Dock)

Estes Express Lines•Springfield, MO
•$26 - $29

About The Position

The Driver Trainee (Dock) safely maneuvers tractor-trailers and other large equipment in the yard to support loading and unloading. The role also performs dock work, including handling freight and maintaining safe and accurate loading operations. Employees work at least five hours per week on the dock in addition to yard work as a jockey or hostler, and record dock versus jockey time using the Kronos clock. Regular attendance is required, and employees may be assigned other duties as operational, safety, or other needs require. The position works in outdoor weather conditions and may involve exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, hazardous materials, high or precarious places, and noise ranging from quiet to loud. Night or weekend shifts may be required. Once selected, the trainee must enroll in the next available Estes-sponsored driving school for the region and meet applicable FMCSA requirements.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must be able to handle duties assigned in the driver trainee program.
  • Must be at least 21 years old, as required by FMCSA regulations.
  • Must have an outstanding Estes performance record; a final written warning within the previous 90 days or a pattern or progression of continued disciplinary action is disqualifying.
  • Must have and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record; 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.
  • Must be registered with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse once selected for driving school.
  • Once approved by Safety as a qualified driver, must reside within 75 miles of the domiciled service center and/or work assignment.
  • Must meet the minimum physical qualifications for a driver position.
  • 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.
  • Must be able to lift approximately 70 pounds or more when required by essential job functions.
  • Must meet FMCSA requirements to speak and read English.
  • Must pass an FMCSA physical and FMCSA pre-employment drug screen before attending driving school.
  • Must agree to the driving school agreement and enroll in the next available Estes-sponsored driving school for the region.
  • Must be familiar with state motor vehicle laws and FMCSA rules and regulations.
  • Must 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 under tight time constraints in a high-volume environment with multiple priorities.
  • Must be able to read, interpret, and comply with written information, including safety rules, operations and procedure manuals, and maintenance instructions, with high comprehension and concentration and the ability to meet deadlines.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and random drug and/or alcohol tests, and be subject to a criminal history background check.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

  • Safely handle and maneuver tractor-trailers and other large equipment in the yard to facilitate 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 the condition of freight 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 or hostler.
  • Use the Kronos clock to record time and distinguish dock work from jockey work.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to meet operational, safety, or other needs.
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