Driver ZFS - Over the Road

Zeeland Farm Services I•Zeeland, MI

About The Position

Responsible for transporting and delivering freight over long distances by driving diesel-powered tractor-trailer combinations on public highways. The driver must operate and inspect equipment safely, maintain required records and shipping documentation, comply with applicable regulations and company policies, and promptly report accidents, damage, delays, and cargo-related problems. The role includes connecting and disconnecting trailers, loading and unloading freight, and securing or releasing tarps and loads. Drivers provide customer service to internal and external customers and maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work environment. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. The work involves extended driving, typically spending 80–90% of on-duty time in the truck, with driving periods of up to 11 hours. Drivers may work irregular schedules, take long trips with short-notice assignments and tight delivery schedules, and experience weather extremes, route delays, noise, vibration, and fatigue-related stresses. Physical tasks include climbing on and inside trailers, tarping and untarping, handling freight, operating vehicle and trailer controls, and standing or walking on varied surfaces.

Requirements

Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Proof of commercial driving experience or proof of completion and passing of an entry-level driver training program for a Class A CDL.
Meet or exceed Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation medical standards.
Satisfactorily pass a company-mandated physical and U.S. Department of Transportation or company-mandated drug and/or alcohol tests.
Knowledge of FMCSA and U.S. Department of Transportation regulations governing safe driving, hours of service, inspection, and maintenance.
Ability to maneuver a vehicle at varying speeds in difficult situations, including tight corners, inclement weather, busy commercial areas, heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and tight loading or unloading areas.
Ability to read a map, follow directions, handle receipts, and maintain logs.
Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, management, and customers.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including driving alert for aggregate periods of up to 11 hours; climbing, bending, twisting, squatting, crouching, and balancing; and pushing or lifting freight weighing up to 100 pounds.
Ability to hook and unhook commercial vehicle combinations, operate vehicle and trailer controls, and perform related fueling and fluid-level checks.
Ability to work irregular schedules and handle long trips, short-notice trip assignments, tight delivery schedules, route delays, weather extremes, and other driving-related stresses.

Responsibilities

Safely operate a truck and trailer in compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Inspect equipment before, during, and after trips; complete vehicle inspection reports and report defects or safety issues to the maintenance supervisor or another company official.
Follow procedures and policies to meet CERT-ID EU non-GMO certification requirements.
Hook and unhook trailers, position dollies, and raise or lower trailer landing gear.
Load and unload trailers individually or with others, with or without mechanical equipment.
Ensure required shipping documentation is available for inspection and accompanies shipments upon delivery.
Maintain drivers’ duty-status records, fuel-purchase records, mileage records, and other records required by law and company policy.
Promptly report accidents, property or equipment damage, breakdowns, weather or traffic delays, emergencies, and pickup or delivery irregularities.
Comply with company policies, procedures, instructions, and safety requirements.
Provide customer service to internal and external customers while meeting work, production, and quality standards.
Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe workstation or environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Secure and release tarps and loads, including climbing on or inside trailers and handling tarp bows.
Operate vehicle and trailer equipment, including manual transmissions, foot pedals, fifth-wheel releases, pintle-hooks, safety chains, cargo doors, and hydraulic trailers.
Fuel vehicles and check engine, hydraulic oil, and coolant levels.
Occasionally move bulk material by hand using a shovel, broom, or other device.