The Truck Driver is responsible for hauling product, harvest equipment and packaging materials from one location to another.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
General
- Transport harvested product and materials from the field to the cooler in accordance with customer, company, and regulatory requirements
- Operate trucks with capacities greater than three tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to safely transport product, equipment, and materials
- Perform pre-trip, during-trip, and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicles and trailers are in safe operating condition, including mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment
- Maintain communication with supervisors, foremen, and office personnel using radios, cellular phones, or other communication devices to coordinate deliveries and field activities
- Collect and verify delivery instructions and routes from supervisors or foremen and ensure load documentation is complete and accurate
- Safely position trucks and trailers for loading and unloading and coordinate with field crews to ensure product, equipment, and packaging materials are loaded correctly
- Provide direction to loaders or laborers during loading activities to ensure accuracy of materials and compliance with foreman instructions
- Secure cargo for transport using appropriate methods such as straps, chains, blocks, binders, ropes, or covers to ensure load stability and safety
- Inspect trailers and loads after unloading to confirm no damage has occurred and equipment is returned in proper condition
- Maintain accurate records and logs of working hours, vehicle inspections, service status, and other required documentation in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations
- Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or equipment damage promptly to supervisors
- Perform minor vehicle maintenance or emergency roadside repairs when necessary, such as adding fluids, changing tires, or replacing light bulbs
- Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along assigned routes to document weights and comply with regulatory requirements
- Couple and uncouple trailers by connecting or disconnecting air and electrical lines and operating fifth-wheel locking mechanisms
- Climb ladders or access trailers when necessary to inspect loads and ensure cargo is properly secured
- Transport and assist with moving field equipment when required
- Responsible for providing fuel to harvest equipment as needed, including keeping daily and weekly records
- Obtain delivery confirmations, receipts, or signatures when required
- Provide fuel to harvest equipment as needed and maintain daily and weekly fuel records
Safety
- Comply with all Department of Transportation (DOT), state, and company safety regulations and policies
- Maintain a valid DMV driving record and provide a current DMV printout issued within 30 days prior to employment
- Successfully complete a pre-employment controlled substances test and participate in the DOT Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Program as required
- Attend required safety trainings related to vehicle inspections, load inspections, logbook completion, and other compliance requirements
- Follow all required safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a safety vest and hard hat during loading and unloading activities
Other
- Perform other duties as assigned
Job Requirements and Qualifications
- High School Diploma or an equivalent required
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience driving commercial vehicles, agricultural trucks, or hauling product loads
- May require continuing education in transportation, safety and other job-related areas
- Valid California Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class A, with a clean driving record
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) is preferred
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when handling business or employee matters
- Excellent interpersonal skills and strong communication skills
- Able to work well under pressure and meet various deadlines
- Must be extremely well organized and able to multitask