CDL A Driver Trainee

Schedule

Monday – Friday; dispatch between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM.

Pay

$210 per day during training.

Benefits

• Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401(k) Employer Matching
• Education Assistance
• Paid Time Off
• Growth opportunities performing essential work supporting America’s food distribution system
• Safe and inclusive working environment with a culture of rewards, recognition, and respect

About the role

This is an entry‑level driver training role. The trainee learns to drive a tractor‑trailer or straight truck intrastate and/or interstate on local, over‑the‑road (OTR), shuttle, and/or overnight routes to deliver and unload various food and food‑related products to customers. All routes must be completed safely in accordance with company policies and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. The Driver Trainee communicates professionally with customers, vendors, and co‑workers, ensuring all services and duties follow preferred work methods and customer‑service practices, and functions as a team member within the department and organization.

Responsibilities

• Attend and successfully complete the PFG Entry Level Driver Trainee or Dock to Driver Training Program; maintain all required training documentation.
• Ride with and assist the driver trainer in executing deliveries as required; follow all instructions and directions from the trainer.
• Perform all required safety checks (pre‑/post‑trip) including inspections of tractor/truck and trailer per DOT regulations; ensure equipment meets company safety standards and take appropriate action as needed.
• Report all safety issues and/or required repairs.
• Follow all DOT regulations and company safe‑driving guidelines and policies; immediately report any safety hazards.
• Inspect trailer for properly loaded and secured freight.
• Perform count checks of items and verify customer invoices for loaded products.
• Complete all required freight paperwork accurately and legibly.
• Move tractor to the loading dock and attach preloaded trailer as needed.
• Drive to and deliver customer orders according to the predetermined route schedule.
• Unload products from the trailer and transport items into designated customer storage areas.
• Perform damage‑control checks on items, scan, and contact supervisor about removing orders per company policy.
• Verify delivery with customer and obtain proper signatures.
• Collect money (cash or checks) where required.
• Load customer returns onto trailer and secure trailer doors.
• Ensure tractor, trailer, and freight are appropriately locked and/or secured at all times.
• Unload damaged goods and customer returns; bring to driver check‑in and complete necessary paperwork.
• Unload all equipment, materials, and remove trash from trailers as required.
• Complete daily record of hours of service and enter in log per Federal DOT, state, and company requirements.
• Perform general housekeeping duties in tractor, loading dock area, and keep trailers clear and clean.
• At end of shift, secure all equipment and complete all necessary paperwork.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalent.
• Internal PFG Candidates: 1 year of service in good standing as outlined in the PFG Entry Level Driver Trainee or Dock to Driver Training Program; able to attain CDL Permit and DOT Health Card.
• External Driver School Direct Hire: 0–6 months experience with a CDL Permit.
• External Entry Level Hire: 0–6 months with a CDL A.
• Valid CDL A.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Meet all State licensing and/or certification requirements (where applicable).
• Clean Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) for past 3 years.
• Pass post‑offer drug test.
• Pass road test.
• Attain or hold a valid current DOT Health Card.
• Able to hand‑lift and utilize two‑wheeler, lift gate, and/or other equipment to move and/or stack product cases/freight of varying size and weight throughout shift; product generally ranges from approximately 60 to 90 pounds, depending on location.