CDL A OTR Flatbed Driver- Houston

About the Role

Safely and efficiently operates inter-city truck, or combination units, transporting freight between terminals, relay stations, and home terminals to distant points and return. Loads and unloads freight, matches, counts, and verifies freight with bills of lading and manifest. Complies with company, customer, federal, and state regulations to deliver freight undamaged and on time.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections on vehicles and required parts and accessories to determine safe operating conditions prior to departure.
• Ensure mechanical, safety, ELD, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
• Check shipping papers to determine the nature of the load, special hazards, and methods of securing it; inspect the load before and after transport.
• Read bills of lading to determine assignment details and verify all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Obtain receipts or signatures for services when required.
• Operate vehicles in compliance with DOT, OSHA, state, and federal safety regulations, company rules, and safe driving principles.
• Collect delivery instructions, verify routes, and adjust plans based on changing conditions using GPS or navigation devices to minimize fuel consumption.
• Pick up and deliver freight as assigned.
• Load and unload trucks, operate special loading equipment, and use other necessary equipment.
• Check trailer conditions after unloading to ensure no damage has occurred.
• Maneuver tractor-trailers into loading or unloading positions, following signals from the loading crew.
• Hook and unhook trailers as required.
• Collect freight charges (CODs) and deliver as instructed.
• Match, count, and verify freight with bills of lading and manifest; note any exceptions or damage in writing.
• Secure equipment and freight for transport using tarps, chains, binders, webbing, or straps.
• Present a professional image and attitude to colleagues, clients, and customers.
• Communicate with the Support Center and customers for instructions and report delays or problems.
• Use area map books as applicable.
• Perform general clean-up of truck and trailer interior.
• Report all defects, accidents, traffic violations, damage, or injuries involving the driver or equipment immediately.
• Maintain Driver’s Record of Duty Status (driver’s log) in accordance with DOT, state, and federal regulations.
• Possess general knowledge of the operation and safety of pallet jacks, lift gates, forklifts, and similar equipment.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Confirm loaded truck is within legal road weight restrictions.
• Follow safety procedures for transporting heavy equipment and wide loads.
• Drive to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes to document weights and comply with state regulations.
• Operate equipment such as Omnitracs, FMS, Electronic Logs, and telephones to exchange information with dispatchers, branch managers, or other drivers.
• Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid, or performing minor repairs.
• Subject to random DOT drug screening per FMCSA regulations.
• Maintain a valid commercial driver’s license and medical certification.
• Obey all traffic laws.

Requirements

• Intrastate and interstate driving experience.
• Clean driving record.
• Must pass a pre-employment DOT drug and alcohol screen.
• Class A CDL license for the state of residence.

Physical Demands

• Frequent movement, lifting, transporting, and carrying of freight.
• Frequent exertion of force through pushing and pulling.
• Occasional stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ascending and descending equipment.
• Balancing, reaching, handling, grasping, and feeling.
• Communicating through talking and hearing.
• Repetitive motions and coordination required.
• Stationary seated position for extended periods.