CDL Driver Operator

Department: Maintenance | Reports To: Shift Supervisor | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt | Worker Category: Full-time, Temporary, or Seasonal. Plainsman Company, LLC., a leading cotton-seed oil mill, seeks a CDL Truck Driver for short-haul transport (max 25 miles/day) of cottonseed and cottonseed oil products, plus huller room operation.

Responsibilities

Transportation & Delivery

• Safely transport cottonseed, cottonseed oil, and other raw materials to and from the mill.
• Operate a company truck (Class A CDL required) to deliver products to customers, warehouses, and other designated locations.
• Inspect vehicles before and after trips, checking for mechanical issues and ensuring roadworthiness.
• Maintain accurate delivery logs, record time spent on each trip, and adhere to delivery schedules.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all federal and state regulations regarding road safety, weight limits, and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including daily vehicle inspections and record-keeping.
• Safely load and unload products, ensuring proper handling of cottonseed oil and other materials to avoid spills, damage, or contamination.
• Ensure all safety procedures are followed during loading, transport, and unloading.

Customer Service

• Provide excellent customer service when interacting with clients, vendors, or other partners.
• Resolve any issues that may arise during delivery or while handling goods.

Maintenance & Reporting

• Perform basic truck maintenance and report any mechanical issues or needed repairs to the Transportation Manager.
• Ensure proper cleaning of the truck and equipment after each trip.

Record Keeping

• Complete all necessary paperwork including delivery receipts, mileage logs, and safety checklists.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date driving records, including hours worked and any incidents.

Other Duties

• Complete other duties assigned by direct report, superintendent, and VP.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years experience driving a Class A CDL truck, preferably in an industrial or agricultural environment.
• Experience transporting bulk goods preferred.
• Alternative qualification: less than high school education; or up to one month experience/training; or equivalent combination.

Licensing & Certification

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required.
• Ability to pass DOT physical and drug test.
• Clean driving record with no major traffic violations or accidents in the last 5 years.
• Tanker endorsement optional.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of DOT regulations and safety standards.
• Ability to operate and maintain large trucks, including performing basic maintenance.
• Good communication skills for effective interaction with customers and team members.
• Excellent time management skills with ability to prioritize tasks and meet delivery deadlines.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence and effectively present information one-on-one and in small groups.
• Ability to add/subtract two-digit numbers, multiply/divide with 10s and 100s, using units of American money, weight, volume, and distance.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and assist in loading/unloading cargo.
• Ability to sit for long periods and operate a vehicle for extended hours.
• Willingness to work in varying weather conditions.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Working at heights of 20+ feet or more.
• Must be willing to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, and overtime as needed.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or smell.
• Frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds; occasionally lift/move up to 50 pounds.

Physical Demands

Work performed in a production facility with exposure to moving machinery, high noise levels, dust, and hot/cold environments. This is a safety-sensitive position; all applicable policies including drug tests and background checks apply.

Work Environment

• Regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions.
• Occasionally works in high, precarious places.
• Occasionally exposed to wet/humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
• Noise level usually moderate.
• Use of personal protective equipment (safety glasses, respirators, hearing protectors, etc.) required in designated areas.