Driver I

About the role

The Driver is responsible for the safe, timely, and humane transportation of day-old chicks from hatcheries to customer farms and company facilities. This position requires a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and participation in a team-driving operation to support long-haul and overnight deliveries while ensuring compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, company biosecurity standards, and animal welfare requirements. The Driver serves as a professional representative of the company by providing exceptional customer service and ensuring the safe delivery of livestock.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a Class A commercial vehicle to transport day-old chicks to customer and company locations.
• Participate in team driving assignments to maximize efficiency and comply with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
• Ensure the humane transportation of chicks by monitoring trailer environmental conditions, including temperature, ventilation, and airflow.
• Conduct thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections of tractors and trailers in accordance with DOT requirements.
• Verify delivery paperwork, load counts, and customer documentation before departure and upon delivery.
• Load, secure, transport, and unload chick boxes while minimizing stress and ensuring animal welfare.
• Maintain continuous communication with dispatch, hatchery personnel, customers, and transportation management regarding delivery status and route updates.
• Promptly report vehicle issues, delays, accidents, or delivery concerns.
• Maintain accurate electronic logs, inspection reports, fuel records, mileage records, and other required documentation.
• Follow all company biosecurity protocols to prevent disease transmission between facilities.
• Ensure trucks, trailers, and equipment are cleaned and sanitized according to company standards.
• Operate company equipment in compliance with all DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and company safety policies.
• Provide courteous and professional service while interacting with customers and farm personnel.
• Assist with loading, unloading, and staging of chick shipments as operational needs require.
• Participate in required safety meetings, driver training, and continuing education programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required.
• Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and ability to meet company driver qualification standards.
• Minimum of one (1) year of Class A commercial driving experience preferred.
• Previous livestock, poultry, agricultural, or refrigerated transportation experience is preferred.
• Team driving experience is preferred or willingness to work in a team-driving environment is required.

Skills

• Knowledge of DOT regulations, FMCSA requirements, and Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
• Ability to safely operate tractor-trailer combinations in varying road and weather conditions.
• Strong commitment to safety, defensive driving, and regulatory compliance.
• Understanding of animal welfare principles and the importance of maintaining appropriate environmental conditions during transport.
• Ability to communicate effectively with dispatch, customers, and operations personnel.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to solve problems and respond appropriately during transportation emergencies.
• Basic proficiency with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS navigation, and mobile communication technology.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a driving partner.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Frequently climb into and out of tractors and trailers.
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive physical tasks.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating commercial vehicles.
• Ability to work overnight, early morning, weekend, holiday, and extended driving schedules.
• Must meet all DOT physical qualification requirements.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in commercial vehicles, hatcheries, poultry farms, distribution facilities, and outdoor environments.
• Frequent overnight and multi-day travel is required.
• Team driving assignments are standard and may involve extended periods away from home.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, road hazards, dust, feathers, noise, and agricultural environments.
• Frequent interaction with live poultry and hatchery operations.
• Must comply with all company biosecurity, sanitation, and animal welfare protocols.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Teladoc, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability coverage.
• Company observed paid holidays.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) at a rate of 14 days per year, prorated based on hire date.