Driver Trainee

This is a paid trainee position for candidates with a safe driving record and an interest in building a career as a fully qualified driver. The position will entail an initial period of time working on the dock learning about freight and our business. When the next driving school opens up, candidates will undergo 2 weeks of classroom training followed by an additional 12+ weeks of hands-on training with an experienced driver trainer and making solo runs. In many cases the driving school is free of cost with a 2-year employment commitment, and trainees are reimbursed for travel expenses. Internal Estes employees applying to enter driving school must have an excellent performance record.

• Safely handle and maneuver tractor/trailers and other large equipment to facilitate the loading and unloading operations in the yard
• Properly cube, load and unload freight using a forklift, pallet jack, hand truck or by hand
• Strap, brace and secure freight to prevent damage or shifting
• Responsible for accurately recording the condition of freight as it arrives at the terminal
• Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections of the yard and dock equipment
• Accurately set up, break down and hook trailers safely
• Ensure all pup trailers have tilt bar to be lowered prior to loading of freight
• Raise and lower landing gear
• Monitor yard for unsafe drivers and non-employees; report to management
• Work in outdoor weather conditions
• Promptly report all maintenance problems to Fleet Services and/or supervision
• Work the dock a minimum of five hours per week in addition to work in the yard as a jockey/hostler
• Expected to perform normal work duties prior to attending driving school
• Regular attendance is required.
• This is not an all-inclusive list of job requirements and/or duties and may not contain all mental and physical capabilities necessary to perform the job at all times due to circumstances. Operational, safety and other needs may require the employee to perform any and all other duties as assigned. Employees are expected, and must be able to perform all such duties and tasks.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or General Educational Degree (GED), or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background
• Must be able to handle the duties assigned for the driver trainee program
• Must be 21 years of age required per FMCSA regulations
• Must have and maintain an acceptable MVR. Disqualifying offenses can include (but are not limited to) DUI, DWI, possession of narcotics/controlled substances, reckless driving, etc.
• Must have a valid drivers’ license and willing to obtain a CDL Learners permit when notified he/she has been accepted to driving school
• Once selected for driving school, must be registered with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse unless already registered as a Class B driver.
• Once approved by Safety as a qualified driver, must reside within 75 miles of the domiciled terminal and/or work assignment
• Must meet the minimum physical qualifications for a driver position
• Must be able to push or pull a loaded pallet jack and/or hand truck with a minimum load of 70 lbs. Ability to operate a forklift (minimum 7,500 lb)
• Must pass the FMCSA physical before attending driving school
• Must pass a FMCSA pre-employment drug screen before attending driving school
• Must enroll in the next available Estes sponsored driving school for the respective region and sign driving school agreement
• Must be familiar with state motor vehicle laws and FMCSA rules and regulations
• Ability to meet the FMCSA’s requirements to speak and read English
• Must be able to lift approximately 70 lbs., or more if required by the essential functions of the job
• Must be able to comply with all company policies, rules, procedures and Code of Conduct
• Must be able to interact well with others
• Must be able to work independently, or in a team setting
• Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high volume environment with multiple priorities
• Responds well to questions; Ability to read, interpret and comply with written information and documents such as safety rules, operations / procedure manuals and maintenance instructions with a high comprehension and concentration level to include the ability to meet deadlines
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, random drug and/or alcohol tests, and will be subject to a criminal history background check
• Must be authorized to work in the United States

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to lift and/or move a minimum of 70 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to lift, twist, turn, and may climb. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and climb or balance.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The employee may be required to work in high/precarious places, with hazardous materials, and in various weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to loud as required by the essential functions of the job.
Equal Employment Opportunity
EOE, including disability/vets
City
Kokomo
State
Indiana
Employment Type
Full-Time
Job Category
Transportation
Organization Level
Field