Lead Driver

JOB SUMMARY

All drivers run daily routes with frequent stops and are required to load packages onto hand trucks and unload product at each stop on the assigned route in the order they are designated by the Transportation Department Manager. The candidate will operate successfully in a cross-dock model picking up loaded truck from a nightly delivery at f the assigned loading dock and returning the empty truck back to the assigned lot at the end of the route. May be required to assist occasionally with loading-trucks, palletizing product, and performing other duties as assigned by Supervisor or Manager. Responsible for training, monitoring, and evaluating driver performance. Trains and educates drivers in methods and procedures and hold them accountable for results.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical, customer relations, and personnel management for major programs and projects
• Runs routes efficiently, meeting or exceeding designated route times
• Unload product from trailer, by hand or using a hand cart, and place in designated customer storage areas. May include transporting product down ramps, stairs, or docks, in all weather conditions
• Frequently lift, push, or move product that weighs 1-75 pounds, up to 100 pounds; frequently reach up to 72" to stack and unstack pallets and hand cart; constantly bend and twist while loading and unloading product, and retrieving items from trailer
• Train new and existing drivers in proper customer service, efficient route driving, product knowledge, paperwork, and proper customer interaction
• Ensure cross-training of drivers occurs to assure proper coverage for vacations and absences
• Prepare a weekly report of driver and route evaluations
• Prepare and maintain route manuals to document information on each route
• Verify delivery of items with customer and obtain proper signatures. Contact management for authorization when discrepancies on invoice and communicate all errors/returns.
• Calls in when a customer does not receive their entire order (shorts)
• Handles any customer complaints professionally
• Handles company equipment properly, follow written driver safety rules, and performs a pre-trip inspection
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip responsibilities in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and Sysco policies and procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High School or GED or equivalent

Experience

• One year route delivery experience or applicable background driving a straight truck
• Valid Commercial Driver's License - Class B
• Ability to motivate, train, and develop delivery drivers
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle crisis situations effectively
• Basic knowledge of computer programs and functions including Windows, Microsoft Office, and AS400 applications
• Commercial Vehicle Drivers must have the ability to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.

Skills

• Operate vehicle in a variety of traffic and weather conditions
• Meet or exceed minimum productivity levels established by the Company
• Meet or exceed established cases per error goals
• Demonstrate strong customer relations and problem resolution skills
• Effectively plan and organize work activities independent of direct supervision
• Develop a good working knowledge of product and inventory control techniques and procedures
• Maintain ongoing inter-department communications related to routing, safety, and customer relations
• Proven ability to communicate articulately and perform simple arithmetic (Experience in handling money preferred)
• Building Customer Loyalty
• Managing Work
• Adaptability
• Building Trust
• Follow-up
• Communication

Other Information

• Frequent lifting of product up to 50 lbs. during the shift, infrequent lifting to 80 lbs
• Must be able to climb on and off the box of the truck
• Frequent bending, squatting, pushing, and pulling
• Must be able to work in confined spaces