CDL Live Haul Driver Trainee

Live Haul Driver Trainee

At Pilgrim’s, Safety Is A Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first - always.

The Live Haul Driver Trainee is responsible for the safe and efficient transport of live birds from company poultry farms, ensuring timely delivery to support production needs. This role operates and maintains commercial hauling equipment, follows established delivery schedules, and upholds company standards for safety, quality, and reliability. The driver trainee collaborates closely with live haul personnel, live production teams, and farm staff to ensure accurate delivery, proper documentation, and effective communication. By adhering to transportation regulations, biosecurity protocols, and company policies, the Live Haul Driver Trainee plays a vital role in supporting operational continuity, bird health, and the overall success of Pilgrim’s supply chain.

Responsibilities:

• Operate live haul trucks safely and efficiently.
• Conduct equipment inspections following company guidelines and report issues to the Supervisor.
• Operate trucks in a manner that maintains product quality and integrity.
• Operates forklifts, loading trucks at contract growers in a safe and efficient manner.
• Communicate effectively—both verbally and in writing—with associates, maintenance staff, growers, and supervisors regarding farm conditions and other relevant information.
• Maintain equipment, keep trucks and work areas clean, neat, and orderly.
• Maintains very strict bio-security and animal welfare at the farms.
• Follows Packers and Stockyards guidelines for weighing live poultry.
• Follows truck tarping guidelines during periods of inclement weather.
• Pick up each flock as directed.
• Follow the housekeeping schedule, using proper techniques and required PPE.
• Foster a positive work environment through cooperative communication and teamwork.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need:

• Certifications & Licenses: Applicants must have a valid Class A commercial driver license (CDL) and have 12 months of verifiable tractor/trailer experience within the past 36 months.
• Eligibility: No positive test for drugs or alcohol in the past 5 years.
• Skills: Must have the following: able to operate an automatic CMV and be willing to get a manual endorsement within 6 months of hire with company support, able to follow both written and verbal directions, the appropriate skill to drive a truck safely, working knowledge of driving and traffic rules, and good hand and eye coordination.

·       Abilities: Must have the following: able to lift 50 lbs. or more, able to work in dusty conditions, and able to communicate effectively with others in a manner that maintains harmony with co-workers.

·        Farming/agriculture experience preferred.

Why Work for Pilgrim’s?

• Schedule: Sunday – Thursday, primarily night shift, with weekend work required on an as needed basis.
• Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off: Sick leave, vacation, company observed holidays or, any other statutorily required paid leave;
• 401(k): Company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
• Base hourly salary: $31.46 per hour (hourly rate includes $1.00 per hour shift differential and a $3.00 Perfect Attendance Incentive).
• Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs; and
• Better Futures

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

About us: Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 62,000 team members worldwide. The company processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Pilgrim’s operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe.

Our vision: Become the best and most respected company in our industry creating the opportunity of a better future for our team members.

Our core values are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity

EOE, including disability/vets

Unsolicited Assistance: Pilgrim's does not accept unsolicited assistance from any recruitment vendors for any of our open jobs. All resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee at Pilgrim's or via the applicant tracking system, in any form without a valid written request and search agreement previously approved by HR, will be solely owned by Pilgrim's. No fees will be paid should the candidate be hired by Pilgrim's because of an unsolicited referral.