Driver, Hourly CDL-A

Vistar is America's leading distributor specializing in candy, snacks, and beverages, operating over 25 distribution centers across the United States. As a prominent player in the food distribution industry, Vistar serves a diverse customer base ranging from retail stores to foodservice outlets, delivering a wide array of products including popular snacks, popcorn, and healthy meal replacements. The company's success is driven by a commitment to innovation, customer-centric approaches, and fostering a collaborative workplace culture rooted in teamwork, integrity, and community engagement. Vistar prides itself on maintaining the highest standards in distribution practices by working closely with its suppliers and customers to stay ahead of emerging snacking trends and industry demands.

This driver position offers a unique opportunity to join an experienced team of professional drivers who understand the physical demands of the role. The position primarily involves No Touch Freight, significantly reducing physical strain associated with traditional freight handling. Drivers will work a Monday through Friday schedule with typical departures between 3 AM and 5 AM, averaging 10-hour shifts. Occasionally, there may be a need for overnight routes, capped at about one overnight per week, dependent on business needs. For any required overnight stays, drivers are provided with per diem allowances and accommodations in safe hotels, underscoring the company’s commitment to driver well-being.

As a driver at Vistar, you will be responsible for operating tractor-trailers or straight trucks for intrastate and interstate deliveries. These deliveries will include local routes, over-the-road (OTR) routes, shuttle operations, and overnight routes, primarily distributing food and related products to various customers. The role demands strict adherence to safety and operational regulations established by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and company policies. Maintaining positive and professional communication with customers, vendors, and coworkers is crucial as drivers represent the company's commitment to excellent customer service.

Core responsibilities include conducting thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections as stipulated by DOT regulations, ensuring that trucks and trailers meet all safety standards, and promptly reporting any maintenance or safety issues. Drivers are required to verify that freight is correctly loaded and secured before departure and must accurately complete all necessary paperwork associated with shipments. Deliveries are to be made following a predetermined schedule, ensuring timely service and customer satisfaction. Upon delivery, drivers unload products, perform damage control assessments, collect customer signatures, handle payments if necessary, secure any customer returns, and keep freight areas clean and organized.

Additional duties entail safeguarding the security of the tractor, trailer, and freight during delivery operations, properly unloading damaged goods and returning customer merchandise while completing corresponding documentation. Drivers must adhere to legal requirements for hours of service, maintaining accurate logs as mandated by federal, state, and company regulations. General housekeeping duties in the tractor and loading dock areas also form part of daily responsibilities to maintain a safe and efficient work environment. This role requires attention to detail, reliability, and a strong commitment to safety and customer service excellence.

Candidates for this position must possess a valid CDL A license, meet state licensing and certification requirements, and have a clean motor vehicle record for the past three years. A high school diploma or GED equivalent and commercial driving experience ranging from six months to one year or more are necessary. Additionally, candidates must pass pre-employment drug tests, road tests, and hold a valid DOT health card or be capable of obtaining one. Physical ability to handle lifting, operating equipment such as two-wheelers and lift gates, and managing freight weights between 60 to 90 pounds is essential.

Vistar offers a competitive benefits package including up to a $10,000 sign-on bonus distributed over one year, aligning with the company's goal of attracting and retaining dedicated drivers. Employment with Vistar provides opportunities for professional growth within a stable, inclusive environment that values diversity and equal opportunity. We encourage candidates who are motivated, safety-conscious, and customer-oriented to apply and become a part of our growing family.