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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Driver

💰 $ - $

LogisticsTransportationWarehouse Operations

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Driver is a critical front-line role responsible for safe, on-time transport of goods between the warehouse, customer locations, and distribution centers while supporting warehouse operations through accurate inventory handling and load securement. The ideal candidate combines professional driving skills (CDL where required), hands-on material handling proficiency (forklift and pallet jack operation), and strong safety and customer service behaviors to minimize damage, shrinkage, and delivery exceptions.

Keywords: warehouse driver, delivery driver, CDL driver, forklift operator, route delivery, inventory handling, warehouse logistics, loading/unloading, safe driving, ELD, DOT compliance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
  • Local Delivery Driver (non-CDL)
  • Forklift Operator / Picker-Packer

Advancement To:

  • Lead Driver / Fleet Lead
  • Logistics Coordinator / Dispatcher
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Operations Supervisor
  • Fleet Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Forklift / Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Shipping & Receiving Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Safely operate company delivery vehicles (van, box truck, straight truck, or tractor-trailer) to perform scheduled warehouse-to-customer and inter-facility transport runs, consistently meeting on-time delivery targets and customer service expectations.
  • Conduct comprehensive pre-trip and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicles, documenting any mechanical issues or defects in compliance with DOT and company policies to ensure vehicle roadworthiness and safety.
  • Execute accurate and efficient loading and unloading of pallets, cases, and loose freight using pallet jacks, hand trucks, and forklifts while adhering to load sequencing, weight distribution, and securement best practices to prevent damage during transit.
  • Maintain precise paper and electronic delivery documentation, including bills of lading, proof of delivery (POD), delivery receipts, invoices, and electronic signatures, ensuring timely submission to dispatch and billing teams.
  • Use route planning and GPS navigation tools to optimize delivery routes, reduce fuel consumption, manage driver hours, and respond to last-minute route changes or priority deliveries while maintaining compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.
  • Operate warehouse management systems (WMS), RF scanners, and electronic logging devices (ELD) to pick, stage, and record inventory movement, ensuring inventory accuracy and real-time order status updates.
  • Verify shipment contents against packing lists and purchase orders during pick-up and delivery, reporting discrepancies, shortages, or product damage immediately to supervisors and following company claims procedures.
  • Perform safe and correct lift techniques and manual handling when moving non-palletized items, minimizing personal and product injury, and following ergonomics and injury prevention protocols.
  • Load freight to maximize truck space utilization while maintaining clear aisle access and complying with load securement standards (strapping, blocking, bracing) and DOT regulations for weight limits and axle distribution.
  • Maintain professional, courteous interactions with customers during deliveries and collections, resolving minor service issues on-site and escalating service exceptions to dispatch or management promptly.
  • Adhere to all federal, state, and local transportation regulations, including FMCSA/DOT requirements, CDL endorsements, HAZMAT rules (if transporting hazardous materials), and company safety policies and procedures.
  • Perform basic preventative maintenance tasks and report mechanical concerns immediately — topping off fluids, checking tire pressures, and ensuring cleanliness of the cab and cargo area to prevent contamination and maintain company standards.
  • Participate in safety meetings, training sessions, and toolbox talks; follow personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and contribute to continuous improvement efforts to reduce workplace incidents and accidents.
  • Support dock operations during slow delivery periods by picking, staging, labeling, pallet wrapping, and moving inventory between storage locations to maintain workflow and productivity targets.
  • Complete accurate timekeeping, mileage reporting, fuel purchases, and expense documentation in accordance with company policies and payroll procedures.
  • Securely handle customer returns, damaged goods, and short shipments, processing return authorizations, documenting condition, and transporting items back to the warehouse per returns policy to protect company assets.
  • Assist in coordinating special handling requirements for fragile, temperature-sensitive, or high-value shipments, ensuring compliance with carrier and customer-specific instructions to prevent spoilage or loss.
  • Communicate proactively with dispatch, warehouse supervisors, and customer service teams about delays, traffic incidents, weather-related disruptions, or delivery exceptions to enable timely customer notifications and re-planning.
  • Participate in seasonal peak operations (e.g., holidays, sales spikes) by adjusting schedules, accepting split shifts, and supporting increased delivery volume while maintaining accuracy and safety.
  • Maintain a clean, organized vehicle and warehouse workspace, disposing of waste properly and ensuring that loading equipment (straps, dollies, pallet jacks) is stored and maintained to extend service life and reduce downtime.
  • Follow company security policies for access-controlled facilities, secure shipments during overnight stops, and protect customer confidentiality and high-value inventory from theft or tampering.
  • Mentor junior drivers and new hires by demonstrating safe driving practices, proper load securement, and company-standard delivery procedures to uplift team capability and reduce onboarding time.
  • Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery percentage, damage rate, fuel efficiency, and exception rates to support continuous improvement and operational decision-making.

Secondary Functions

  • Support cross-functional warehouse tasks including cycle count assistance, staging returns, replenishment, and ad-hoc inventory moves during downtime to maintain throughput.
  • Assist dispatch in load planning and scheduling to balance daily route workloads, reducing total miles and improving delivery density.
  • Collaborate with maintenance staff to coordinate vehicle servicing, repairs, and DOT inspections to minimize out-of-service events and improve fleet reliability.
  • Contribute to safety audits and root-cause investigations for delivery incidents, helping to implement corrective actions and preventive measures.
  • Participate in technology rollouts (WMS updates, ELD integrations, mobile scanner deployments) by providing real-world feedback and helping fellow drivers adopt new tools quickly.
  • Support sustainability initiatives by documenting idling times, suggesting route consolidations, and practicing fuel-efficient driving behaviors.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Valid commercial driver's license (CDL Class A or B as required by route type) with relevant endorsements (e.g., tanker, HAZMAT) and a clean driving record.
  • Proficiency with pre-trip/post-trip vehicle inspections and ability to accurately document defects per DOT regulations.
  • Certified forklift operator experience and comfortable operating powered industrial trucks (sit-down, stand-up, reach trucks) in busy warehouse environments.
  • Experienced in load securement techniques, palletization standards, and safe weight distribution to prevent shifting and damage in transit.
  • Familiarity with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, electronic logging devices (ELD), and basic DOT/FMCSA compliance requirements.
  • Skilled with warehouse management systems (WMS), RF scanning devices, route optimization/GPS software, and basic mobile/tablet applications for proof-of-delivery (POD).
  • Strong inventory control skills including cycle counts, pick/pack verification, stock rotation (FIFO/LIFO), and handling of returns and damaged goods.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude for routine vehicle checks (fluids, tire pressure, brake lights) and ability to escalate maintenance issues accurately.
  • Experience with hazardous materials handling and documentation (HAZMAT shipping papers) when required by the role.
  • Knowledge of safe manual handling, ergonomic lifting techniques, and warehouse safety standards (OSHA compliance).

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional time management and punctuality to meet tight delivery windows and fluctuating daily schedules.
  • Strong attention to detail to verify shipment accuracy, complete correct documentation, and reduce delivery exceptions.
  • Professional customer service and communication skills for interacting directly with customers at delivery locations.
  • Reliability and integrity, demonstrated by consistent attendance, adherence to safety protocols, and respect for company property.
  • Problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound on-the-spot decisions when faced with traffic delays, incorrect addresses, or unforeseen delivery obstacles.
  • Teamwork and cooperation to support warehouse staff, drivers, and dispatch during high-volume periods.
  • Resilience and adaptability to work extended hours, variable routes, and seasonal peaks while maintaining accuracy and safety.
  • Initiative and accountability in reporting incidents, suggesting process improvements, and mentoring less-experienced colleagues.
  • Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills for handling customer disputes or delivery disagreements professionally.
  • Continuous-learning mindset to adopt new logistics technologies, regulatory changes, and safety practices.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; equivalent combination of education and verifiable work experience in transportation or warehousing accepted.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate or vocational training in commercial driving, logistics, or supply chain fundamentals.
  • Additional certifications such as OSHA safety courses, forklift certification, or HAZMAT endorsement where applicable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Transportation Management
  • Business Administration
  • Automotive/Heavy Equipment Technology
  • Occupational Health & Safety

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–5 years of experience in warehouse operations, local/regional delivery driving, or material handling; 2+ years preferred for CDL-required routes.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of combined driving and warehouse experience, with demonstrated safety compliance, experience operating powered industrial trucks, and familiarity with WMS and ELD systems.
  • Proven track record of on-time delivery, low damage rates, and strong customer feedback.
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