Class A CDL Driver I

Job Description

Job Description

Position reports to: Foreman

Heavy Haul driver. Tanker endorsement a plus

Objective:   

The Class A CDL Driver (Level I) is an experienced heavy-haul driver responsible for safely and efficiently transporting large, oversized, and heavy construction equipment, tools, fabrication, pipe, and other cargo to and from jobsite locations using a lowboy, step deck, hot shot/gooseneck, or similar truck-trailer combinations as required by the load. This position supports Oil & Gas construction operations and is responsible for DOT/FMCSA-compliant transportation practices, including proper licensing/medical qualification, hours-of-service compliance, vehicle/trailer inspections, and load securement. The role also supports loading/unloading operations and safe delivery execution while maintaining accurate trip and equipment documentation. FMCSA regulations governing CDL standards, driver qualifications, HOS, cargo securement, and vehicle maintenance are found in 49 CFR Parts 383, 391, 395, 393, and 396. Per Federal law, driver must be able to read and write fluently in English.

Primary Responsibilities:  

• Transportation & Heavy Haul Operations
• • Transport large and oversized equipment, tools, fabrication, pipe, and other cargo to and from job locations as needed.
  • Safely operate heavy truck/trailer combinations, including:
  • • Lowboy trailer combinations
    • Step deck trailer combinations
    • Hot shot with gooseneck (as assigned)
    • Other similar hauling combinations required by the load
  • Plan and execute safe transport consistent with load type, dimensions, weight, route restrictions, and jobsite conditions.
  • Maintain transport status updates and communicate delays, route issues, or load concerns to supervision/dispatch as required.
• Loading, Unloading & Load Securement
• • Load and unload equipment or cargo from trailers safely and efficiently.
  • Operate equipment (or coordinate with operators) to load pipe/equipment onto trailers.
  • Always maintain proper load securement and verify securement remains compliant throughout transport. FMCSA cargo securement rules require cargo to be loaded/equipped/secured to prevent shifting or falling and securement devices must meet performance requirements. 
  • Inspect chains, binders, straps, blocking, and tie-down points before departure and during transit stops; replace/remove damaged straps/securement devices from service.
  • Confirm load dimensions/weights and ensure configuration matches permit requirements (including escort/signage/lighting requirements when applicable).
  • Ensure tracks/tires on equipment are clean before loading.
  • Ensure trailer deck is clean/swept before driving.
• Permits, Routing & Compliance
• • Read and follow weight/oversize permits and travel only on identified/authorized routes.
  • Comply with all permit conditions, route restrictions, curfews, weather limits, and escort requirements where applicable.
  • Follow DOT/FMCSA and state requirements for safe operation of commercial motor vehicles, including driver qualification, HOS, and vehicle condition requirements.
  • Maintain records of duty status (RODS)/ELD compliance as required for the trip type and applicable exemptions. FMCSA’s ELD rule applies to most drivers required to keep RODS under Part 395, with limited exceptions (such as certain short-haul operations). 
• Truck & Trailer Daily Inspections
• • Perform safety inspections and daily inspections on the vehicle and trailer before use.
  • Grease truck and trailer daily prior to use.
  • Inspect tires, wheels, brakes, lights, couplers, chains, hydraulics, deck condition, ramps, and tie-down equipment before and after trips.
  • Identify and report defects immediately; do not operate unsafe vehicles or trailers until issues are corrected.
  • Support maintenance readiness by communicating repair needs clearly and documenting inspection findings consistent with company and FMCSA maintenance expectations. Part 396 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of CMVs.
  • Keep truck cab(s) clean and professional.
• Jobsite Safety, Communication & Support
• Ability to perform assigned duties in a timely manner and follow instructions provided daily.
• Coordinate with Foremen, Superintendents, equipment operators, and spotters during loading/unloading and jobsite maneuvering.
• Use proper spotting/communication practices and maintain situational awareness around personnel, power lines, excavation edges, and other hazards during pickup/delivery.
• Complete various tasks as assigned in support of transportation and jobsite logistics.
• Documentation & Administrative Responsibilities
• Maintain required trip and transport documentation, including permits, inspection records, and delivery/load status information per company process.
• Accurately document mileage, fuel, and any delay/damage/incident information as required.
• Provide timely communication on arrival/departure, route progress, and equipment delivery status.

Knowledge and Skills Required:  

• Licensing: Valid Class A CDL with applicable endorsements for assigned operations (air brake, doubles/triples, tanker as required by the equipment/load). 
• Medical Qualification: Maintain a current DOT Medical Card and meet driver qualification requirements under FMCSA Part 391. 
• Drug & Alcohol Compliance: Must be eligible for and remain in the DOT drug and alcohol testing pool and comply with testing requirements. FMCSA regulations include controlled substances and alcohol testing requirements in Part 382. 
• Heavy Haul Experience: Experienced in hauling heavy construction equipment and oversized loads, including lowboy trailer operations.
• Load Securement Knowledge: Strong understanding of load securement principles, tie-down selection, and securement checks for equipment, pipe, and fabricated materials.
• Permits & Routing: Ability to read weight/oversize permits and follow route restrictions and instructions.
• Equipment Loading: Ability to receive an Equipment Operator Certification and have experience operating equipment to load pipe and/or equipment onto trailers (or coordinating safely with operators).
• Mechanical Aptitude: Carries own tools and can perform basic truck/trailer work (e.g., minor repairs, lights/signs/basic electrical) and identify issues needing mechanic support.
• Communication & Direction Following: Ability to follow directions verbally and/or through navigation pin drops and communicate clearly with supervisors and jobsite crews.
• Driving Record / Safety Attitude: Good driving and safety record; positive, safety-focused attitude.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to climb, secure loads, handle chains/binders, and work outdoors in varying weather and jobsite conditions.

Training and Education: 

Required

• Valid Class A CDL with required endorsements for assigned operations (air brakes and other endorsements as applicable).
• Current DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Medical Card). Driver qualification and medical requirements are addressed in FMCSA Part 391. 
• Must meet all state licensing and/or certification requirements (where applicable).
• Enrollment and compliance with DOT/FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements (Part 382). 
• Heavy-haul / lowboy transport experience (construction equipment hauling).
• OSHA 10 or PEC (especially for frequent jobsite deliveries in active construction zones).
• Rigging/load securement training specific to heavy equipment hauling.

Technical / Operational Training

• Load securement training (chains, binders, tie-down calculations/placement, re-check intervals) consistent with FMCSA cargo securement requirements. 
• Permit/route compliance training for overweight/oversize loads, including escort/signage/flag requirements as applicable.
• Pre-trip/post-trip inspection training and documentation expectations for trucks and trailers (Part 396 compliance support). 
• ELD/HOS records training as applicable to assigned routes and duty status requirements.