Freight Operations Specialist/CDL Driver

LTL Service Center Team Member

We are seeking a reliable and versatile team member to join our LTL service center. This position is a hybrid role that combines local pickup and delivery driving, dock work, and general support for service center operations. The ideal candidate will be safety-conscious, customer-service oriented, and willing to contribute wherever needed to ensure smooth terminal operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Pickup & Delivery (P&D) Driving:
  • Safely operate commercial motor vehicles (typically Class [A or B] straight trucks or tractor-trailers) on designated local routes.
  • Perform timely and efficient pickup and delivery of LTL freight.
  • Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections in accordance with DOT regulations and company policy.
  • Interact professionally and courteously with customers, representing EFS and Roadrunner positively.
  • Accurately complete and manage shipping documents (Bills of Lading, delivery receipts, manifests).
  • Utilize handheld scanners and other company technology for tracking and documentation.
  • Secure freight properly using appropriate equipment (load bars, straps, etc.) to prevent damage.
  • Adhere strictly to all DOT regulations, traffic laws, and company safety protocols.
• Dock Operations:
  • Load and unload freight from trailers and straight trucks using forklifts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and other material handling equipment.
  • Sort, segregate, stage, and properly place freight on the dock or load into outbound trailers according to destination.
  • Verify freight piece counts and check for damage, noting exceptions according to company procedures.
  • Operate dock equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment on the dock and in the yard.
  • Assist with weighing and dimensioning freight as needed.
• Hostling (Yard Jockey):
  • Operate a hostler (yard truck) to reposition trailers between dock doors, staging areas, and parking spots.
  • Spot trailers for loading and unloading based on dock assignments and schedules.
  • Perform pre- and post-use inspections on yard equipment to ensure operational safety.
  • Communicate with dispatchers, dock personnel, and drivers to coordinate trailer movements.
  • Conduct yard checks to track trailer inventory and update records.
  • Ensure proper chocking, trailer placement, and trailer brake application.
  • Maintain awareness of pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the yard to prevent accidents.
  • Assist with managing trailer flow during peak shipping/receiving times.
• General Duties:
  • Assist with general terminal upkeep and organization.
  • Participate actively in safety meetings and training sessions.
  • Communicate effectively with dispatch, supervisors, and other team members.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by management to support overall terminal and company needs. This may include yard checks, minor equipment maintenance assistance, or supporting other operational functions.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing operational demands and priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• Valid CDL (Class A or B, depending on equipment used)
• Clean driving record that meets DOT standards
• Ability to pass a DOT physical and pre-employment drug screen
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and operate forklifts/pallet jacks
• Ability to work in various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) both indoors and outdoors
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and team-first attitude
• Flexibility to work varying shifts as needed
• Ability to read, write, and understand English, including shipping documents and safety regulations
• Commitment to safety and adherence to procedures

Preferred Qualifications:

• Forklift certification
• Prior experience in LTL, freight handling, or dock operations

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight frequently, weighing up to [e.g., 75] pounds, and occasionally heavier items with assistance.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while driving, and stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist, reach, and climb frequently during dock work and deliveries.
• Ability to climb in and out of tractors and trailers repeatedly.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) both indoors and outdoors.
• Good hearing and vision (meeting DOT requirements).

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced LTL terminal environment.
• Exposure to noise, vibrations, dust, diesel fumes, and outdoor weather conditions.
• Work involves operating heavy machinery (trucks, forklifts).

Compensation:

• The compensation for this role is $27.50 per hour.

Location:

• Chicago, IL

Benefits:

• PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401k

About Roadrunner:

Roadrunner is for ambitious, smart people who excel at execution over talking about it, and who would rather invent the next standard in freight than accept the status quo.

We are looking for the Best of the Best. Action driven leaders who want to be part of real change and help design the future of LTL in the U.S. This is a place where high performers can grow, influence outcomes, and make an impact while working directly with executives and smart people from across industries.

We bring a winner mindset. We take ownership, raise the bar, and measure ourselves by results. We Run Safe. We Run Smart. We Run Together. These principles create an environment of high standards, clear ownership, and direct collaboration. We trust data over intuition, move with urgency, and hold each other accountable because winning requires it.

Roadrunner exists to prove that LTL can be better than the industry has settled for. To be the best means we need to think bigger, look outside the box, and question every assumption: too many handoffs, limited visibility, and the quiet belief that "this is just how it works." We rejected that story. We built a proprietary Smart Network for direct, long haul, metro to metro service that delivers fewer touches, faster transit, real time visibility, and genuine accountability. We are the most tech forward company in LTL, and we are not finished widening the gap.

The foundation is already strong. Recognized as one of Built In Chicago's Best Large Places to Work. Earning top marks for improvement, quality, and service. The real opportunity is still ahead: helping invent what comes next.

If you want to be evaluated among the Best of the Best and help set the new standard in LTL, we should talk.