Day Tractor Driver

Job Description

Job Description

Hawaii Pacific FreightJob DescriptionTractor Driver

Department: Transportation Operations

Reports To: Driver Lead / Operations Manager / Night Operations Manager (or Kauai Operations Supervisor, if assigned)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Tractor Driver is responsible for the safe, timely, and professional transportation of freight utilizing tractor-trailer combinations while maintaining compliance with all Company policies, DOT regulations, customer requirements, and applicable safety standards. This position plays a critical role in the movement of freight between facilities, ports, distribution centers, customer locations, and other designated destinations.

Working under the direction of the Driver Lead, Operations Manager, or Night Operations Manager, the Tractor Driver performs daily vehicle inspections, safely operates tractor-trailer equipment, communicates operational updates, and supports the successful execution of transportation operations. Drivers are expected to represent Hawaii Pacific Freight with professionalism while protecting customer freight, Company equipment, and the Company's reputation.

The Tractor Driver owns the safe operation of assigned tractor-trailer equipment, the care and security of customer freight, and the successful completion of assigned transportation assignments.

Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesTransportation Operations

• Safely operate tractor-trailer combinations in accordance with all federal, state, and Company regulations.
• Transport freight between terminals, ports, customer locations, warehouses, and designated delivery points.
• Complete assigned routes and transportation assignments safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Verify freight, trailers, and documentation before departure.
• Safely couple and uncouple trailers as required.
• Secure freight and ensure proper weight distribution when applicable.
• Maintain communication with Dispatch and Operations throughout the workday.
• Report delays, accidents, equipment concerns, customer issues, or service interruptions promptly.

Customer Service

• Provide professional and courteous customer service during all customer interactions.
• Obtain required delivery documentation and customer signatures when applicable.
• Communicate professionally regarding deliveries, pickups, and transportation activities.
• Represent Hawaii Pacific Freight in a positive and professional manner.

Equipment Care & Safety

• Complete required pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections.
• Complete Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) accurately and timely.
• Report equipment defects, trailer issues, maintenance concerns, and safety hazards immediately.
• Maintain assigned tractor and trailers in a clean and professional condition.
• Follow Company safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete transportation documentation accurately and timely.
• Maintain required DOT records and logbook requirements as applicable.
• Comply with all FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, Company, and customer requirements.
• Follow customer-specific transportation procedures.
• Protect confidential customer and Company information.

Teamwork & Operational Support

• Coordinate with Dispatch, Warehouse, Fleet, Customer Service, Operations, and other Drivers.
• Assist with trailer movement, yard coordination, and freight transfers as operational needs require.
• Support operational efficiency through effective communication and teamwork.
• Perform other transportation-related duties as assigned.

Position Ownership

The Tractor Driver is accountable for the successful execution of assigned transportation activities and owns:

• Safe Tractor-Trailer Operation
• Customer Freight Care
• On-Time Transportation Performance
• Equipment Care
• DOT Compliance
• Trailer Inspections
• Delivery Documentation
• Route Communication

Decision-Making Authority

Within the scope of this position, the Tractor Driver is expected to make independent decisions regarding:

• Safe operation of assigned tractor-trailer equipment.
• Protection of customer freight.
• Safe coupling, uncoupling, and trailer inspections.
• Route adjustments due to traffic, weather, or road conditions.
• Immediate safety concerns.
• Communication of operational issues to Dispatch or Operations.

Questions involving accidents, customer disputes, policy interpretation, equipment failures, route changes with significant operational impact, or safety incidents should be communicated promptly to Dispatch or the Operations Manager.

Core Company Expectations

Every employee at Hawaii Pacific Freight is expected to:

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Maintain a safe work environment by following Company policies.
• Treat customers, vendors, and coworkers with respect.
• Support teamwork and collaboration.
• Protect confidential Company and customer information.
• Communicate openly and professionally.
• Embrace continuous learning and improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Valid Hawaii CDL Class A Driver License.
• Current DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate.
• Acceptable driving record.
• Experience operating tractor-trailer combinations preferred.
• Ability to safely operate commercial tractor-trailer equipment.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to meet all DOT, FMCSA, and Company qualification requirements.
• Ability to work independently while following Company procedures.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, certifications, and relevant experience will be considered.

Knowledge & Skills

• Tractor-Trailer Operation
• Commercial Driving
• FMCSA & DOT Compliance
• Defensive Driving
• Trailer Coupling & Uncoupling
• Freight Securement
• Vehicle Inspections
• Route Navigation
• Customer Service
• Communication
• Time Management
• Problem Solving

Success MeasuresCompany Standards

Success in this role is measured by the ability to:

• Operate safely and professionally.
• Deliver exceptional customer service.
• Complete assigned transportation assignments accurately and efficiently.
• Demonstrate professionalism and accountability.
• Support operational excellence.

Position-Specific Performance Measures

• On-time transportation performance.
• Safe driving performance.
• DOT compliance.
• DVIR compliance.
• Equipment care.
• Customer satisfaction.
• Documentation accuracy.
• Attendance and reliability.