Class A Route Driver

About Company:

Denali is the leading organic recycling company on a mission to unlock the power of unused food and organics, transforming them into resources to feed, fuel and replenish the earth. Our work is essential to keeping water clean, reducing the need for new landfill capacity, building soil fertility, helping farmers be more resilient, and reducing society's reliance on fossil fuels. Denali provides meaningful and measurable change for any business that handles food, creating value with our scalable solutions across the nation. Our services and products touch thousands of acres and businesses, millions of tons of organic material, and nearly every person who purchases and consumes food in the U.S. Apply to join our team today!

Class A CDL Lead Support Driver

Locations: Houston & Katy, Texas
Position Type: Full-Time | Salaried
Travel: Frequent Travel Required
Schedule: Flexible Availability Required | Weekend Work as Needed

Take the Lead. Keep Routes Moving. Support the Team Wherever You're Needed.

Denali is seeking an experienced, dependable, and safety-focused Class A CDL Lead Support Driver to provide route coverage and operational support across multiple locations.

In this critical position, you will step in when drivers are unavailable due to vacations, sick leave, staffing shortages, and other business needs. You may support locations outside your home domicile, and frequent travel-sometimes on short notice-is an essential part of the role. Weekend work may also be required based on operational needs.

This is an excellent opportunity for a professional Class A driver who enjoys variety, communicates effectively, adapts quickly, and takes pride in supporting multiple teams and locations.

Compensation and Driver Rewards

• Competitive weekly pay
• $1,000 annual retention bonus
• Full-time, salaried position
• Regional travel opportunities
• Safety recognition and cash-prize opportunities through Denali's PEAKS Safety Program

PEAKS Safety Program

Safe performance could give you the opportunity to win:

• $1,000 quarterly regional raffle prize
• $5,000 annual regional raffle prize-four winners
• $10,000 annual Apex grand prize

What Makes This Role Different?

This is more than a traditional driving position. As a Lead Support Driver, you will be a trusted resource for drivers, managers, and operations teams throughout the region.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Provide route coverage across multiple locations.
• Support locations inside and outside your home domicile.
• Work with different facilities, customers, and operational teams.
• Assist with onboarding and training newly hired drivers.
• Build experience operating specialized equipment.
• Use your leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Make an immediate impact by keeping routes covered and customers served.

The ideal candidate is dependable, flexible, safety-focused, comfortable with travel, and committed to supporting the team wherever needed.

What You'll Do

Drive and Support Regional Routes

• Safely collect, load, transport, and deliver food-waste materials.
• Cover local and regional routes with approximately 15-25 stops per day .
• Travel frequently to different locations to cover vacations, sick leave, staffing shortages, open routes, and other operational needs.
• Support locations outside your home domicile when required.
• Respond to short-notice travel assignments based on business needs.
• Work weekends when required to maintain operational coverage.
• Adapt quickly to different routes, facilities, customers, and operational teams.
• Manage route schedules efficiently while providing safe and dependable service.

Operate Commercial Vehicles and Equipment

• Safely operate Class A commercial vehicles with both manual and automatic transmissions.
• Operate end-dump trailers and other specialized equipment as required.
• Safely use electric pallet jacks, hydraulic systems, and commercial waste containers, including 3-yard bins.
• Use pressure-washing equipment to clean containers and collection bins.
• Keep customer service areas clean, orderly, and free of debris.
• Maintain the cleanliness and operational readiness of assigned vehicles and equipment.

Perform Inspections and Maintain DOT Compliance

• Conduct complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections before and after every route.
• Properly inspect brakes, slack adjusters, tires, lights, fluid levels, trailer connections, and other safety-critical components.
• Identify and immediately report vehicle defects, maintenance concerns, or unsafe operating conditions.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of commercial vehicle braking systems and proper slack-adjuster inspection procedures.
• Use electronic logging devices and other required technology to maintain DOT compliance.
• Follow all applicable federal, state, and local transportation regulations.
• Follow Denali's Driver Standard Operating Procedures, safety policies, and operating guidelines.
• Immediately report all accidents, injuries, incidents, and safety concerns.
• Accurately complete contamination reports, service tickets, inspection reports, maintenance documents, and other required records.

Communicate and Support Driver Development

• Maintain clear and consistent communication with management regarding route progress, customer concerns, equipment issues, delays, and safety matters.
• Assist with onboarding and training new drivers on routes, equipment, customer expectations, safety procedures, and company policies.
• Help reinforce safe driving practices and consistent operating procedures.
• Provide professional support and guidance to team members when assigned.
• Work effectively with dispatchers, managers, facility leaders, customers, and other drivers.

Use Mobile Technology

• Use smartphones and mobile applications to complete daily assignments.
• Navigate routes, communicate with management, document services, and submit required reports electronically.
• Use electronic logging devices, camera systems, and other company-issued technology.
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic documentation throughout the workday.

Support Customers and Equipment

• Deliver professional and dependable service at every customer location.
• Communicate respectfully with customers, coworkers, dispatchers, and facility leadership.
• Perform basic repairs on company bins and equipment using standard hand tools.
• Identify service or equipment concerns and communicate them promptly.
• Represent Denali professionally in every community and customer location served.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates must have:

• A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License .
• Non-Excepted Interstate Driver self-certification with the state that issued the license.
• A clean Motor Vehicle Record and PSP report.
• Experience safely operating manual and automatic transmission commercial vehicles.
• Knowledge of proper pre-trip and post-trip inspection procedures, including brake and slack-adjuster checks.
• A stable employment history.
• The ability and willingness to travel frequently, including on short notice.
• The ability to support locations outside the assigned home domicile.
• The flexibility to work weekends based on business needs.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to keep management informed.
• The ability to assist with onboarding and training newly hired drivers.
• Proficiency using smartphones, mobile applications, electronic logging devices, and other driver technology.
• The ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• The ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English, including understanding traffic signs, responding to official inquiries, and completing required reports.

Candidates must also meet one of the following experience requirements:

• Be at least 23 years old with a minimum of two years of verifiable full-time tractor-trailer driving experience ; or
• Be at least 21 years old with at least one year of tractor-trailer driving experience and graduation from an accredited truck-driving school; or
• Be at least 21 years old with at least one year of military driving experience .

Preferred Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Five or more years of Class A CDL driving experience.
• A strong safety record with no preventable accidents or major incidents.
• Previous lead-driver, driver-trainer, or multi-location support experience.
• End-dump trailer experience.
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems and equipment.
• Experience using electric pallet jacks.
• Experience handling commercial waste containers, including 3-yard bins.
• Strong time-management and route-management skills.
• Excellent communication and customer-service abilities.
• A demonstrated commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
• The ability to work independently and perform consistently across multiple locations.
• The flexibility and professionalism required to accept changing assignments and short-notice travel.

Physical Requirements

This is an active, hands-on driving position. Drivers must be able to:

• Lift, push, pull, and move equipment and containers as required.
• Climb into and out of commercial vehicles multiple times throughout the workday.
• Safely maneuver electric pallet jacks and waste containers.
• Work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and other changing weather conditions.
• Perform all essential job duties safely while remaining alert to traffic, equipment, pedestrians, and other potential hazards.

Safety Is the Foundation of Everything We Do

This is a safety-sensitive position . The Lead Support Driver is expected to demonstrate safe driving and work practices at all times, comply with DOT regulations, follow all company safety procedures, and actively contribute to a strong culture of safety.

Your decisions behind the wheel, during inspections, and at customer locations help protect you, your coworkers, our customers, and the communities we serve.

Ready to Take the Lead?

If you are an experienced Class A CDL driver who values safety, communicates effectively, enjoys traveling, adapts well to changing routes, and is willing to support the team wherever needed, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and help Denali keep its routes moving safely and efficiently across the region.

Denali is an equal-opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace for all qualified applicants and employees.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for reliable, safety-focused drivers who take pride in their equipment and their work. The ideal candidate understands the importance of performing thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections, safely operating manual transmission trucks and end dump trailers, maintaining clean equipment, and communicating effectively with customers and the operations team. If you're dependable, safety-conscious, and committed to doing the job right every day, we'd love to have you on our team.

Why You'll Love Working at Denali- Benefits & Perks

At Denali, the work we do begins and ends with you - our employees. That's why we strive to ELEVATE you to be your best, both at work and at home. Our benefits aren't just about compensation; they're part of a broader commitment to helping you thrive in all aspects of life. Here's how we live out our values every day:

• E - Employee : At Denali, we believe in offering competitive compensation packages that include not only great benefits but also a strong focus on safety, flexibility , and rewards and recognition . You are the backbone of our success, and we make sure you're valued every step of the way.
• L - Learning : We're committed to your growth and development . Our Ascend Employee Development Program and access to over 6,000 professional courses via our Learning Management System empower you to climb higher in your career - all at no cost to you.
• E - Environment : Our employees deserve a clean Earth. We're dedicated to doing our part in keeping waste out of landfills, so you can be proud of the work we do together to make a positive environmental impact .
• V - Valued : At Denali, we take pride in creating a culture of care . With resources that support your well-being, volunteerism opportunities, and a commitment to safe working conditions and inclusivity, you'll always feel like you belong here.
• A - Advancement : We believe in succession planning and providing opportunities for advancement . We want you to grow, and we'll be right there with you, supporting your career every step of the way.
• T - Together : We're stronger when we work together. At Denali, you'll have opportunities to give and receive support not just within the workplace, but within our broader community. Our team is united, and we celebrate the value of working and succeeding as one.
• E - Employees : You are the heart of Denali. We believe our employees deserve the very best. This is why we offer an array of benefits that support your overall well-being, from health coverage to work-life balance, because when you succeed, we all succeed.

Our Benefits Package Includes :

• Comprehensive Medical : Our self-insured medical plans are designed with your health in mind, offering competitive options including copay and HSA plans so you can choose what best suit your health needs.
• Dental & Vision : Keep your smile bright and your vision clear with full coverage for you and your family.
• Generous 401(k) Match : We're here for your long-term future - we offer a generous 401(k) match of up to 4%, helping you build the foundation for tomorrow.
• Company-Paid Disability & Life Insurance : We've got you covered with company-paid Long-Term and Short-Term Disability , as well as AD&D and Life Insurance , giving you peace of mind knowing you're protected.
• Voluntary Life for Employees & Family : Customize additional coverage for you and your loved ones with our voluntary life insurance options.
• Health Savings Plan : Save on medical expenses with a Health Savings Plan designed for your needs.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Sick Time : We value your well-being. Take time for yourself, your family, and personal matters with generous PTO and Sick Time, including family leave.
• 9 Paid Holidays : Enjoy a well-rounded work-life balance with 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Paid Weekly : We believe in rewarding hard work consistently, which is why we offer weekly pay so you can stay on top of your financial goals.
• Professional Development : Ascend in your career with free access to thousands of courses that allow you to grow and develop professionally.
• Employee Assistance Program : Life can be challenging at times, and we're here to support you with our confidential Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling and resources for a variety of personal and professional needs.
• Wellness Program : At Denali, we believe that well-being goes beyond health coverage. Our Wellness Program offers resources to keep you mentally, physically, and emotionally balanced as you climb higher in both life and career.

We want you to feel valued, supported, and equipped for success - because when you thrive, we all thrive. So, come for benefits. Stay for the culture. We can't wait to see you reach new heights with us at Denali.

Apply to join our team today!

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities for all employees. Accordingly, the Company will not engage in any form of employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. The Company hereby affirms its desire to maintain a work environment for all employees that is free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination.