1st Shift Shuttle Driver

Unis, LLC; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

UNIS is seeking a 1st Shift Shuttle Driver in Riverside, CA. This CDL-A role moves trailers between UNIS facilities, focusing on safe, efficient yard operations and on-time dockings. Working 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., you’ll perform pre-trip inspections, back into docks, and coordinate with dispatch to keep loads progressing.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of Class A driving, a clean DOT record, knowledge of hours-of-service rules, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, safety‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years verifiable Class A CDL driving experience.
• Valid Class A CDL with clean DOT record and compliance history.
• Knowledge of DOT hours-of-service and vehicle inspection procedures.
• Ability to perform yard spotting and trailer positioning safely.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate Class A vehicles and yard goats to shuttle trailers between UNIS facilities within local radius.
• Conduct pre-trip, in-transit, and post-trip inspections and report defects per DOT requirements.
• Execute yard spotting and trailer positioning to optimize loading/unloading flow.
• Maintain clear communication with dispatch and yard teams regarding trailer status and delays.
• Adhere to hours-of-service rules and site safety procedures to promote safety and efficiency.

Skills

CDL Class A

DOT regulations

Pre-trip inspections

Shuttle operations

Time management

Safety awareness

Job description

The 1st Shift Shuttle Driver is a Class A CDL professional responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of trailers and containers between closely located UNIS logistics and distribution sites. Operating primarily within high-volume yards, this role is a critical link in UNIS’s local transportation network, ensuring that trailers are positioned on time and in the correct locations to support loading, unloading, and onward distribution. The 1st Shift Shuttle Driver works from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., forming part of the first operational wave that sets the pace for the day’s throughput. By consistently adhering to strict safety standards, DOT regulations, and yard protocols, this role directly impacts service levels, asset utilization, and overall yard efficiency. The position collaborates closely with yard management, dispatch, warehouse operations, and fellow drivers, and is expected to demonstrate professional maturity, strong situational awareness, and disciplined execution in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Safely operate Class A vehicles and yard goats to shuttle trailers between designated UNIS facilities and yard locations within a defined local radius, ensuring on-time movement and adherence to all DOT and company safety policies.
• 2. Conduct thorough pre-trip, in-transit, and post-trip inspections of trucks, trailers, and yard equipment, accurately documenting findings and promptly reporting any defects or maintenance needs in accordance with company procedures and DOT requirements.
• 3. Execute yard spotting and trailer positioning activities in high-volume yards, including backing into docks, staging trailers in assigned lanes, and following yard maps and instructions to optimize flow for loading and unloading operations.
• 4. Maintain clear, timely communication with dispatch, yard supervisors, and warehouse teams regarding trailer status, delays, safety concerns, and any operational issues, using company-approved communication tools and protocols.
• 5. Comply fully with hours-of-service rules, company policies, and site-specific safety procedures (including speed limits, PPE requirements, and traffic patterns), and actively contribute to a culture of safety, quality, and efficiency through responsible behavior and professional conduct.

Pay and Benefits

Compensation

$25 per hour

Requirements

• 1. Minimum of 2 years verifiable work experience as a Class A CDL driver, including hands-on exposure to yard and shuttle operations in a logistics, distribution, or similar environment.
• 2. Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a clean and acceptable DOT/safety driving record, demonstrating a consistent history of safe driving and regulatory compliance.
• 4. No history of DUI convictions or major driving violations, and ability to satisfactorily pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening in line with federal and company requirements.
• 5. Willingness to undergo and successfully clear a background check, including employment verification and references, demonstrating reliability and professional integrity.
• 6. Solid working knowledge of DOT regulations governing safe driving, hours of service, vehicle inspection, and basic equipment maintenance, with the ability to apply these regulations in daily operations.
• 7. Availability to work the 1st shift schedule (6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) on a consistent basis, including potential overtime or schedule adjustments based on business needs.

Skills

1. Safe Driving and Equipment Operation: Proven ability to operate Class A tractors, trailers, and yard goats safely in confined, high-traffic yard environments, including proficient backing, coupling/uncoupling, and maneuvering in tight spaces.

2. Regulatory and Safety Compliance: Strong understanding of DOT regulations, hours-of-service rules, and company safety policies, with disciplined adherence to inspection routines, documentation standards, and controlled substance regulations.

3. Yard Flow and Spatial Awareness: Ability to read yard maps, understand lane assignments and dock layouts, and position trailers in a way that supports efficient loading/unloading and minimizes congestion and operational risk.

5. Time Management and Reliability: Consistent punctuality for the 1st shift schedule, ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple trailer movements, and maintain productivity under time constraints without compromising safety.

6. Situational Judgment and Problem-Solving: Capacity to assess yard conditions, traffic patterns, and potential risks, making sound decisions to avoid accidents, delays, and damage to equipment or freight.

Ready to Transform Logistics Management?

Join our innovative team and help shape the future of supply chain efficiency