CDL Shipping Driver

Pilgrim; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vision coverage

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Paid Time Off

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Pilgrim is hiring a Shipping Driver to transport trailers to and from the shipping docks and storage yard, ensuring temperature control and compliance with safety standards. The role collaborates with production and maintenance teams to fulfill requests, document properly, and communicate effectively.

The position offers first-shift hours starting at 6 am, a base hourly rate of $28.92, and benefits including medical, vision, and dental after 60 days, plus PTO and a 401(k) with company match

Qualifications

• Certifications & Licenses: Class A CDL with 12 months of verifiable tractor/trailer experience in the last 36 months.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions and operate a CMV safely.
• Physical capability to lift 50 lbs or more.

Responsibilities

• Operate shipping trucks safely and efficiently.
• Conduct equipment inspections and report issues.
• Maintain product quality and integrity during transport.
• Communicate clearly with associates and supervisors about trailer and storage lot conditions.
• Keep trucks and work areas clean and orderly.
• Transport each trailer as directed.
• Follow housekeeping schedules and use required PPE.
• Foster teamwork and positive communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Safe driving

Vehicle operation

Lifting ability

Education

Class A CDL

Job description

At Pilgrim’s, Safety Is A Condition , which means the safety of our team members comes first - always.

The Shipping Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of trailers to and from the shipping docks and storage yard. The driver will also be responsible for ensuring trailers maintain the correct temperature while sitting on the storage lot. This role operates and maintains commercial hauling equipment, follows established schedules, and upholds company standards for safety, quality, and reliability. The driver collaborates closely with department personnel and production teams to ensure requests are fulfilled accurately, proper documentation, and effective communication. By adhering to transportation regulations, biosecurity protocols, and company policies, the Shipping Driver plays a vital role in supporting operational continuity and the overall success of Pilgrim’s supply chain.

Responsibilities:

• Operate shipping trucks safely and efficiently.
• Conduct equipment inspections following company guidelines and report issues to the Supervisor.
• Operate trucks in a manner that maintains product quality and integrity.
• Communicate effectively—both verbally and in writing—with associates, maintenance staff, and supervisors regarding trailer and storage lot conditions, and other relevant information.
• Maintain equipment and keep trucks and work areas clean, neat, and orderly.
• Transport each trailer as directed.
• Follow the housekeeping schedule, using proper techniques and required PPE.
• Foster a positive work environment through cooperative communication and teamwork.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need:

• Certifications & Licenses: applicants must have a Class A CDL with 12 months of verifiable tractor/trailer experience within the previous 36 months.
• if the driver has a positive test for drugs or alcohol in the previous 5 years, they are not eligible.
• Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with others in a manner that maintains harmony with co-workers, ability to follow both written and verbal directions, appropriate skill to drive a truck safely, working knowledge of driving and traffic rules, good hand and eye coordination required.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more
• Must be able to operate manual CMV

Why Work for Pilgrim’s?

• Schedule: 1st shift 6 am-2 pm Mon-Fri., subject to work Saturdays on as needed basis.
• Benefits : Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off: vacation, company observed holidays
• 401(k): Company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
• Base hourly salary rate of: $28.92 per hour.
• Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs; and

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

About us:

Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 62,000 team members worldwide. The company processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Pilgrim’s operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe.

Our mission:

To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services for our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all our team members.

Our core values are:

Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity