Driver Leader - Dedicated

Hirschbach; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Hirschbach is seeking a Driver Leader to oversee daily operations for an assigned fleet of drivers. The role focuses on maximizing fleet productivity, equipment utilization, and driver retention while ensuring Best in Class service.

Responsibilities include communicating with drivers, sending preplans, tracking performance, coaching drivers, and coordinating with Safety to meet compliance standards. Monday–Friday, 7am–5pm, on-site in Dubuque, IA.

Qualifications

• Experience leading driver fleets and ensuring on-time service.
• Ability to monitor driver performance and implement coaching.
• Proficiency with operational systems and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with drivers via phone, email, and messages to minimize hold time.
• Send preplans and secure load commitments promptly.
• Track driver performance from dispatch to delivery for on-time service.
• Manage operator availability and update scheduling needs.
• Coach drivers to identify performance improvements and provide training.
• Collaborate with Safety to ensure compliance and coaching.

Skills

Fleet leadership

Communication

Training/coaching

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, Management or related field preferred

Tools

AS400

Job description

As a Driver Leader with Hirschbach, you are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of an assigned fleet of drivers. Your primary objectives are to maximize fleet productivity, equipment utilization, and driver retention. You will monitor driver performance, support safe and efficient operations, and ensure that all Hirschbach operators consistently deliver Best in Class service.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicates with drivers by promptly answering phone calls, emails, and messages to ensure clear communication and reduce operator hold time.
• Sends preplans to drivers and secures load commitments in a timely manner.
• Completes loaded and empty calls accurately and efficiently.
• Tracks operator performance from dispatch through delivery to ensure consistent on-time service.
• Manages operator availability and updates PTAs accurately based on current scheduling needs.
• Optimizes performance of assigned drivers, including on-time pickup/delivery, Hours of Service (HOS) compliance, driver availability, and individual scheduling preferences.
• Builds and maintains professional, positive working relationships with Hirschbach operators and internal operations team members.
• Coaches drivers by identifying performance improvement opportunities and providing guidance and training to support their success.
• Collaborates with the Safety department to ensure drivers meet all compliance requirements and receive proper coaching to uphold company standards.
• Proactively identifies and resolves potential settlement or pay issues by working closely with Driver Payroll.
• Attends meetings related to driver operations and occasionally travels to terminal locations as needed.
• Manages driver availability to maximize fleet productivity.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including proactively supporting other departments to achieve organizational goals.
• Manage a minimum board of 15 drivers while demonstrating consistent leadership effectiveness.

Performance Metrics

• Service (Rolling): Maintain 98.5%
• Turnover: Meet or exceed company turnover benchmarks
• Safety: Maintain strong safety performance with minimal preventable incidents

Education And Experience

• Displays a strong understanding of Hirschbach operations and the functioning of the freight network.
• Demonstrates the ability to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with Hirschbach operators.
• Shows an understanding of driver retention and its impact on operations, and can proactively identify issues that may contribute to turnover.
• Understands Hirschbach service standards and effectively monitors the performance of assigned drivers or fleet to ensure compliance.
• Demonstrates a professional tone and always communicates respectfully with drivers and team members.
• Exhibits basic proficiency with AS400 and other operational systems, including the ability to enter data accurately and efficiently.
• High school diploma or equivalent in education, paired with relevant professional experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, Management or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to process information with a high level of accuracy and energy.
• Computer proficiency with the ability to navigate between multiple programs.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7am-5pm

Company Overview

Founded in 1935, Hirschbach Motor Lines has built a sterling reputation for delivering time and temperature-sensitive freight across 48 states. Today, the organization generates $1+ billion in revenue and has become the 2nd largest refrigerated carrier in North America with company headquarters in Dubuque, Iowa. Hirschbach strives to provide the highest level of service in the industry, offering a breadth of services including Dedicated, Over the Road, Expedited, Entertainment, and Logistics Solutions.

With a tenured history and vision for the future, our company culture drives us to be the best in the business, grounded in our All In To Win values. One key to trust is having a pool of talent and resources who are exceptionally competent, capable, and passionate for serving results to our customers.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Our Company is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment which is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.