Driver Manager

Day & Ross; Ottawa (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Day & Ross is seeking a Driver Manager to lead a fleet of drivers, ensuring safe, on-time deliveries and profitability. You will support driver performance, ensure DOT compliance, manage loads and routing, and coordinate with the operations team to improve retention.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, organization, and effective communication to maximize productivity and service quality across North American routes.

Qualifications

• Logistics and transportation knowledge required.
• Supervisory or lead experience with front-line teams.
• Familiarity with TMS and telematics systems (PeopleNet/Qualcomm).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate driver scheduling and on-time delivery.
• Monitor DOT compliance and driver pay/budgets.
• Maintain driver communications and performance records.
• Provide guidance on routing, hours of service, and loads.
• Develop client relations and market opportunities via outreach.

Skills

Logistics experience

Transportation knowledge

Supervisory experience

TMS knowledge

PeopleNet/Qualcomm

MS Office

Customer service

Verbal/written communication

Deadline oriented

Education

High School Diploma or GED

4-Year College degree preferred

Tools

TMS System

PeopleNet

Qualcomm

SAP small business (plus)

Job description

The Driver Manager is a member of the Day & Ross Operations Team. The role ensures safe, on-time delivery for various customers, while maximizing the productivity and profitability of an assigned fleet of drivers and trucks. Driver Managers are also responsible for creating a positive quality of work for drivers and provide safe and effective driver management to enhance driver retention. Lastly, they insure driver adherence to company policy and procedures.

How You’ll Help

• Ability to Multitask effectively
• Ensure driver success through relationship building, effective communication, positive recognition and timely addressing of issues (performance and personal related).
• Provide complete load information, including routing and directions to ensure drivers are fully prepared for work assignment.
• Assist/coach driver on time management issues, i.e., departure times, driving time management to insure on-time delivery and hours of services compliance.
• Assist/coach drivers with on-board ELD system and HOS compliance.
• Monitor all on-board ELD message communication.
• Maintain accurate and complete files for all records within TMS System – For drivers, trips and customers.
• Answer phones and electronic communication from both drivers and customers.
• Monitor TMS System software for correct trip information and flow.
• Follow all established processes, procedures and protocol.
• Maintain compliance with DOT regulations and company rules.
• Understand driver pay structure.
• Process driver requests for time off according to company policy.
• Document any issues or discussions with the driver regarding performance.
• Tele-market to develop current and new business opportunities for Day & Ross. Build a portfolio of clients by researching and seeking out prospects via sales calls.
• Cultivating existing brokerage customers for new opportunities for continued growth.
• Negotiating and arranging for transportation of goods.
• Utilize various tools in the ELD System and TMS System systems per company processes and procedures.
• Monitor critical loads, be able to determine when a recovery plan is needed and be able to execute plan to ensure on-time delivery or to achieve other objectives.
• Work with Driver Management Team to coordinate weekend dispatch coverage on a rotating schedule as needed.

Your Skills & Experience:

• Minimum of a high school Diploma or GED, with Logistics experience preferred.
• 4-Year College degree preferred but not required.
• Knowledge and experience in Transportation is required.
• Previous Supervision, Transportation and/or Operational experience is necessary.
• Experience leading a team of front line employees and supervisors from a remote setting.
• TMS System software expertise preferred.
• Experience with PeopleNet or Qualcomm systems.
• Contributing to the development and maintenance of operational budgets.
• Must have strong, positive leadership, influencing and follow up skills.
• Knowledge of DOT Rules and Regulations.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office applications, a working knowledge of SAP small business a plus.
• Communication skills – Very high level of verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrated customer relationship skills and excellent customer service.
• Able to work deadlines in high transactional environment.
• Travel requirement 10% or less.

If you’re chosen for the role, you’ll be asked to provide reference and criminal background checks before employment. You’ll only be contacted if you’re selected for an interview.

About Day & Ross

From a single truckload of potatoes in the 1950s to a fleet of thousands, Day & Ross has grown to become one of the largest transportation and logistics providers in North America. With over 7,500 team members on and off the road in the US and Canada, we offer a diversified portfolio of freight and delivery solutions, including LTL, Truckload, Residential, Dedicated Fleet Solutions, and Logistics.

We believe our people are our greatest strength. That’s why we’ve been named a Top Company for Women to Work for in Transportation since 2018. We’ve also been recognized by Transport Topics as a Top Dedicated and For-Hire Carrier. Our recognition reflects the family values we share with our parent company, McCain Foods Limited.

As a federally regulated employer, Day & Ross fully supports the principles of employment equity and encourages all qualified members of the designated groups to apply. Day & Ross is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities and meeting their needs in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and by meeting our accessibility requirements in alignment with our business practices, capabilities, and values.