Driver, Trainee Hourly

McLane Company, Inc.; Nicholasville (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with profit sharing

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Sick leave

Pet insurance

Maternity/Paternity leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

McLane Company, Inc. is seeking a Driver Trainee in Nicholasville, KY to join our transportation team. The role includes learning to maneuver tractors, secure loads, and operate the DDH while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

During training, the pay starts at $23.37 per hour; after training, drivers typically earn $65,000 to $85,000 annually. Benefits begin day one and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSA/HSA, and more.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Complete training and receive Class A CDL in 6 months or less.
• Ability to read and comprehend labels, instructions, and bills of lading.
• Willingness to select/load/unload and/or deliver all products for McLane customers.
• Read, write, and understand English sufficiently for job tasks.

Responsibilities

• Maneuver tractor into position to attach trailer and secure lines.
• Operate truck safely in compliance with regulations and policies.
• Inspect tractor-trailer for defects and submit DOT inspection report.
• Document deliveries with DDH and monitor product temperatures and exceptions.
• Ride with Driver Trainer to learn routes, regulations, and driving maneuvers.
• Maintain driver logs per DOT regulations.
• Assist in unloading and delivering products to customer premises.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Safety-focused

Reliable

Adaptable

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

21+ years old

Tools

Driver Delivery Handheld (DDH)

PeopleNet

Job description

Take your career further with McLane! Our drivers work hard to move, supply, and provide for America's favorite brands. Being reliable and dedicated to safety has defined our success as an industry leader for 130+ years. Join McLane and discover the driving difference—we provide you with industry-leading pay, strong and secure client relationships, and get you home safely and more often. That's why our drivers build long-lasting careers with us.

Benefits You Can Count On

• Pay Rate while in training: $23.37
• Pay Rate: Drivers make $65,000 to $85,000 after training 1st year average
• Load schedule Tuesday - Saturday, loads are assigned
• Day 1 Benefits: medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSA/HSA and company-paid life insurance.
• Paid holidays, earn vacation time, and sick leave accrual from day one.
• 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan after 90 days.
• Additional benefits: pet insurance, maternity/paternity leave, employee assistance programs, discount programs, tuition reimbursement program, and more!

What You’ll Do As a Driver Trainee

• Maneuver tractor into position to attach trailer and handle lines to secure.
• Operate truck in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies.
• Inspect tractor-trailer equipment for defects pre/post trip and submit DOT inspection report indicating condition.
• Operate Driver Delivery Handheld (DDH), document delivery receipts/product temperatures and exceptions. Inspect trailer to ensure product is secured for undamaged transport of product.
• Ride and train with Driver Trainer of tractor‑trailer to various destinations, gaining knowledge of commercial driving regulations and observing the Driver’s skill in starting engine properly, approaching intersections, making turns, backing, parking, and maneuvering vehicle on the road and on customer premises.
• Maintain driver log (Manual or PeopleNet) according to DOT regulations, documenting delivery receipt, product temperatures and exceptions.
• Assist the Driver in unloading trailer and delivering product into customer premises.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications You’ll Bring As a Driver Trainee Teammate

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Meet eligibility requirements in the McLane Transfer and Promotion Policy.
• Complete training and receive Class A CDL in 6 months or less.
• Ability and willingness to select/load/unload and/or deliver ALL products that may be ordered by McLane customers.
• Stand, walk, sit, climb, reach, bend, squat, and stoop to accomplish the essential job functions.
• Read and comprehend labels, instructions, and bills of lading.
• Perform mathematical calculations to verify quantities of product.
• Communicate with customers, management, and other teammates.
• Safely drive a tractor-trailer, use a 2‑wheeled dolly, ramp, and on‑board PeopleNet devices.
• This position requires the ability to read, write, and understand English at a level sufficient to perform job‑related tasks effectively and safely. This includes understanding work instructions, safety protocols, and communications essential to the role. The requirement is directly related to the nature of the job and ensures compliance with workplace safety and operational standards.

Fit the following? We want you here!

• Safety‑focused
• Reliable
• Adaptable
• Dedicated

Moving America forward — together. We’ve been forging our path as a leader in the distribution industry since 1894. Building an expansive nationwide network of team members for 130+ years has allowed us to stay agile for our clients across the restaurant, retail, and e‑commerce industries. We look to the future and are ready to continue making industry‑defining moves by embracing the newest technology into our practices, continuing team member training, and emphasizing our people‑centered culture.

Candidates may be subject to a background check and drug screen, in accordance with applicable laws.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

For our complete EEO and Pay Transparency statement, please visit https://www.mclaneco.com/legal/employment/

Primary Location United States-Kentucky-Nicholasville

Work Locations DC Cumberland

Business Unit GR360

Schedule Full‑time

Shift 1st - Day

Employee Status Regular