Driving Instructor

YMX Logistics; Kenosha (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

YMX Logistics in Kenosha, Wisconsin, seeks a dynamic Driver Trainer to deliver hands-on training, mentorship, and compliance education to Spotters, Shuttle, and OTR drivers, ensuring safe driving practices and regulatory adherence across roles.

You will lead safety training on DOT/FMCSA regulations, hours-of-service, vehicle inspections, and cargo handling, accompany drivers on road and yard operations, provide feedback, and coordinate with dispatch and maintenance to uphold training standards.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid CDL-A with a clean driving record and knowledge of regulations.
• Experience teaching compliance, safety, and regulatory topics to drivers.
• Ability to communicate complex rules clearly to varied learners.
• Willingness to travel to multiple company locations for training.
• Proven ability to create and maintain training materials and records.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on driver training for Spotters, Shuttle, and OTR drivers.
• Educate on DOT/FMCSA regulations, HOS, inspections, and safety protocols.
• Supervise on-road and on-site driving scenarios with real-time feedback.
• Evaluate driver performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Mentor drivers on soft skills and professional conduct with dispatch teams.
• Maintain training documentation and compliance records across sites.
• Coordinate with maintenance and operations to ensure training relevance.
• Travel to various locations to provide consistent coaching.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and safety standards.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Teaching / training

Communication

Feedback delivery

Organizational skills

Education

CDL-A license or higher

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

YMX Logistics is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Driver Trainer to join our team. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in providing hands-on training, mentorship, and compliance education to Spotters, Shuttle Drivers, and Over-the-Road drivers, ensuring safe driving practices and regulatory adherence. This position is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Responsibilities

1. 1. Training on Safe Driving Practices
   • Instruction on Laws and Regulations: The trainer educates drivers on federal and state driving laws, Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, hours-of-service (HOS) rules, and safety protocols tailored to each specific role (Spotter, Shuttle, or OTR Driver).
   • Safe Handling of the Vehicle: Emphasizes defensive driving, managing speed, assessing road conditions, and maintaining control, especially with heavy loads or in tight spaces.
   • Emergency Procedures: Teaches how to respond to breakdowns, accidents, or other emergencies in different driving environments, whether at a yard, on the road, or in aware house.
2. 2. Hands-On Driving Training for Multiple Roles
   • On-the-Road and On-Site Supervision: Accompany drivers during actual road trips or yard operations to assess their performance and provide real-time feedback. For Spotters and Shuttle Drivers, this may involve shorter, more frequent routes or on-site maneuvers, while OTR Drivers require training for long-haul trips.
   • Skill Development: Helps drivers develop essential skills based on their specific roles, such as maneuvering in tight spaces for Spotters, backing trailers for Shuttle Drivers, and handlinglong-distance travel for OTR Drivers.
3. 3. Logbook and Compliance Training
   • Record-Keeping: Instructs drivers on how to properly maintain logbooks and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to ensure compliance with DOT hours-of-service rules, based on their role.
   • Regulatory Compliance: Ensures drivers understand and follow all FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations, including proper vehicle inspections and hours-of-service for OTR drivers.
4. 4. Evaluating and Providing Feedback
   • Driver Performance Evaluation: Reviews progress of all drivers, identifying areas for improvement, and providing constructive feedback to help them develop into skilled professionals.
   • Testing Readiness: Assesses if drivers are prepared for any necessary certifications, ensuring their skills meet the required standards for Spotting, Shuttle driving, or long-haul trucking.
5. 5. Mentorship and Support
   • Soft Skills: Provides guidance on professionalism, customer service, and communication with dispatchers, warehouse staff, and clients.
   • Problem Solving: Helps drivers manage various challenges such as time management, route efficiency, dealing with stress, and handling job-specific tasks, whether it's tight maneuvering for Spotters or route planning for OTR Drivers.
6. 6. Ensuring Cargo and Equipment Safety
   • Cargo Handling and Equipment Use: Teaches safe loading, securing, and inspection of cargo and equipment, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations for each type of driver (such as securing loads for Shuttle or OTR Drivers).
   • Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections: Instructs drivers on how to perform thorough vehicle inspections to identify potential issues before and after their shifts, ensuring the truck or yard equipment is in good working condition.
7. 7. Administrative and Reporting Responsibilities
   • Documentation: Completes reports and evaluations, tracking driver progress and submitting feedback to supervisors. This includes maintaining accurate records for drivers across multiple locations and ensuring consistency in training standards.
   • Continuing Education: Keeps up with industry changes in regulations, safety procedures, and technology to ensure the most current information is being passed on to drivers.
8. 8. Health and Safety Protocols
   • Physical and Mental Health Awareness: Educates drivers on the importance of maintaining physical fitness and mental alertness, recognizing signs of fatigue, and practicing proper safety protocols to prevent accidents.
9. 9. Travel Requirements
   • Travel: As part of the role, the trainer is required to travel to different company locations or job sites to provide training and hands-on support for Spotters, Shuttle Drivers and OTR Drivers.

   The travel can vary depending on the company’s needs but typically involves both local and regional trips. This role is essential for ensuring that drivers of all types are prepared to operate safely and efficiently, while fostering a culture of professionalism and compliance across multiple locations.

Requirements

• Must hold a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with a clean driving record, demonstrating a strong understanding of federal and state regulations, as well as hands-on driving experience in various conditions.
• Must be fully knowledgeable of Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules, and other relevant laws that apply to commercial driving.
• Ability to teach compliance with hours-of-service (HOS) regulations, vehicle maintenance standards, and safety protocols. Technical or vocational degree or relevant experience in fleet maintenance, automotive management, or related field.
• Experience in supervisory or managerial roles, as well as hands-on experience with vehicle maintenance and repair.
• A strong understanding of the transportation and logistics industry, as well as knowledge of regulatory requirements and safety standards.
• At least 2-5 years of commercial driving experience, including over-the-road (OTR) driving, spotter and shuttle driving, and potentially experience in different types of commercial vehicles (e.g., dry vans, reefers, flatbeds).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to explain complex regulations, safety measures, and driving techniques clearly and effectively.
• Ability to give constructive feedback to trainees in a professional manner and adapt teaching style to different learners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft suite of products.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must be proficient in providing real-time driving instruction and constructive feedback during on-the-road and on-site driving sessions for Spotters, Shuttle Drivers, and OTR Drivers. Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.