Live Haul Driver

Pilgrim's; Cold Spring (MN); On-site; USD 39,950 - 56,481; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vision coverage

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Pilgrim’s Live Haul Driver role involves safely transporting live birds from farms to support production needs. You will operate and inspect hauling equipment, follow schedules, and ensure safety, quality, and compliance with company policies and biosecurity standards.

The position emphasizes teamwork with live haul, production, and farm staff, with a focus on accuracy, documentation, and effective communication to maintain operational continuity across Pilgrim’s supply chain.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A commercial driver license (CDL) is required.
• 12 months of verifiable tractor/trailer experience in the past 36 months.
• Ability to operate a manual CMV and drive safely as part of live haul operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for coordination with team members.

Responsibilities

• Operate live haul trucks safely and efficiently.
• Conduct equipment inspections and report issues.
• Maintain product quality and drive trucks per SOPs.
• Operate forklift to load trucks at contract growers.
• Communicate with associates, maintenance staff, growers, and supervisors.
• Maintain clean equipment and work areas; ensure bio-security.

Skills

Truck operation

Communication

Safety compliance

Tools

Forklift operation

Manual CMV operation

Job description

Live Haul Driver

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

The Live Haul Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transport of live birds from company poultry farms, ensuring timely delivery to support production needs. This role operates and maintains commercial hauling equipment, follows established delivery schedules, and upholds company standards for safety, quality, and reliability. The driver collaborates closely with live haul personnel, live production teams, and farm staff to ensure accurate delivery, proper documentation, and effective communication. By adhering to transportation regulations, biosecurity protocols, and company policies, the Live Haul Driver plays a vital role in supporting operational continuity, bird health, and the overall success of Pilgrim’s supply chain.

Responsibilities:

• Operate live haul 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.
• Operates forklift, loading trucks at contract growers in a safe and efficient manner.
• Communicate effectively—both verbally and in writing—with associates, maintenance staff, growers, and supervisors regarding farm conditions and other relevant information.
• Maintain equipment, keep trucks and work areas clean, neat, and orderly.
• Maintains very strict bio-security and animal welfare at the farms.
• Follows Packers and Stockyards guidelines for weighing live poultry.
• Follows truck tarping guidelines during periods of inclement weather.
• Pick up each flock 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 valid Class A commercial driver license (CDL) and have 12 months of verifiable tractor/trailer experience within the past 36 months.
• Eligibility: No positive test for drugs or alcohol in the past 5 years.
• Skills: Must have the following: the ability to operate a manual CMV, the ability to communicate effectively with others in a manner that maintains harmony with co-workers, the ability to follow both written and verbal directions, the appropriate skill to drive a truck safely, working knowledge of driving and traffic rules, and good hand and eye coordination.

Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more.

Farming/agriculture experience referred.

Why Work for Pilgrim’s?

• Schedule: Sunday – Thursday, primarily night shift, with weekend work required on an as needed basis.
• Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment.
• Paid Time Off: Sick leave, vacation, company observed holidays or, any other statutorily required paid leave;
• 401(k): Company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
• Base hourly salary: $34.55 per hour (hourly rate includes $1.00 per hour shift differential and a $3.00 Perfect Attendance Incentive).
• 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
• Better Futures

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 to 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

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

EOE, including disability/vets