Open Deck Development Specialist

Nussbaum; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life & disability insurance

FSA or HSA option

ESOP

401(k) match

Wellness program

GrowRED rewards

Job summary

Nussbaum is seeking a full-time Open Deck Development Specialist to join our Driver Training team. This office-based role focuses on cargo securement and tarping training for flatbed drivers, with occasional on-road work.

You will coordinate training content, coach drivers on securement and WLL calculations, maintain records, and collaborate with operations. Class A CDL required; open deck experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Class A CDL is required.
• Experience with open deck trailers (flatbed, step deck, RGN or Conestoga) is preferred.
• Familiarity with FMCSA cargo securement regulations (Part 393).
• Experience tarping a wide variety of freight types.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel for training content and record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary resource for flatbed drivers on cargo securement and tarping (phone, in-person, hands-on).
• Teach proper cargo securement: straps, chains, binders, edge protectors, dunnage.
• Lead tarping techniques across freight types.
• Coach on load inspection, WLL calculations, and Part 393 compliance.
• Coordinate training content with Open Deck and Driver Training teams.
• Maintain training records and track driver progress.
• Assist hands-on training and simulator sessions.

Skills

CDL Class A

Open deck driving experience

FMCSA cargo securement regulations

Tarping experience

Word

Excel

Strong communication skills

Team player

Detail oriented

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Welcome! Thanks for stopping by.We’re excited that you’re considering Nussbaum as the next step in your career! To kick it off, here’s a little about who we are:

• We are Employee Owned. All of our people receive an ownership stake in the company via our ESOP.
• We are Purpose Driven. Our goal is to make a positive impact through each interaction. Therefore, character and integrity are essential.
• We celebrate faith & family. We believe God owns this business and we’re just stewards for a season.
• Innovation is our thing. We’re bent on continuous improvement and crushing expectations. We aren’t afraid to try something new.
• We enjoy being at work.The transportation industry is hectic, but we do our best to have fun along the way .

Does that match what you’re looking for?

Now, for those job details:

Driver Development is a major focus for Nussbaum Transportation. Equipping our flatbed drivers to safely load, secure, and tarp every type of freight we haul is at the heart of what keeps our drivers and the motoring public safe.

We are looking for a full-time Open Deck Development Specialist who can integrate easily into our Driver Training team and serve as a go-to resource for flatbed drivers on cargo securement and tarping. This is primarily an office-based role, with regular communication support, training coordination, and content development, alongside periodic hands‑on training in the yard and on the road. This includes being able to respectfully communicate with Drivers, Operations, and others involved in the load planning and securement process.

At Nussbaum, our vision is to be purpose‑driven in everything we do. We want to make a positive impact on our drivers, employees, customers, partners, and those we meet along the way. This means we do more than just “show up.” As employee owners, we own our actions and take a personal stake in our company’s success. We lead with faith and integrity. We put people and family first. It’s at our core, and it’s the reason so many people love coming to work here each day. Are you ready to join us?

• Serve as the primary resource for flatbed drivers on cargo securement and tarping questions whether by phone, In‑person, or hands on.
• Teach proper cargo securement: straps, chains, binders, edge protectors, dunnage, and load‑specific tie‑down patterns.
• Teach proper tarping techniques on a wide range of freight types.
• Coach drivers on load inspection, working load limit (WLL) calculations, and FMCSA Part 393 cargo securement compliance.
• Available by phone to answer driver questions in real time.
• Occasional ride‑along to develop newer flatbed drivers in real‑world conditions.
• Partner with the Open Deck team and Driver Training team to keep training content current and consistent.
• Occasional opportunities to assist with local loads, including grabbing and loading freight from shippers like Bridgestone and securing it for the next driver.
• Teach drivers proper en‑route securement inspection.
• Maintain training records and track driver progress.
• Coach drivers on how to respond to in‑field securement failures, including proper protocols for safely addressing a compromised load, communicating with dispatch, and preventing injuries to themselves and others on the road.
• Assist with hands‑on training components of Nussbaum’s CertRed program, helping drivers meet the standards required for certification
• Assist in conducting simulator training

Schedule

• Full time: Monday-Friday, 7:00am – 4:30pm.
• Location: Corporate Offices – 19336 N 1425 East Rd., Hudson IL plus on‑road training as assigned.
• Pay Range – $65,000-$80,000.
• Life & disability insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Or Health Savings Account (HSA) option.
• ESOP account – company‑funded supplemental retirement account (on top of the 401k).
• 401(k) match.
• Cross-Department Networking – get to know fellow employee owners through network lunches, financial workshops, serving on a committee/event team, service projects, and GrowRED activities.
• GrowRED Professional Development – earn rewards points as you engage in classes, seminars, job shadows, online trainings, and activities with fellow employee owners!
• Company Wellness Program – includes step and weight loss incentives and free add‑on healthcare benefits. Earn rewards points for engaging in a healthy, active lifestyle!
• Rewards – GrowRED + Wellness points may be redeemed for gift cards, electronics, PTO days, and more!
• Food days! Every Other month, enjoy a free gourmet lunch served by fellow employee owners.

Job Requirements

Here’s the type of person we’re looking for:

• Team player – able to interact well with others, respectful, gives/receives feedback with grace and honesty
• Strong communication skills – verbal and written
• Patient and approachable, comfortable teaching drivers of varying experience levels
• Self‑motivated – identifies new opportunities and takes initiative to solve problems
• Desire for continual learning – always looking to grow, both personally and professionally
• Detail oriented

Experience & Qualifications

• Class A CDL required
• Open deck driving experience/Knowledge required; familiarity with multiple trailer types preferred (standard flatbed, step deck, RGN, Conestoga)
• Working knowledge of FMCSA cargo securement regulations (Part 393)
• Experience tarping a wide variety of freight types
• Basic knowledge of Word, Excel, and general computer skills

Physical Requirements

• While this is primarily an office‑based role, the hands‑on component requires the ability to climb on and off trailers, lift and maneuver heavy tarps and chains, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and demonstrate proper securement techniques in the field