Route Driver

The Kendall Group; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kendall Group is actively seeking a Route Driver to support our Michigan operations. You will operate a delivery van and straight truck, delivering to customer locations while delivering exceptional service and building strong customer relationships.

Key responsibilities include route planning, loading/unloading, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to safety procedures. The role may involve warehouse tasks and interactions with supervisors or location managers.

Qualifications

• Entry Level work experience.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record.
• Must pass DOT Medical Exam and obtain 1-Year Card (paid by The Kendall Group).
• Ability to use standard office equipment and warehouse tools; basic math and reasoning.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service and address inquiries professionally.
• Drive product to various customer locations using delivery vans or box trucks.
• Load and unload cargo according to procedures.
• Review and optimize delivery routes for efficiency and timeliness; use data to improve routes.
• Maintain daily shipping manifests and ensure accurate records.
• Perform warehouse duties and operate equipment (forklifts, hand trucks).
• Keep delivery vehicle clean and well‑maintained; follow safety procedures.
• Attend meetings and training sessions; perform other tasks as assigned.

Skills

Service Excellence

Results, Action Oriented

Accountability and Responsibility

Teamwork and collaboration

Safety Conscious

Time Management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

About The Kendall Group

The Kendall Group is comprised of eight divisions with 75+ locations in ten states. Combined, we serve the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, and Fitting products, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation Industries. The Kendall Group is a 100% employee-owned company. Kendall offers a great opportunity for a rewarding career.

Why The Kendall Group?

Our employee ownership model is the core of who we are. You will not only own part of the company, but you will own your future. At Kendall, you'll have opportunities to learn and grow while being coached and mentored along the way. We're that company where people stay! We're proud to say more than 60% of our associates have more than 5 years of tenure, and more than 40% have greater than 10 years. At Kendall, you will be valued and supported, your ideas will be heard, your voice will matter, and you'll work alongside incredible people who care about your success.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Warehouse Supervisor/Manager or Location Manager, the Route Driver is responsible for driving and operating a Delivery van and Straight truck (Box Truck) moving and hauling cargo between customer locations upon assignment from the Supervisor. Route Drivers are essential to the overall operation of the business. As a Route Driver, you will be the face of our company, providing exceptional customer service and building strong relationships with our customers. Your role is crucial in ensuring timely and accurate deliveries while maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor. When Delivery Drivers are not needed for delivery, drivers assist with various job duties within the warehouse or location.

Exciting Work You Will Do

• Provide excellent customer service, addressing customer inquiries and concerns promptly and professionally
• Driving product to various customer locations
• Truck loading and unloading according to established procedures
• Actively engage in reviewing and optimizing delivery routes to ensure efficiency and timely delivery, leveraging data analysis and feedback to continuously improve route performance
• Responsible for daily shipping manifest
• Perform warehouse duties and operate warehouse equipment including forklifts, hand trucks, etc.
• Maintain the delivery vehicle in excellent condition, ensuring it is clean, well‑maintained, and regularly inspected for any mechanical issues Follow safe work habits and established safety procedures
• Safely operate additional warehouse equipment
• Attend meetings and training sessions
• Other tasks as assigned

Competencies You Possess

• Service Excellence
• Results, Action Oriented
• Accountability and Responsibility
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Safety Conscious
• Time Management

What You’ll Need

• Work Experience: Entry Level
• Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Licenses/Certifications: The below licenses will need to be obtained upon hire:
• Driver’s License with appropriate state licensing and clean driving record
• Must be able to pass a DOT Medical Exam and obtain a 1- Year Card (Paid for by The Kendall Group)
• Analytics/Computer Skills: Ability to use standard office equipment, including but not limited to computerized bar code scanner, printer, and standard warehouse equipment/tools/machines/vehicles; basic math and reasoning skills
• Organization Skills: Excellent work ethic, good verbal, and communication skills; ability to work independently
• Cross-functional skills: Ability to work effectively in a team environment and through the direction of a direct Supervisor or Lead
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate well with all levels of the organization; know when to request assistance when appropriate, especially when lifting heavy objects
• Physical, Mental and Visual Skills: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.
• Frequent sitting, driving, and getting in and out of a vehicle
• Ability to see/sit/stand/walk/talk and hear
• Ability to lift/move/carry up to 50lbs
• Ability to sit for 8 hours a day
• Ability to climb stairs and step ladders, bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel
• Physical Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to temperature conditions prevalent at the time; the noise level in the work environment is consistent with that of a driver and warehouse/distribution center

Qualifications We Prefer But Don’t Require

• Work Experience: 1 year Industrial wholesale distribution; local delivery driving

The Kendall Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.