Route Driver (5:30 am - 2:00 pm)

The Kendall Group, Inc.; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kendall Group, Inc. is seeking a Route Driver to operate a Delivery van and Box Truck, delivering products to customer locations and providing exceptional service.

This entry‑level position reports to the Warehouse Supervisor/Manager or Location Manager and may assist in warehouse tasks when not delivering.

Qualifications

• Entry-level role with responsibilities in delivery and warehouse operations.
• Requires High School Diploma or GED and valid Driver's License with clean record.
• Must pass DOT Medical Exam and obtain a 1-year Card paid by the company.

Responsibilities

• Deliver products to customer locations and provide excellent customer service.
• Load and unload trucks following established procedures.
• Review and optimize delivery routes for efficiency and timeliness.
• Maintain a daily shipping manifest and perform warehouse duties.
• Operate warehouse equipment including forklifts and hand trucks; ensure vehicle maintenance.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Time management

Safety awareness

Forklift operation

Bar code scanner

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift

Bar code scanner

Job description

About The Kendall Group

The Kendall Group is comprised of eight divisions with 75+ locations in ten states. We serve the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, and Fitting products, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation Industries. The company is a 100% employee‑owned business, offering opportunities for growth and career development.

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) to move and haul cargo between customer locations as assigned. 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 Drivers are not needed for delivery, they assist with various job duties within the warehouse.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service, addressing inquiries and concerns promptly.
• Drive products to various customer locations.
• Load and unload trucks according to established procedures.
• Review and optimize delivery routes to ensure efficiency and timely delivery, leveraging data analysis and feedback.
• Maintain a daily shipping manifest.
• Perform warehouse duties and operate warehouse equipment including forklifts and hand trucks.
• Maintain the delivery vehicle in excellent condition, ensuring it is clean, well‑maintained, and regularly inspected.
• Follow safe work habits and established safety procedures.
• Safely operate additional warehouse equipment.
• Attend meetings and training sessions.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Competencies

• Service Excellence
• Results‑oriented and Action Oriented
• Accountability and Responsibility
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Safety Conscious
• Time Management

Requirements

Work Experience: Entry Level

Education: High School Diploma or GED

Licenses/Certifications: Driver’s License with appropriate state licensing and clean driving record. Must pass a DOT Medical Exam and obtain a 1‑Year Card (paid for by the company).

Analytics/Computer Skills: Ability to use standard office equipment, include a 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 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 Demands: 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 50 lbs; able to climb stairs and step ladders, bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel.

Physical Environment: Exposure to temperature conditions typical of the job; noise level consistent with driver and warehouse/distribution center.

Preferred Qualifications

1 year experience in industrial wholesale distribution or local delivery driving.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.