Route Driver

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world.

CDI’s Consumer Products Group is the driving force behind the marketing and sales function for CDI’s butter, supported by a strong food service business, and two heritage retail brands: Challenge and Danish Creamery. Proudly Californian, our butter is cultivated by the sun, and we believe that together we can spread that sunshine through every bite, every meal, and every shared moment.

We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy!

We offer a generous total rewards package that includes:  

• Hourly Wage $28.57 

• Health Benefits

• Pension Plan

Job Summary:   

The Route Driver is a member of the Foodservice team in the Consumer Products Group. Representing the Challenge and Danish Creamery Brands, the Route Driver is also a Salesman for the Brand servicing a dedicated route for direct store delivery (DSD) with responsibilities for professional and timely selling and delivery of product.

Essential Functions:

-The proper care and maintenance of vehicle while adhering to strict compliance with the rules of the road regarding safety. This includes conducting pre-trip inspections and reporting any safety or repair issues immediately.
-Specific responsibilities with respect to the care of the vehicle include but not limited to, maintaining the proper levels of and working order for:

-Oil
-Lubrication
-Water
-Coolants
-Cleanliness of cab and box
-Fuel

Maintain proper skills and license necessary to operate a vehicle and always be on the alert for circumstances that are out of the ordinary and require sudden responses.

•  Records indicate that most problems occur in the familiarization (first 90 days) state, be aware of the following:
  -The company truck is wider, longer and heavier than a normal automobile and therefore, will not accelerate or decelerate as rapidly as a car or small truck.
  -When driving in restricted areas, be alert for any restrictions that might damage the refrigeration unit or mirrors that extend beyond the normal width of the truck.
  -Delivering products in their proper form, consequently, be alert for making sudden stops that could cause the load to shift, thereby damaging products or even making the vehicle unsteady.
  -Personal safety is most important, be sure to use proper lifting procedures and always be alert for any low hanging protrusions that can cause personal injury to the head, eyes, back, etc.
  -Remember the defensive driving skills – they work.

Delivery: Distribute all products to all customers as directed. Maintain proper inventory levels to ensure proper service of customers. Responsible for the security of and accountability of all products assigned to the Driver in a particular jurisdiction. Inventory of product is to be taken as required.

Sales

Appearance: Appearance is crucial to our success, therefore, the following is required:

1. 1. Wear clean uniform every day, including a belt.
   2. Keep hair combed and neatly trimmed above the collar.
   3. Facial hair must be professional and maintained per Foodservice Division guidelines.
   4. Wear shoes that are clean and neatly polished with non-slip soles

Attitude: Attitude is indicative of the attitude of the Company toward our customers and fellow employees.  Courtesy, concern and cooperation are the mandatory traits that are necessary for our continued growth.

Aptitude: This is the ability to learn quickly.  Familiarity with product features and benefits for those products distributed and the way they are used is necessary.  In addition, familiarity and adherence to the policies we maintain is required.  Use of equipment to complete assignments are necessary, including but not limited to, the use of handheld computer, operation of pallet jack and dollies.

Credit & Collections: A sale is never complete until the currency (payment of invoices within credit terms) of your customers is received.  Additionally, be aware of certain danger signals, i.e. lower inventory levels, lower quality level of customer’s food, longer time between deliveries, etc.   These happenings could indicate possible financial problems.  Once notified, this information should be reported to the Branch Manager as soon as possible.

Account Penetration: Need to sell more individual items to customers.  Recognize those items that customer could buy from Challenge and then sell them. Consult with the Branch Manager on these sales opportunities.

New Accounts: In addition to selling additional items into our existing accounts, recognize new opportunities and converting these new or changed business to Challenge products. Consult with the Branch Manager on these prospective accounts. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

-Valid commercial driver’s license and clean MVR driving record.
-Strong customer service and sales skills
-Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
-Physical ability to lift and move products.
-Good communication and interpersonal skills.
-Knowledge of local routes and geography.
-Some experience in sales or customer service preferred.
-The ability to pass a DOT drug screening before hire and throughout employment
 -A propensity for researching appropriate routes with attention to traffic patterns to determine the best roads to take, with assistance from GPS as needed
-General technological knowledge, such as being able to learn and use company devices to maintain accurate records of inventory and hours worked
-Physical aptitude for the position, including being able to hold scanning devices, drive, stand and sit for long periods of time and lift, load and carry heavy packages
-A personable, can-do attitude
-To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
-Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.

Education and / or Experience:

-Prior experience as a commercial delivery or route driver preferred
-A minimum of a High School education or equivalent work experience

Language Skills:

-English is required as the written and spoken language.

Driving Requirements:

-Must possess or be able to acquire a state issued Driver's License of a Class B or Class A.

Equipment:

Personal protective equipment including, but not limited to hearing protection, bump caps, hair and beard nets, gloves, and safety glasses as appropriate must be used in the performance of duties. Proper lifting techniques must be employed at all times.

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Encounter Walk-in Cooler, Freezer, Outdoor Weather, Vehicle Cab (climate controlled).

ADA/FEHA:

The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO:

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Physical Demands:

The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.

Sitting/Standing/Walking: Stands, walks and sits during completion of job responsibilities.
Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. on an occasional basis.
Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing or pulling requirements.
Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping requirements.
Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Occasional kneeling or crawling requirements.
Twisting/Turning: Ongoing twisting or turning requirements.
Climbing/Balancing: Climbing and balancing is required during plant inspections, and other related job requirements.
Reaching: Ongoing reaching requirements associated with job requirements.
Grasping/Manipulating: Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required. Ability to keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.

Salary : $29