Payne Trucking is seeking an energetic, motivated, and safety-focused professional to lead our Driver Development & Training Program at our Fredericksburg, Virginia, location.
This is not a traditional recruiting position. This is a leadership role designed for someone who is passionate about developing professional drivers, mentoring new talent, promoting safety, and building long-term relationships within the transportation industry.
The ideal candidate will serve as the face of our driver development efforts — recruiting future drivers, managing onboarding and training initiatives, cultivating relationships with CDL schools and workforce agencies, and helping shape the next generation of professional drivers at Payne Trucking.
This position works directly within and alongside the Safety Department and plays a critical role in maintaining the company’s strong safety culture and operational standards.
Primary Responsibilities
Recruit and develop professional CDL drivers through:
CDL school outreach
- Workforce development partnerships
- Career fairs and hiring events
- Community engagement and networking
- Referral and relationship-building initiatives
Build and maintain strong relationships with:
- CDL schools and instructors
- Workforce development organizations
- Military/veteran transition programs
- Employment and staffing agencies
- Entry-level driver candidates
Manage Payne Trucking’s entry-level driver training and development program from start to finish, including:
- Candidate screening and onboarding
- Orientation coordination
- Training scheduling
- Driver progress tracking
- Documentation and compliance oversight
- Trainer communication and follow-up
Conduct presentations and speak confidently before:
- Small and large groups
- Prospective drivers
- CDL school classes
- Hiring and recruiting events
- Safety meetings and company functions
Coordinate and monitor new-hire driver training performance, including:
- Road readiness
- Safety performance
- Professionalism
- Compliance with company standards
- Trainer evaluations and feedback
- Assist with driver retention efforts by maintaining positive communication and engagement with trainees and newly hired drivers
Support the Safety Department with:
- Driver coaching and mentoring
- Regulatory compliance initiatives
- Safety meetings and training
- Driver performance improvement efforts
- FMCSA compliance awareness and education
- Maintain accurate training and onboarding records in accordance with company policy and federal regulations
- Be available as a resource to trainees, trainers, and management personnel when needed, including occasional after-hours communication
Qualifications
Required:
- Valid Class A CDL
- Prior experience operating commercial motor vehicles
- Strong understanding of FMCSA regulations and compliance requirements
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills
- Strong organizational and leadership abilities
- Positive attitude and professional demeanor
- Ability to mentor, motivate, and develop drivers
- Proficient with basic computer systems and communication platforms
- Ability to represent Payne Trucking professionally in public settings
Preferred:
- Driver training or instruction experience
- Safety management or fleet safety experience
- Experience in recruiting, onboarding, or workforce development
- Knowledge of CDL entry-level driver training standards
- Experience working with transportation management or training systems
Schedule & Work Environment
- Monday through Friday
- In-person position based in Fredericksburg, Virginia
- Some travel may be required for recruiting events, CDL school visits, and industry functions
- Occasional after-hours accessibility required to support trainees, trainers, and operations
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation will be negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
Payne Trucking offers a competitive benefits package including:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Stable, long-term career growth with an established Virginia transportation company
About Payne Trucking
Payne Trucking has built a reputation for professionalism, safety, and operational excellence throughout the transportation industry. We believe that investing in people is one of the most important things we do, and we are looking for someone who shares that commitment to developing safe, professional drivers for the future.
If you are passionate about the trucking industry, enjoy working with people, and want to help shape the next generation of professional drivers, we encourage you to apply.
Work Location: In person
