As an OTR (Over-the-Road) CDL Class A Driver at UNIS Transportation, you play a critical role in connecting our nationwide logistics network and ensuring that non-hazardous freight moves safely, reliably, and on schedule across the Lower 48 states. This position is not simply about driving miles; it is about being a disciplined, safety-focused logistics professional who supports our promise of consistent, high-quality service to customers. Operating within a structured terminal network, you will run primarily no-touch, drop-and-hook and linehaul routes, maximizing driving time and productivity while maintaining full compliance with DOT regulations and Hours of Service (HOS) rules. You will work closely with dispatchers, planners, and terminal staff, serving as the execution point between our transportation planning and our customers’ service expectations. The core goals of this role are to deliver freight safely and on time, protect company assets, and represent UNIS with professionalism on the road and at every stop, directly contributing to customer retention, operational efficiency, and the profitable growth of one of the fastest-growing logistics companies in the nation.
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1. Safely operate a CDL Class A commercial motor vehicle hauling non-hazardous freight across the Lower 48 states, strictly adhering to all federal, state, and local regulations, including FMCSA and company-specific safety policies.
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2. Execute assigned OTR linehaul and drop-and-hook routes within the UNIS nationwide terminal network, maintaining consistent mileage performance (typically 2,400–2,800 miles per week) and supporting on-time pickup and delivery commitments.
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3. Manage Hours of Service (HOS) and all required electronic logging device (ELD) entries accurately and proactively, planning routes, rest periods, and fuel stops to optimize legal driving time and minimize delays.
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4. Perform thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections of tractors and trailers, promptly reporting maintenance issues, defects, or safety concerns to ensure equipment reliability and protect freight integrity.
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5. Maintain professional communication with dispatch, planners, and terminal personnel, providing timely updates on location, delays, incidents, and load status, while representing UNIS courteously with customers, shippers, receivers, and the public.
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1. Valid CDL Class A license issued by the state of residence, with a current medical examiner’s certificate (DOT medical card) and eligibility to operate in interstate commerce across the Lower 48 states.
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2. Demonstrated experience as a CDL Class A driver in over-the-road or similar long-haul operations, with a verifiable safe driving record that meets or exceeds UNIS and insurance carrier standards (e.g., no major preventable accidents or serious violations within the recent review period).
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3. Clear understanding of and ability to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), including Hours of Service (HOS) rules, load securement fundamentals, and safe driving practices for long-distance operations.
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4. Ability and willingness to stay out on the road according to assigned schedules and HOS availability, including overnight, multi-day, and multi-week trips as required by the network and freight demands.
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5. Capability to perform all essential physical functions of the job, including climbing into and out of tractors, coupling and uncoupling trailers, conducting vehicle inspections, and working in various weather conditions.
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1. Two or more years of recent OTR experience operating CDL Class A equipment, preferably in a drop-and-hook, linehaul, or terminal-based network environment with consistent multi-state routes.
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2. Prior experience hauling no-touch, dry van, or similar non-hazardous freight for large or rapidly growing logistics, LTL, or truckload carriers, with demonstrated reliability in meeting on-time delivery and safety performance targets.
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3. Strong working knowledge of nationwide highway systems, major freight corridors, and regional weather and traffic patterns, enabling efficient route planning in collaboration with dispatch.
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4. Experience working with electronic logging devices (ELDs), telematics systems, and transportation management systems (TMS) to manage loads, communicate with operations, and maintain digital records.
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5. A history of recognition or awards for safe driving, on-time performance, or professional conduct, indicating a consistent commitment to safety, compliance, and customer service.
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1. Safety and compliance discipline: Deep understanding of safe driving practices, FMCSA regulations, HOS rules, and company policies, with the judgment to make conservative decisions that prioritize safety over speed or convenience.
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2. Route planning and time management: Ability to manage trip planning, fuel stops, rest periods, and terminal appointments to maximize legal driving time, reduce idle or unpaid time, and consistently achieve mileage and service targets.
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3. Technical and equipment proficiency: Competence in operating Class A tractors and trailers, performing basic equipment checks, and using in-cab technology, ELDs, and communication devices to support safe and efficient operations.
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4. Communication and coordination: Clear, timely, and professional communication with dispatch, planners, and terminal staff, including accurate status updates, proactive problem reporting, and constructive engagement when plans change.
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5. Professionalism and customer focus: Consistent, respectful behavior at shippers, receivers, and terminals, recognizing that driver conduct directly impacts customer satisfaction, company reputation, and future freight opportunities.
