Job Summary:
The Flatbed Truck Driver is responsible for safely operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 26 tons to transport materials to and from assigned destinations. Drivers must comply with all FMCSA regulations, California labor laws, and Valley Farm Transport (VFT) safety policies.
Primary duties include hauling rice totes to and from port locations, with flexibility to haul other agricultural or bulk commodities as needed, depending on customer or seasonal demands. Drivers are expected to maintain a professional attitude, follow all dispatch instructions, and represent VFT in a courteous and responsible manner.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Base Location: Position based out of Arbuckle or Dixon terminal; requires travel between terminals or delivery points as assigned.
- TWIC Card: A valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is required to access port facilities.
- Candidates who can provide proof that they are in the process of obtaining a TWIC card may begin preliminary steps in the hiring process; however, final onboarding cannot occur until a valid TWIC card is obtained.
- Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of verifiable professional driving experience required.
- Agricultural hauling experience is preferred but not mandatory.
- Must hold a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements.
- Must meet all DOT medical qualification standards.
- Must be able to read, understand, and follow road signs and written instructions.
- Must demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, communication, and professionalism in all interactions.
- Operate a truck with a capacity of more than 26 tons in accordance with FMCSA safety standards.
- Transport materials to and from designated destinations using knowledge of commercial driving regulations and area roadways.
- Maintain accurate logs and documentation in compliance with federal and state regulations, including Hours of Service (HOS) and accident reporting.
- Prepares freight tag for each load hauled.
- Reports any inoperable, missing, damaged, or improperly loaded equipment to Dispatch immediately. Completes DVIRs (Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports) as required under state and federal regulations.
- Conducts thorough pre-trip inspections, including tires, lights, brakes, windshield wipers, and fluid levels (fuel, oil, coolant). Confirms that required safety equipment—such as fire extinguisher and reflective triangles—is present and in proper working order.
- Ensures cargo is properly secured in accordance with DOT cargo securement rules and adjusts mirrors to maintain full visibility on both sides of the vehicle.
- Secures loads using blocks, ropes, winch straps, chains, binders, steel cables, and tarps as needed to ensure safe transportation.
- Assists forklift operators or loading personnel with positioning, securing, and unloading cargo when required.
- Wears company-issued PPE, including a safety vest, at all required times.
- May be required to work nights, weekends, or irregular schedules based on operational needs.
- Drivers must begin and end their shift at a designated VFT terminal unless otherwise authorized. Trucks and trailers may not be taken home. All pre-trip and post-trip inspections performed at the terminal are paid work time.
- Transports and delivers rice totes to and from port facilities and haul other commodities as assigned based on business needs.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Additional duties may be assigned as business needs evolve.
Hours Vary: Drivers may work long shifts, irregular schedules, weekends, and/or up to 7 consecutive days during peak seasons.
All schedules must comply with FMCSA Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations.
Meal & Rest Breaks:
Drivers must take meal and rest breaks in accordance with California law, company policy, and DOT regulations. All breaks must be recorded accurately.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Must possess a valid and current California Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Doubles/Triples endorsement.
- Must be able to read and clearly understand all road signs and regulatory signage in English, as required by FMCSA.
- Must be able to safely operate a commercial vehicle during day, night, and varying weather conditions as required by the schedule.
- Must communicate and interact professionally with Dispatch, Safety, other motorists, shippers, receivers, law enforcement personnel, and DOT officials.
- Must have a solid working knowledge of FMCSA regulations, including Hours of Service (HOS), vehicle inspection requirements, cargo securement, and equipment standards.
- Must understand proper loading techniques to comply with weight limits and must be able to adjust axle weights to bring a load into DOT compliance when necessary.
- Must understand width and height limitations for CMVs and must know how to load, adjust, or secure cargo to maintain compliance with all size and dimension regulations
EEOC Statement:
Waveco, Inc/Gaelco Inc. DBA Valley Farm Transport is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
This job description reflects the general duties and responsibilities of the position, which may be amended to comply with changing business needs or California state and federal labor law requirements. Employment with Valley Farm Transport is at-will, meaning it may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.
Pay: $800.00 - $1,450.00 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
