JOB DESCRIPTION
Flatbed Car Carrier Driver
Position Overview
The Flatbed Car Carrier Driver is a critical operations role responsible for the safe, timely, and professional transport of vehicles using a flatbed car carrier. This position supports all dealership locations by handling a wide range of transportation needs including inter-store vehicle transfers, auction pickup and delivery, dealer trade transport, new vehicle delivery from port or rail, customer vehicle transport, and wholesale movement.
Beyond operating the carrier, this role also involves basic logistics coordination — communicating with dispatch, managers, and auction staff to plan efficient routes, complete accurate vehicle condition documentation, and ensure all transport activity is properly recorded. The Flatbed Car Carrier Driver is often the first and last point of contact for vehicle handling, making professionalism, attention to detail, and mechanical awareness essential qualities for this position.
The ideal candidate is an experienced, safety-conscious commercial driver with a clean record, strong knowledge of vehicle loading and securement procedures, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision across multiple dealership locations.
1. Vehicle Transport Operations
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Safely operate a flatbed car carrier (2-car, 3-car, or multi-car trailer depending on assigned equipment) for all dealership transport needs.
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Transport vehicles between dealership locations, auctions, ports, rail yards, body shops, reconditioning centers, wholesale buyers, and customer locations.
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Load, secure, and unload vehicles using proper tie-down, wheel strap, and chain techniques in compliance with DOT and company safety standards.
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Ensure all vehicles are loaded at the correct angle and sequence to maximize load safety and minimize risk of damage.
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Operate hydraulic ramps, loading decks, and winch systems safely and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
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Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections on the carrier truck and trailer, documenting findings in the driver log.
2. Vehicle Condition Documentation
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Conduct a thorough walk-around inspection of every vehicle before loading, noting and photographing all pre-existing damage using the dealership's inspection form or app.
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Complete accurate Bill of Lading (BOL) and vehicle condition reports for every load — inbound and outbound.
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Obtain required signatures from receiving parties upon delivery and retain copies for dealership records.
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Immediately report any new damage that occurs during transport to the Transportation Manager and document with photos and a written incident report.
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Verify VINs, stock numbers, and vehicle descriptions match transport documentation before departing any pickup location.
3. Dispatch & Route Coordination
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Receive and confirm daily transport assignments from dispatch or management, including pickup addresses, delivery locations, and time windows.
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Plan efficient routes to complete multiple pickups and deliveries in a single run whenever possible, reducing cost and mileage.
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Communicate proactively with dispatch, sales managers, and auction representatives regarding ETAs, delays, or load changes.
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Coordinate with receiving parties (service department, lot attendants, managers) to ensure smooth vehicle handoffs upon arrival.
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Assist in scheduling auction runs, dealer trades, and port/rail pickups in coordination with the inventory or purchasing team.
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Maintain a flexible schedule and adapt to same-day or urgent transport requests as dealership needs arise.
4. Vehicle Handling & Lot Support
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Drive and maneuver a wide variety of vehicles including passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles on and off the carrier safely.
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Park and stage delivered vehicles in designated lot areas as directed by management or lot staff.
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Assist with lot organization, vehicle staging for delivery, and movement of inventory between locations as needed.
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Handle customer-owned vehicles with the highest level of care — treating every vehicle as if it were your own.
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Notify management immediately of any vehicle that cannot be started, has a mechanical concern, or presents a safety risk during loading or unloading.
5. DOT Compliance & Safety
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Maintain full compliance with all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and applicable state DOT requirements.
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Complete and maintain accurate Hours of Service (HOS) logs — electronic (ELD) or paper as required.
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Adhere strictly to weight limits, load securement regulations (49 CFR Part 393), and tie-down standards for vehicle transport.
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Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections on both the tractor and trailer and report any defects immediately.
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Maintain a current and clean CDL and medical examiner's certificate (DOT physical) at all times.
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Follow all dealership and company safety policies, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
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Maintain a zero-tolerance approach to distracted or impaired driving.
6. Carrier Maintenance & Upkeep
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Perform basic daily maintenance checks including fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, brakes, and ramp/deck mechanisms.
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Keep the carrier truck and trailer clean, fueled, and in proper operating condition at all times.
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Report any mechanical issues, warning lights, or equipment malfunctions to the Transportation Manager promptly.
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Coordinate with the shop or fleet maintenance provider for scheduled service and repairs.
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Maintain an organized cab and ensure all required documentation (registration, insurance, permits, IFTA decals) is current and on board.
7. Record Keeping & Administrative
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Maintain accurate and up-to-date driver logs, fuel receipts, toll records, and expense reports.
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Submit all completed BOLs, condition reports, and delivery confirmations to management within the same business day.
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Assist in maintaining the transport log or fleet management system with accurate run details including mileage, load count, and vehicle VINs transported.
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Cooperate fully with any DOT roadside inspection and provide required documentation professionally.
Licensing & Certifications
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Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) — Class A preferred for multi-car carriers.
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Current DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (valid medical card).
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Clean MVR — no more than 2 moving violations in the past 3 years; no DUI/DWI history.
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Must be able to pass a DOT pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
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Air Brakes endorsement required; additional endorsements a plus.
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FMCSA-compliant ELD experience preferred.
Experience
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Minimum 2 years of commercial driving experience, preferably operating a car carrier or flatbed trailer.
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Prior experience in automotive transport, vehicle remarketing, or dealership fleet operations strongly preferred.
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Demonstrated experience with vehicle load securement and flatbed/ramp trailer operation.
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Auction transport experience (Manheim, ADESA, or similar) is a significant advantage.
Skills & Competencies
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Expert-level backing, maneuvering, and parking skills with long combination vehicles in tight spaces (dealership lots, auctions, residential streets).
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Strong mechanical awareness — ability to identify abnormal vehicle sounds, handling, or appearance during driving or loading.
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Excellent attention to detail for vehicle condition documentation and BOL accuracy.
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Reliable, punctual, and self-directed — able to complete runs independently without constant supervision.
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Professional demeanor when interacting with auction staff, customers, dealers, and receiving personnel.
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Basic smartphone and app proficiency for digital condition reports, navigation, and communication.
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Physical ability to operate ramps, attach tie-downs, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
Physical Requirements
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Ability to climb in and out of cab and onto carrier deck repeatedly throughout the workday.
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Frequent bending, kneeling, and reaching to attach and release tie-down straps and chains.
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Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (equipment, chains, ramps, tools).
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Must have full range of motion and physical capacity to safely operate loading equipment.
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Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions — heat, cold, rain, wind.
