Driver, Dedicated Route CDL-A, Store Delivery

Job Details: Job Location: 265 TURNER DRIVE - DURANGO, CO, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $75000.00 - $85000.00Salary, Job Category: Transportation, Dedicated Route CDL-A Driver - Store Delivery Job Title: OTR Dedicated Route CDL-A Driver - Store Delivery Location: Durango, CO  Department: Supply Chain Status: Regular, Full-Time Reports To: Logistics Manager FLSA Category: Exempt (Motor Carrier Exemption) Relevant Experience: 2+ Years CDL-A Preferred Salary Range: $75,000-$85,000/year  + bonus incentives POSITION SUMMARYThe Dedicated Route CDL-A Driver - Store Delivery is responsible for the safe, timely, and professional transportation of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory products from the Durango facility to franchise locations and other designated destinations throughout the United States. This is a hands-on, touch-freight store-delivery role operating refrigerated tractor-trailer equipment while maintaining compliance with all applicable Department of Transportation (DOT), federal, state, and Company requirements.The driver will inspect and verify loads before departure, assist with loading and load securement as required, and safely unload pallets, boxes, and other products at RMCF stores using approved material-handling equipment. Deliveries may involve retail locations with varying receiving configurations, including locations without traditional loading docks.The driver serves as a professional representative of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and is expected to provide reliable, courteous service to franchisees, customers, vendors, and the public while maintaining a strong focus on safety, product integrity, and operational efficiency.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESThe Dedicated Route CDL-A Driver - Store Delivery will be expected to consistently deliver outstanding outcomes in the following areas: Safe Transportation & Regulatory Compliance Operate refrigerated tractor-trailer equipment safely and responsibly in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable federal, state, and local laws. Maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and comply with all applicable driver qualification, hours-of-service, inspection, and recordkeeping requirements. Follow Company transportation policies, safety procedures, and established operating standards. Drive defensively and adjust driving practices appropriately for traffic, road, weather, and vehicle conditions. Store Delivery & Route Management Complete assigned multi-stop routes efficiently while meeting established delivery schedules and customer service expectations. Plan and manage routes to support timely deliveries while considering road conditions, weather, traffic, store receiving requirements, and hours-of-service limitations. Inspect and verify assigned loads before departure and assist with loading and load securement as required. Safely deliver and unload RMCF products at franchise and other designated locations, moving pallets, boxes, and other products into designated receiving areas using pallet jacks, hand trucks, dollies, carts, or other approved equipment. Complete deliveries at retail locations with varying receiving configurations, including locations without traditional loading docks, and follow site-specific access and receiving requirements. Complete third-party backhauls, product transfers, and other transportation assignments as directed. Maintain flexibility for route-dependent schedules that may include early-morning, evening, weekend, or after-hours deliveries, as required by store receiving needs and hours-of-service limitations. Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance Conduct required pre-trip, post-trip, and other vehicle inspections in accordance with DOT and Company requirements. Monitor vehicle condition and promptly report mechanical problems, damage, safety concerns, refrigeration issues, or other equipment deficiencies. Maintain the cleanliness and general condition of the assigned tractor, trailer, and transportation equipment. Ensure products are transported under appropriate temperature and handling conditions. Documentation & Reporting Maintain accurate driver logs, mileage records, inspection reports, delivery documentation, and other required transportation records. Complete and submit required paperwork and electronic records accurately and within established timelines. Communicate delivery issues, delays, route changes, product concerns, store-access challenges, or other exceptions promptly to the Logistics Manager or designated transportation lead. Customer & Franchisee Service Serve as a professional representative and brand ambassador for Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory during interactions with franchisees, customers, vendors, and the public. Communicate professionally and respectfully with delivery contacts and Company personnel. Handle products and deliveries with care and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. Operational Support Assist with load preparation, load verification, cargo securement, product transfers, and backhaul activities as directed. Support transportation and warehouse activities when not actively assigned to a route, including preparation for upcoming deliveries and equipment readiness. Return pallets, totes, carts, and other reusable transportation assets as directed, and communicate recurring store receiving or access constraints that could improve future route planning. Perform other transportation-related duties as assigned.  This role requires a safety-focused, dependable, and professional driver who can independently manage long-distance, multi-stop routes, perform regular touch-freight store deliveries, meet delivery schedules, and respond appropriately to changing road, weather, store-access, and operational conditions. The successful candidate must demonstrate sound judgment, attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a commitment to regulatory compliance, product integrity, and exceptional franchisee service.Qualifications: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Current medical certification and eligibility to operate a commercial motor vehicle as required by applicable regulations. Clean or acceptable driving record consistent with Company and insurance requirements. Two or more years of Class A commercial tractor-trailer driving experience preferred. Experience operating refrigerated trailers or transporting temperature-sensitive food or beverage products preferred. Strong knowledge of safe commercial driving practices and applicable DOT requirements. Ability to accurately complete driver logs, mileage records, inspection reports, delivery documentation, and other required records. Strong communication, organizational, and time-management skills. Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and manage changing priorities while on the road. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and comply with established safety and operational procedures. Ability to maintain a professional demeanor when interacting with customers, franchisees, vendors, coworkers, and the public. Ability to safely operate the vehicle and associated equipment in a variety of traffic, road, and weather conditions. Must be willing and able to travel throughout the United States for extended periods, with trips potentially requiring up to 12 consecutive days away from home. Ability to safely and consistently perform multi-stop, touch-freight deliveries and move product from the trailer into store receiving areas using approved material-handling equipment.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Previous multi-stop, touch-freight delivery experience serving retail, franchise, foodservice, beverage, grocery, or similar customer locations. Experience with refrigerated transportation or food/beverage distribution. Experience making multi-state or long-distance dedicated-route deliveries. Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS/route-management systems, and transportation-management technology. Experience navigating store-specific receiving requirements, limited-access locations, and deliveries without traditional loading docks. Strong understanding of product handling, cargo securement, and temperature-control requirements for food or temperature-sensitive products.PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT Primarily operates a refrigerated tractor-trailer throughout the United States. Work requires extended periods of sitting and driving, with regular periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, reaching, and entering or exiting the truck and trailer. Must be able to safely climb truck and trailer steps and access loading and unloading areas. Must be able to lift and carry packages weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to push and pull loaded wheeled carts or other material-handling equipment, including loads of up to 500 pounds, as required. This is a touch-freight position. Must be able to safely unload pallets, boxes, and other products and move them into designated store receiving areas using appropriate equipment and procedures; must also be able to assist with loading and load securement as required. Must be able to work in varying weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, snow, ice, and wind. Must be able to read traffic signs, shipping documents, labels, and other transportation-related materials. Must be able to perform required physical activities safely and consistently throughout extended work periods, with or without reasonable accommodation. Travel and extended periods away from home are an essential function of the position, with trips potentially lasting up to 12 days. Work schedules may vary based on assigned routes and store receiving requirements.