Class A Route Driver - Req. ID: 4029

About Company:

Denali is the leading organic recycling company on a mission to unlock the power of unused food and organics, transforming them into resources to feed, fuel and replenish the earth.  Our work is essential to keeping water clean, reducing the need for new landfill capacity, building soil fertility, helping farmers be more resilient, and reducing society’s reliance on fossil fuels. Denali provides meaningful and measurable change for any business that handles food, creating value with our scalable solutions across the nation. Our services and products touch thousands of acres and businesses, millions of tons of organic material, and nearly every person who purchases and consumes food in the U.S. Apply to join our team today!

Class A CDL Route Driver (End Dump)

Location: Houston, TX / Katy, TX
Job Type: Full-Time | Hourly

About the Role

Denali is seeking a dependable, safety-focused Class A CDL Route Driver to join our growing operations team. This position operates a five-day retail collection route, transporting organic food waste from customer locations to designated processing or disposal facilities.

Drivers operate Class A commercial vehicles equipped with end-dump trailers and average approximately 15–25 customer stops per day. The position also requires operating an electric pallet jack, maneuvering collection totes, completing electronic documentation, and providing professional customer service.

This is a local, first-shift position that allows drivers to return home daily. The ideal candidate is safety-minded, mechanically inclined, comfortable using mobile technology, and experienced operating manual-transmission commercial vehicles.

Schedule

• Five-day retail route workweek.
• Weekend availability is required based on the assigned route and operational needs.
• Local, first-shift routes with drivers returning home daily.
• Overtime, early start times, and schedule flexibility may be required.
• Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Route Operations and Transportation

• Safely operate Class A commercial vehicles with end-dump trailers in accordance with DOT regulations and company safety policies.
• Operate both 38-foot Wabash and 40-foot Travis end-dump trailers.
• Safely operate commercial vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.
• Complete assigned retail collection routes averaging approximately 15–25 customer stops per day.
• Operate hydraulic end-dump systems during loading and unloading.
• Transport organic food waste to designated processing or disposal facilities.
• Safely operate an electric pallet jack during route operations.
• Push, pull, roll, and maneuver 65-gallon totes weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Keep customer locations clean and free of spills and debris after servicing containers.
• Adjust to route changes, customer needs, traffic conditions, and operational demands throughout the workday.

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance

• Perform complete DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections before and after operating assigned equipment.
• Inspect critical components, including:
  • Brakes and slack adjusters.
  • Tires and wheels.
  • Lights and reflectors.
  • Hydraulic systems.
  • Air lines.
  • Suspension components.
  • Coupling devices.
  • Fluid levels.
  • Required emergency and safety equipment.
• Crawl underneath trucks and trailers to inspect brakes, slack adjusters, suspension components, and other critical safety systems.
• Identify and report equipment defects, mechanical concerns, maintenance needs, and safety issues immediately.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and minor maintenance when appropriate.
• Maintain assigned trucks, trailers, and equipment in a clean, safe, and professional condition.

Technology, Documentation, and Compliance

• Use a company-provided mobile phone or handheld device to complete daily route responsibilities.
• Navigate mobile applications used for route assignments, customer service documentation, communication, and reporting.
• Maintain accurate Electronic Logging Device records and Hours of Service documentation.
• Complete service tickets, vehicle inspection reports, maintenance reports, delivery documentation, and required DOT paperwork accurately and on time.
• Follow all DOT regulations, company policies, and established safety procedures.
• Participate in required safety meetings, training programs, and operational discussions.
• Understand and accept that company vehicles may be equipped with inward- and outward-facing safety cameras.

Communication and Customer Service

• Communicate openly and professionally with managers, dispatchers, customers, and operations personnel.
• Maintain daily communication with management regarding route progress, customer concerns, delays, equipment issues, and safety matters.
• Respond promptly to calls, messages, and operational instructions while following safe-driving practices.
• Represent Denali professionally and provide dependable, high-quality service at every customer location.
• Maintain a positive attitude and build strong working relationships with customers and team members.
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, spills, property damage, or other safety-related incidents.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License.
• Ability to safely operate manual-transmission commercial vehicles.
• Ability to pass a DOT physical, drug screening, background screening, and Motor Vehicle Record review.
• Acceptable driving history that meets company and insurance requirements.
• Experience performing thorough DOT-compliant pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Working knowledge of DOT regulations and Hours of Service requirements.
• Ability and willingness to crawl underneath trucks and trailers to inspect brakes, slack adjusters, and other components.
• Ability to operate an electric pallet jack safely.
• Ability to use a mobile phone, ELD, and related route-management applications.
• Willingness to operate vehicles equipped with inward- and outward-facing safety cameras.
• Ability to communicate with managers and operations personnel daily.
• Ability to work a five-day retail route schedule, including weekends when required.
• Strong attendance, dependability, communication, and customer-service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous end-dump trailer experience.
• Experience operating 38-foot Wabash or 40-foot Travis end-dump trailers.
• Experience hauling food waste, agricultural products, recycling materials, or other bulk commodities.
• Experience operating electric pallet jacks and maneuvering collection totes.
• Familiarity with hydraulic trailer controls and end-dump systems.
• Experience using ELDs, mobile route applications, and electronic service-ticket systems.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and troubleshooting abilities.
• Previous multi-stop retail route or customer-delivery experience.

Physical Requirements

This is a physically demanding position. The employee must be able to:

• Lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Push, pull, roll, and maneuver 65-gallon totes weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Safely operate an electric pallet jack.
• Frequently bend, squat, kneel, twist, climb, and reach throughout the workday.
• Enter and exit the truck cab repeatedly during a multi-stop route.
• Crawl underneath trucks and trailers to inspect brakes, slack adjusters, suspension components, and other safety equipment.
• Safely operate hydraulic end-dump trailer systems.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, mud, and humidity.
• Work safely in an odor-intensive environment involving organic food waste and recycling materials.

Work Environment

This is a local, first-shift driving position operating primarily outdoors. Drivers routinely work in changing weather conditions and around food waste, organic materials, mud, dust, insects, and odors associated with the organic recycling industry.

Candidates must be comfortable working in physically demanding conditions while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, professionalism, and environmental stewardship.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for reliable, safety-focused drivers who take pride in their equipment and their work. The ideal candidate understands the importance of performing thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections, safely operating manual transmission trucks and end dump trailers, maintaining clean equipment, and communicating effectively with customers and the operations team. If you're dependable, safety-conscious, and committed to doing the job right every day, we'd love to have you on our team.

Why You’ll Love Working at Denali- Benefits & Perks

At Denali, the work we do begins and ends with you – our employees. That's why we strive to ELEVATE you to be your best, both at work and at home. Our benefits aren’t just about compensation; they’re part of a broader commitment to helping you thrive in all aspects of life. Here’s how we live out our values every day:

• E – Employee: At Denali, we believe in offering competitive compensation packages that include not only great benefits but also a strong focus on safety, flexibility, and rewards and recognition. You are the backbone of our success, and we make sure you’re valued every step of the way.
• L – Learning: We’re committed to your growth and development. Our Ascend Employee Development Program and access to over 6,000 professional courses via our Learning Management System empower you to climb higher in your career – all at no cost to you.
• E – Environment: Our employees deserve a clean Earth. We’re dedicated to doing our part in keeping waste out of landfills, so you can be proud of the work we do together to make a positive environmental impact.
• V – Valued: At Denali, we take pride in creating a culture of care. With resources that support your well-being, volunteerism opportunities, and a commitment to safe working conditions and inclusivity, you’ll always feel like you belong here.
• A – Advancement: We believe in succession planning and providing opportunities for advancement. We want you to grow, and we’ll be right there with you, supporting your career every step of the way.
• T – Together: We’re stronger when we work together. At Denali, you’ll have opportunities to give and receive support not just within the workplace, but within our broader community. Our team is united, and we celebrate the value of working and succeeding as one.
• E – Employees: You are the heart of Denali. We believe our employees deserve the very best. This is why we offer an array of benefits that support your overall well-being, from health coverage to work-life balance, because when you succeed, we all succeed.

Our Benefits Package Includes:

• Comprehensive Medical: Our self-insured medical plans are designed with your health in mind, offering competitive options including copay and HSA plans so you can choose what best suit your health needs.
• Dental & Vision: Keep your smile bright and your vision clear with full coverage for you and your family.
• Generous 401(k) Match: We’re here for your long-term future – we offer a generous 401(k) match of up to 4%, helping you build the foundation for tomorrow.
• Company-Paid Disability & Life Insurance: We’ve got you covered with company-paid Long-Term and Short-Term Disability, as well as AD&D and Life Insurance, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
• Voluntary Life for Employees & Family: Customize additional coverage for you and your loved ones with our voluntary life insurance options.
• Health Savings Plan: Save on medical expenses with a Health Savings Plan designed for your needs.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Sick Time: We value your well-being. Take time for yourself, your family, and personal matters with generous PTO and Sick Time, including family leave.
• 9 Paid Holidays: Enjoy a well-rounded work-life balance with 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Paid Weekly: We believe in rewarding hard work consistently, which is why we offer weekly pay so you can stay on top of your financial goals.
• Professional Development: Ascend in your career with free access to thousands of courses that allow you to grow and develop professionally.
• Employee Assistance Program: Life can be challenging at times, and we’re here to support you with our confidential Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling and resources for a variety of personal and professional needs.
• Wellness Program: At Denali, we believe that well-being goes beyond health coverage. Our Wellness Program offers resources to keep you mentally, physically, and emotionally balanced as you climb higher in both life and career.

We want you to feel valued, supported, and equipped for success – because when you thrive, we all thrive. So, come for benefits. Stay for the culture. We can’t wait to see you reach new heights with us at Denali.

Apply to join our team today!

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities for all employees. Accordingly, the Company will not engage in any form of employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. The Company hereby affirms its desire to maintain a work environment for all employees that is free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination.