Expedited Freight Driver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of logistics, the demand for expedited freight drivers is at an all-time high.

As the gears of commerce continue to turn, the need for competent, reliable individuals who can ensure quick and efficient delivery of goods becomes increasingly urgent.

But let’s get down to the nuts and bolts: What exactly does an expedited freight driver job entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager preparing the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of expedited freight driving,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a fully adaptable expedited freight driver job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Expedited Freight Driver Duties and Responsibilities

Expedited Freight Drivers are responsible for the timely transportation and delivery of goods.

These drivers often handle time-sensitive freight that must be delivered quickly, thus, they must be able to navigate efficiently and understand the importance of punctuality.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Pick up and deliver goods in a timely, safe and courteous manner
• Conduct pre-trip inspections of the truck and cargo, including checking for any mechanical issues or possible safety concerns
• Plan and execute the most efficient routes for delivery
• Comply with all federal, state, and local transportation laws and regulations
• Maintain logs of travel and cargo according to federal and state regulations
• Ensure that the freight is properly secured and protected to avoid damage
• Communicate with dispatchers, customers, and others involved in the shipment and delivery process
• Handle minor repairs and maintenance tasks on the vehicle when necessary
• Report any incidents or accidents to the appropriate authorities and complete necessary paperwork

 

Expedited Freight Driver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a reliable and experienced Expedited Freight Driver to safely and efficiently transport goods with a focus on time-sensitive deliveries.

Responsibilities include understanding and following delivery schedules, inspecting vehicles before each shift, following all state and national large truck safety regulations and standards, and maintaining logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status.

The ideal candidate is familiar with the handling of delicate or hazardous materials, has experience driving long distances and is comfortable working non-traditional hours.

The Expedited Freight Driver must also have excellent communication skills and be able to interact professionally with clients or vendors.

 

Responsibilities

• Transport and deliver freight over long distances in a safe, efficient, timely manner.
• Follow delivery schedules and plan routes efficiently.
• Inspect vehicle for defects pre-trip and post-trip and submit report indicating truck condition.
• Ensure cargo is secured for transport and notify dispatch of any issues.
• Keep accurate driving logs, and adhere to all company policies, DOT regulations, and traffic laws.
• Maintain communication with dispatch team for delivery instructions.
• Report any incidents or accidents to dispatch immediately.
• Perform minor vehicle maintenance, such as cleaning or refueling.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a truck driver
• Valid truck driving license (CDL)
• Ability to drive long hours and travel regularly
• Excellent knowledge of truck driving rules and regulations
• No recent moving or driving violations
• Adaptability and foresight to handle unexpected situations (traffic, weather conditions etc)
• Willing to submit to background/drug checks and provide employment recommendations
• High School diploma

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Expedited Freight Driver
• Work Environment: On the road, driving in various weather conditions and traffic situations. Some physical labor may be required during loading/unloading process.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dispatch Manager or Fleet Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Expedited Freight Driver Do?

Expedited Freight Drivers work in the transportation industry, typically for freight and logistics companies.

They can also work as independent contractors.

Their main task is to transport goods from one location to another in a timely and efficient manner.

They are often responsible for urgent or time-sensitive deliveries, hence the term ‘expedited’.

They plan the most efficient routes, taking into consideration the traffic and weather conditions, to ensure that the freight arrives at its destination within the expected delivery window.

They are also tasked with loading and unloading the freight.

This may include securing the load for safe transport and ensuring that the weight distribution is appropriate for safe driving.

Expedited Freight Drivers frequently perform vehicle inspections and basic maintenance to ensure their vehicle is safe and ready for the trip.

They may also be required to maintain logs of their travel and rest periods to comply with transportation regulations.

In addition, they often have customer service responsibilities, as they interact with the clients receiving the freight, handle paperwork, and are often the face of the company they represent.

Overall, an Expedited Freight Driver is responsible for ensuring the safe and timely delivery of goods.

 

Expedited Freight Driver Qualifications and Skills

Expedited Freight Drivers are responsible for transporting goods from one location to another in a timely and safe manner.

The skills and qualifications required for this role include:

• Strong driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws and regulations to ensure safe transportation of goods.
• Good physical health and stamina to handle long hours on the road, and the physical demands of loading and unloading cargo.
• Excellent time management skills to ensure that deliveries are made on schedule, and to plan optimal routes for efficiency.
• Understanding of vehicle maintenance to carry out basic checks and repairs, and to identify when professional servicing is required.
• Strong navigation skills to determine the best routes and to adapt to any changes in road conditions or traffic.
• Problem-solving skills to deal with any challenges or difficulties that might arise during the delivery process.
• Communication skills to interact effectively with dispatchers, customers and other stakeholders, and to report any issues or delays.
• Customer service skills to handle customer complaints or issues professionally and courteously.
• Ability to handle paperwork accurately and efficiently, such as logs, delivery receipts, and inspection documents.

 

Expedited Freight Driver Experience Requirements

The role of an Expedited Freight Driver generally requires a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in the transportation or logistics industry.

This experience can be gained through part-time roles, internships, or on-the-job training in roles such as a Delivery Driver, Truck Loader, or in a Warehouse.

Candidates are also often required to hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which involves passing a comprehensive written and driving test.

Some companies may also require drivers to have a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement, depending on the type of freight they will be transporting.

Drivers with more than 3 years of experience often have a strong knowledge of transportation regulations, load management, and safety protocols.

They may also have experience driving different types of heavy vehicles and handling various types of freight.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the industry may have some managerial or supervisory experience in their background.

This could involve overseeing a team of drivers, managing routes, or coordinating logistics operations.

Such individuals are generally well-prepared for roles with increased responsibility, such as Fleet Manager or Operations Supervisor.

 

Expedited Freight Driver Education and Training Requirements

Expedited Freight Drivers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

To become an Expedited Freight Driver, one must acquire a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) which involves passing a written test and a skills test.

The CDL is a mandatory requirement in all states.

They also need to complete a professional truck driving course, which provides practical skills training for driving large vehicles.

This could be obtained from a private truck driving school or through some community colleges which offer such programs.

Drivers must also pass a physical examination every two years, which includes vision and hearing tests.

Moreover, they should be able to handle long periods of physical work, such as loading and unloading cargo.

Although not required, some drivers pursue additional certifications to handle specific types of freight, like hazardous materials.

This requires additional testing and enhances a driver’s employability.

Continuing education is important as drivers need to stay updated on new laws, regulations, and technology related to truck driving.

It may also be beneficial to have basic mechanical skills to handle minor roadside repairs.

Experience driving smaller commercial vehicles can also be beneficial before moving on to larger, more complex vehicles.

For those interested in long-haul trucking, it is also worth noting that a good driving record is generally required by employers.

 

Expedited Freight Driver Salary Expectations

An Expedited Freight Driver can expect to earn an average salary of $52,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary may vary based on factors such as experience, location, the specific employing company, and the frequency of expedited deliveries.

 

Expedited Freight Driver Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Expedited Freight Driver need?

Expedited Freight Drivers should have excellent driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws.

They also need to have good time management skills as they are often working under tight schedules.

They should be detail-oriented to keep track of their freight and be capable of basic vehicle maintenance.

Additionally, they should have good physical strength for loading and unloading cargo, and exceptional communication skills for interacting with dispatchers and customers.

 

Do Expedited Freight Drivers need any specific qualifications?

While a degree is not required, most employers require Expedited Freight Drivers to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

They must possess a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and may need specific endorsements depending on the type of vehicle being driven.

Some companies may require drivers to have experience, while others offer on-the-job training.

 

What should you look for in an Expedited Freight Driver’s resume?

When looking at a resume, pay attention to their driving experience and any previous roles in freight or delivery services.

Check for a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and any other necessary endorsements.

It’s also beneficial if they have a clean driving record.

Any experience with vehicle maintenance or repair can be an advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Expedited Freight Driver?

A good Expedited Freight Driver is dependable and punctual, as they often have to meet strict delivery deadlines.

They must be detail-oriented to keep accurate records and ensure they are delivering the correct freight.

Good physical health is important as the job can be physically demanding.

Additionally, they should be calm and patient to handle the stress of driving for long periods and dealing with traffic.

 

Is it difficult to hire Expedited Freight Drivers?

Hiring Expedited Freight Drivers can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and skills required for the job.

The demand for drivers is often high, and there is a considerable amount of competition for experienced drivers.

To attract qualified candidates, offering competitive salaries, benefits, and flexible work schedules can be beneficial.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the ins and outs of what it truly means to be an expedited freight driver.

And guess what?

It’s not just about driving.

It’s about ensuring the fast and efficient delivery of goods, one mile at a time.

With our ultimate expedited freight driver job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to hit the road.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next stop for creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every mile driven is part of the bigger journey.

Let’s navigate this road. Together.

How to Become an Expedited Freight Driver (Complete Guide)

Thriving Under Pressure: A Glimpse Into High-Stress Professions!

Weathering the Storm: Recession-Proof Jobs That Last

Say Yes to Adventure and Income: Remote Jobs That Pay Surprisingly Well!

Where AI Falls Flat: Jobs That Need a Human Touch