Refrigerated Goods Driver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of on-demand goods and services, the role of a Refrigerated Goods Driver has become increasingly crucial.

As the world of logistics continues to evolve, so does the demand for skilled drivers who can navigate, maintain, and safeguard our refrigerated goods transport systems.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Refrigerated Goods Driver?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of refrigerated goods driving,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Refrigerated Goods Driver job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Refrigerated Goods Driver Duties and Responsibilities

Refrigerated Goods Drivers play a critical role in transporting temperature-sensitive goods and ensuring their safe and fresh arrival.

They must adhere to strict guidelines for temperature control and overall vehicle maintenance.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Operate refrigerated trucks or vans to transport goods that require specific temperature conditions
• Check and maintain the truck’s refrigeration system and equipment to ensure correct temperature levels at all times
• Load, unload, or assist in loading and unloading goods in a safe and efficient manner
• Ensure goods are securely stowed and protected from adverse conditions
• Follow all traffic and safety regulations, including maintaining a valid driver’s license and adhering to vehicle weight limits
• Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as checking tire pressure, fluid levels, and brake function
• Use navigation tools to reach destinations in the most time and fuel-efficient manner
• Document and log work/rest periods, vehicle miles traveled and retain fuel/toll receipts in accordance with regulations
• Inspect goods upon delivery to ensure quality, count, and condition match the order
• Communicate effectively with dispatchers, warehouses, and customers

 

Refrigerated Goods Driver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a reliable and efficient Refrigerated Goods Driver to deliver perishable goods to various locations.

The driver’s responsibilities include driving a refrigerated truck, ensuring the quality and safety of the cargo, maintaining detailed logs of deliveries, and ensuring that all deliveries are made on time.

The ideal candidate has a clean driving record, is committed to work safety, and has experience driving commercial vehicles.

Ultimately, a top-performing Refrigerated Goods Driver will ensure all deliveries are made in a timely and efficient manner, and the integrity of the goods is preserved.

 

Responsibilities

• Drive refrigerated trucks to deliver perishable goods to various locations.
• Ensure the truck and its cargo are safely secured.
• Maintain a log of all deliveries, the mileage covered, and any mechanical issues encountered.
• Inspect the truck before and after each trip for any mechanical faults.
• Adjust the temperature of the refrigerated section of the truck as per the cargo requirements.
• Adhere to all traffic laws and safety regulations.
• Load and unload cargo using appropriate equipment.
• Communicate with dispatchers and customers to provide delivery updates.
• Assist with the cleaning and maintenance of the truck.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a truck driver.
• Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a clean driving record.
• Understanding of applicable truck driving rules and regulations.
• Ability to handle physical workload, including lifting heavy items and securing cargo.
• Good time management skills to ensure timely deliveries.
• Understanding of refrigerated cargo handling and safety requirements.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Refrigerated Goods Driver
• Work Environment: This job requires long distance travel, with occasional overnight trips. Work hours may vary based on delivery schedules.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Transport Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 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 a Refrigerated Goods Driver Do?

Refrigerated Goods Drivers, also known as reefer truck drivers, are specialized transport professionals who operate refrigerated trucks to deliver temperature-sensitive goods.

They typically work for transportation companies, food distributors or retail chains and are responsible for transporting perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and pharmaceuticals.

An integral part of their job is to ensure the refrigeration unit is functioning correctly and maintaining the required temperature throughout the journey.

This ensures the safe preservation and delivery of the goods.

Their tasks also include loading and unloading goods, ensuring items are securely packed and organized, and managing delivery documentation.

They must comply with all transportation laws, including those specific to the transport of perishable goods, and are often required to perform regular maintenance checks on their vehicles.

Refrigerated Goods Drivers often work on strict delivery schedules and may work long hours, including weekends and nights, to meet their delivery targets.

They may also be required to plan and navigate routes, including considering traffic, weather conditions, and delivery locations.

 

Refrigerated Goods Driver Qualifications and Skills

A competent refrigerated goods driver should possess the qualifications and skills that are necessary for the job role, these include:

• Possessing a valid and clean driving license, preferably with a commercial driving endorsement for transporting goods.
• Having knowledge of and ability to comply with transportation laws and regulations, including managing the necessary documentation.
• Strong understanding of refrigeration systems and their operation to ensure goods are properly stored and transported under the correct temperature conditions.
• Excellent navigational and route planning skills to ensure timely deliveries, whilst taking into account traffic and weather conditions.
• Physical stamina to handle long driving hours and the loading/unloading of goods if required.
• Good mechanical knowledge to perform basic vehicle maintenance and troubleshoot minor mechanical issues.
• Effective communication skills for liaising with dispatchers, customers, and other drivers.
• Record-keeping skills for maintaining accurate logs of hours driven, cargo transported, and delivery times.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, manage stress and remain calm under pressure.
• Exhibiting customer service skills while interacting with receivers during deliveries.

 

Refrigerated Goods Driver Experience Requirements

Refrigerated goods drivers often need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Most companies require drivers to have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience driving commercial vehicles, ideally in temperature-controlled transport.

Entry-level positions might be available to those with less experience, but these drivers would typically be paired with a more experienced driver for on-the-job training.

They may also need to complete a professional truck driving school program or a company’s in-house training program.

Drivers with more than 3 years of experience are often considered more valuable due to their extensive knowledge of safety procedures, mechanical operations and maintenance, as well as their proven track record in following delivery schedules while maintaining the integrity of the refrigerated goods.

Those with more than 5 years of experience could take on additional responsibilities such as training new drivers, planning routes, or even managing a fleet of vehicles.

They may also be better equipped to handle long-haul trips that require exceptional driving skills and the ability to manage unforeseen situations effectively.

 

Refrigerated Goods Driver Education and Training Requirements

Refrigerated Goods Drivers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

The most important requirement is obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which requires a written test and a driving test to ensure the driver’s ability to operate a heavy vehicle safely.

They also need to have a special endorsement for driving refrigerated trucks, which can be obtained through additional training and tests.

This certification ensures that the driver understands how to properly maintain the refrigeration unit and ensure the safe transport of temperature-sensitive goods.

Some employers provide on-the-job training, but there are also many vocational and private schools that offer courses in truck driving.

Drivers must also be familiar with the regulations of the Department of Transportation, as they are required to maintain logs of their driving hours and regularly pass safety inspections.

They must be physically fit to handle the demands of long-distance driving and unloading goods, and they must pass a physical examination every two years.

Although not required, some drivers may choose to pursue further certification in areas such as hazardous materials transport or heavy machinery operation.

This can broaden their job opportunities and increase their earning potential.

 

Refrigerated Goods Driver Salary Expectations

A Refrigerated Goods Driver can expect to earn an average wage of $21.32 (USD) per hour.

However, this can fluctuate depending on factors like the driver’s experience, the geographical location of their routes, and the company they work for.

 

Refrigerated Goods Driver Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Refrigerated Goods Driver need?

Refrigerated Goods Drivers should have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record.

They should also have good time management skills to ensure the timely delivery of goods.

Knowledge of basic truck maintenance and safety procedures is essential, as is the ability to load and unload goods.

Physical strength and stamina are important, as the job often involves heavy lifting.

 

Do Refrigerated Goods Drivers need any specific qualifications?

To work as a Refrigerated Goods Driver, individuals must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Some states may require additional certifications for driving refrigerated trucks.

Though not always required, some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent.

 

What should you look for in a Refrigerated Goods Driver resume?

You should look for a valid CDL and a good driving record in a Refrigerated Goods Driver’s resume.

Experience in driving refrigerated trucks and familiarity with truck maintenance are also valuable.

Other important details can include physical fitness, the ability to lift heavy items, and experience with long-distance driving.

 

What qualities make a good Refrigerated Goods Driver?

A good Refrigerated Goods Driver should have excellent driving skills and be very reliable, as they are responsible for delivering goods in a timely and safe manner.

They should be able to stay calm under pressure and handle unexpected situations like road closures or traffic delays.

Good physical health is important, as the job often involves heavy lifting.

They should also have strong problem-solving skills to deal with any mechanical issues that may arise during their route.

 

Is it difficult to hire Refrigerated Goods Drivers?

Hiring Refrigerated Goods Drivers can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and skills required.

There is also a high demand for these drivers, especially as e-commerce and online grocery shopping continue to rise.

It’s important to provide competitive pay and benefits to attract and retain the best drivers.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into the nitty-gritty details of being a refrigerated goods driver.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about driving a truck.

It’s about ensuring the safe and timely delivery of temperature-sensitive goods, one mile at a time.

With our comprehensive refrigerated goods driver job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to hit the road.

But why hit the brakes now?

Steer your way to our job description generator. It’s your next pit stop for precision-crafted job listings or revving up your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every delivery made is a crucial cog in the vast supply chain machinery.

Let’s drive this industry forward. Together.

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