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How to hire a Loader/Driver

Loader/driver hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring loader/drivers in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a loader/driver is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per loader/driver on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 3,925 loader/drivers in the US and 137,815 job openings.
  • Omaha, NE, has the highest demand for loader/drivers, with 4 job openings.
  • New York, NY has the highest concentration of loader/drivers.

How to hire a loader/driver, step by step

To hire a loader/driver, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a loader/driver, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step loader/driver hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a loader/driver job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new loader/driver
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a loader/driver, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine Employee vs Contractor Status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A loader/driver's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, loader/drivers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    Here's a comparison of loader/driver salaries for various roles:

    Type Of Loader/DriverDescriptionHourly Rate
    Loader/DriverMaterial moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show More$12-28
    Warehouse Machine OperatorWarehouse machine operators perform various tasks for their employers. These include setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting machinery, inspecting parts for specifications and any potential damage, and reading and interpreting diagrams and blueprints to position and secure the machines... Show More$12-19
    Forklift OperatorForklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy equipment machines called forklifts. They are in charge of operating forklifts, a type of industrial or heavy equipment truck/machine that moves materials from one place to another through prongs protruding from the machine... Show More$12-20
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common Skills:
    • CDL
    • Safety Equipment
    • Post-Trip Inspections
    • DOT
    • OSHA
    • Safety Policies
    • Safety Standards
    • Safety Issues
    • Federal Regulations
    • Delivery Truck
    • Safety Rules
    • Drive Trucks
    • Hazardous Materials
    • GPS
    Check All Skills
    Responsibilities:
    • DOT certify to drive trucks.
    • Operate automated and semi-automate hoisting devices that raise refuse bins and empty contents.
    • Deliver and run all parts of the DFW Metroplex, and love the work
    • Maintain a neat and clean work area, follow OSHA standards for safe material handling.
    • Deliver auto supplies Unload/loading supplies upon delivery used GPS
    • Conduct deliveries of medical equipment throughout Florida, collect payments, and ensure proper cleanliness of medical equipment
    More Loader/Driver duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the loader/driver job description is a good way to get more applicants. A loader/driver salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for a loader/driver in Arkansas may be lower than in New York, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level loader/driver. Additionally, a loader/driver with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average loader/driver salary

    $39,446yearly

    $18.96 hourly rate

    Entry-level loader/driver salary
    $26,000 yearly salary
    Updated May 15, 2025

    Average loader/driver salary by state

    RankStateAvg. SalaryHourly Rate
    1New York$59,729$29
    2New Jersey$53,532$26
    3Massachusetts$52,098$25
    4Pennsylvania$49,529$24
    5Maryland$47,184$23
    6Connecticut$46,532$22
    7Texas$45,288$22
    8Virginia$44,947$22
    9California$44,453$21
    10Washington$44,252$21
    11Iowa$43,793$21
    12South Dakota$41,236$20
    13Wisconsin$40,638$20
    14Colorado$40,421$19
    15North Carolina$38,105$18
    16Nebraska$37,152$18
    17Florida$37,098$18
    18Tennessee$37,018$18
    19South Carolina$34,670$17

    Average loader/driver salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage SalaryHourly RateJob Openings
    1Bulkmatic Transport$53,998$25.96
    2Waste Management$51,000$24.521
    3Waste Pro$50,610$24.3329
    4Oil-Dri Corporation of America$50,258$24.163
    5Dairy Farmers of America$49,714$23.904
    6Kemps$49,370$23.74
    7Airgas$48,946$23.53
    8Usa Hauling & Recycling Inc$46,726$22.46
    9ADM$45,553$21.9017
    10Waste Connections$44,582$21.4330
    11Pacific Coast Building Products$43,358$20.856
    12Iron Mountain$42,537$20.451
    13ABARTA Coca-Cola Beverages$40,739$19.598
    14Medical Billing$40,063$19.26
    15Republic Services$39,475$18.9847
    16Cedar Grove$39,189$18.84
    17CORT$38,709$18.6122
    18Casella Waste Systems$35,458$17.056
    19American Red Cross$35,274$16.96
    20LKQ$34,223$16.4562
  4. Writing a Loader/Driver Job Description

    A loader/driver job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a loader/driver job description:

    Loader/Driver job description example

    About: Macy’s is proudly America’s Department Store. There’s a reason we’ve been around for 160 years. Customers come to us for fashion, value, and high-quality products.

    Now is an exciting time to join Macy’s. The face of retail is changing, and change requires innovation. Online sales are booming at Macy’s. Our Distribution Center teams are key to our success in the modern retail landscape.

    They make sure that products arrive at our stores - and each customer’s doorstep - on time, in perfect condition. Behind the scenes, a lot goes into getting products to customers. When a shopper makes an online purchase, we plan, prep, and package the merchandise to get it delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible – across the country and around the world.

    It takes a lot of smart people working together to make that happen, and so there are many roles you can play, including (but not limited to): material handlers, equipment drivers, inventory control, packers, quality assurance, safety specialists, asset protection, and many more. Whatever role you play – we value you as a colleague. Choose the challenge that’s right for you! Job Overview: Macy’s Yard Drivers perform all functions related to the process of moving trailers within the facility as dictated by the Management team. Essential Functions: * Load and off load merchandise and supplies. * Pick up and deliver merchandise and supplies to various departments. * Pass D.O.T.

    medical exam. * Must have a valid drivers license, driving company vehicles is required. * Re-fueling of vehicles. * Must be willing to be trained on all power equipment operations. * Job requires work outside regardless of weather conditions. Qualifications and Competencies: * High School Diploma or equivalent required * No experience required * CDL License Required * Must be able to move trailers up to 53 feet in length quickly in tight conditions. * Working knowledge of yard tractor trailers and dollies in order to spot issues or potential problems. * Clean driving record * Ability to read and interpret instructional documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedural manuals * Resourceful self-starter, works well independently as well as part of a team * Basic knowledge of computers and handheld technology * Ability to work a flexible schedule, including day, evening, weekends, and/or holidays Physical Requirements: * Position requires prolonged periods of standing/walking around store or department * May involve reaching, crouching, kneeling, stooping, climbing ladders, depth perception and color vision * Frequent use of computers and other technology necessary to perform job duties, including handheld electronic equipment. * Frequently lift/move up to 50lbs Supply Chain Only and Colleagues Working in a Supply Chain Facility except in locations governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement: Random drug testing for all colleagues will be conducted on a monthly or semi-monthly basis, depending upon factors including but not limited to the size of the facility and the number of colleagues on roll. Colleagues will be randomly selected for testing by a third party. Testing must be completed on the same workday the colleague is informed of selection for testing, absent extenuating circumstances.

    In all circumstances, testing must be completed within 24 hours of notification. WAREHOUSE00

  5. Post your job

    To find the right loader/driver for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with loader/drivers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit loader/drivers who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your loader/driver job on Zippia to find and recruit loader/driver candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    Recruiting loader/drivers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new loader/driver

    Once you've found the loader/driver candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new loader/driver. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a loader/driver?

Recruiting loader/drivers involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

The median annual salary for loader/drivers is $39,446 in the US. However, the cost of loader/driver hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a loader/driver for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $12 and $28 an hour.

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