How to hire a milk pickup driver

How to hire a milk pickup driver, step by step

Here's a step-by-step milk pickup 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 milk pickup driver job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new milk pickup driver
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a milk pickup driver job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   The milk pickup driver hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A milk pickup driver's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, milk pickup 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 milk pickup driver salaries for various roles:

   Type of Milk Pickup Driver	Description	Hourly rate
   Milk Pickup Driver	Heavy and tractor–trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor–trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity—that is, the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo—exceeds 26,000 pounds... Show more	$12-26
   Owner/Operator	Owners/operators manage the business in all aspects, especially in those related to operations. They ensure that every aspect of the business is running smoothly... Show more	$50-126
   Driver/Owner Operator	Driver/owner-operators are self-employed commercial truck drivers who operate trucks to transport goods for their customers. Most of these operators started working as drivers for trucking companies to gain experience and decide if it's the right career path for them... Show more	$33-200

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • GPS
   • Customer Service
   • Delivery Schedules
   • Traffic Laws
   • Unload Trucks
   • Transport Passengers

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
   • Conduct deliveries of medical equipment throughout Florida, collect payments, and ensure proper cleanliness of medical equipment
   • Deliver customers to their destination/homes/doorsteps with luggage/baggage groceries

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your milk pickup driver job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A milk pickup driver salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, milk pickup drivers' average salary in florida is 51% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level milk pickup drivers earn 54% less than senior-level milk pickup drivers.
   • Certifications. A milk pickup driver with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a milk pickup driver's salary.

   Average milk pickup driver salary

   $38,992yearly

   $18.75 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level milk pickup driver salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a milk pickup driver job description

   A good milk pickup driver job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a milk pickup driver job description:

   Milk pickup driver job description example

   * 12-hour shifts. Subject to change according to business needs to accommodate our 24/7 operation.
   
   *BENEFITS: *
   
   * Excellent benefit package available: 401k, medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance and AD&D, FSA, vacation, PTO, and holiday pay, subject to applicable eligibility and waiting periods.
   
   *POSITION SUMMARY: *
   
   Idaho Milk Products fully manages its own milk hauling requirements and other logistical needs. As a licensed bulk milk hauler, this position will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and accurate collection of raw milk from our owner's dairies. This entails sampling and loading the milk at the dairy, driving the milk to the plant, and unloading and washing at the plant. The Milk Logistics function is made up of a team of approximately 40 people.
   
   *ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: *
   
   * Best in class customer service as an ambassador for Idaho Milk Products in the field.
   * Collects milk from patron dairies and deliver to our processing plant in Jerome and other processing plants around the Magic Valley as business needs require.
   * Loads and unloads trailers.
   * Accurately and legibly fill out manifests, barn cards, and other required paperwork.
   * Cleaning both the inside and outside of the truck and trailer.
   * Accurately measures and sample milk.
   * Maintains all equipment properly.
   * Ensures duties are carried out within USDA and DOT guidelines.
   * Complies with all safety policies, practices and procedures.
   * Reports all unsafe activities to Safety Coordinator and/or Supervisor.
   * Conduct daily equipment inspections.
   * GMPs, Sanitation requirements, and performance measures are tracked and met.
   * Supports and encourages greater employee teamwork.
   * Performs other duties as assigned.
   
   *JOB SPECIFICATION/QUALIFICATIONS: *
   
   Required Education, Experience, Skills, and Knowledge
   
   * High School Diploma/GED or equivalent work-related experience.
   * Clean Driving Record.
   * Good communication and interaction skills.
   * General knowledge of commercial driving related best practice efficiencies.
   * Good track record of teamwork, safety, reliability, and efficiency.
   * Preferred: Education, Experience, Skills, and Knowledge
   * Class A CDL, with Tanker Endorsement and Bulk Haulers License.
   * Knowledge of DOT, OSHA and USDA organizations and their reporting and compliance requirements.
   * General knowledge of producing and processing operations, preferably within the dairy industry.
   * Knowledge of the proper use of all cleaning chemicals.
   * Have and maintain DOT Medical Card.
   * 3 years of relevant transportation experience (milk hauling).
   
   Skills:
   
   * Demonstrated initiative, ability to follow instructions and complete assignments in a timely manner.
   * Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
   * Able to work in teams effectively and encourage a positive work environment.
   * Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts, accept and embrace change, and be an active member of operating the department.
   * Sound communication skills, both verbal and written.
   * Demonstrated ability to ensure all documentation is timely, accurate, and complete.
   * Completes pre-operational checks on all equipment before starting a process.
   * Effectively interacts with individuals, teams, supervisor, management, and outside stakeholders.
   * Effective decision-making skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
   * Accuracy and attention to details in daily activities.
   * Highly organized, with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
   * Good interpersonal skills.
   * Effective prioritizing and time management skills.
   * Demonstrates sound work ethics.
   * Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
   * Ability to operate (or learn to operate) necessary equipment.
   * Must be dependable and trustworthy.
   * Ability to organize and follow instructions.
   
   Physical Requirements:
   
   * Excessive ascending and/or descending of ladders and stairs using feet and legs and/or hands and arms on a regular basis. Body agility is emphasized.
   * Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, on a regular basis throughout shift.
   * Repetitive motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
   * Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time on concrete.
   * Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist on a regular basis.
   * Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction.
   * Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outwards.
   * Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
   * Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees occasionally.
   * Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
   * Lifting: Able to lift up to 50lbs on a regular basis, up to 65lbs occasionally.
   * Sitting for extended periods of time.
   * Subject to environmental conditions both heat (above 90 degrees) and cold (below freezing): Activities occur inside and outside.
   * Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Includes activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
   
   Job Type: Full-time
   
   Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour
   
   Benefits:
   * 401(k)
   * 401(k) matching
   * Dental insurance
   * Employee assistance program
   * Flexible spending account
   * Health insurance
   * Health savings account
   * Life insurance
   * Paid time off
   * Professional development assistance
   * Referral program
   * Retirement plan
   * Tuition reimbursement
   * Vision insurance
   Schedule:
   * 12 hour shift
   
   Application Question(s):
   * Do you have knowledge of DOT, OSHA and USDA organizations and their reporting and compliance requirements?
   * Do you have and maintain DOT Medical Card?
   * Do you have a clean driving record.
   
   Education:
   * High school or equivalent (Preferred)
   
   Experience:
   * milk hauling/transportation: 3 years (Preferred)
   
   License/Certification:
   * Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement and Bulk Haulers License (Preferred)
   
   Shift availability:
   * Overnight Shift (Preferred)
   * Night Shift (Preferred)
   
   Work Location: On the road

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right milk pickup 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 milk pickup drivers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit milk pickup 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 milk pickup driver job on Zippia to find and recruit milk pickup driver candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit milk pickup drivers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 milk pickup driver

   Once you've found the milk pickup 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.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new milk pickup 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.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a milk pickup driver?