How to hire a production truck driver

How to hire a production truck driver, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your production truck driver job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a production truck driver for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A production truck driver's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, production truck 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.

   The following list breaks down different types of production truck drivers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Production Truck Driver	Description	Hourly rate
   Production Truck 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	$13-25
   Driver/Mover	A driver/mover is responsible for preparing and arranging items for delivery from the distribution center to assigned destinations. Driver/movers assist with loading and unloading merchandise using various warehouse tools and equipment... Show more	$11-21
   Driver	Drivers are responsible for safely transporting people, packages, or goods from one destination to another. They should be familiar with the different routes that may be taken to reach the desired goal... Show more	$10-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Safety Rules
   • Production Truck
   • Unload Trucks
   • Delivery Truck
   • Pre-trip
   • Production Lines
   • Production Water
   • DOT
   • RAN
   • Safety Inspections
   • Delivery Vehicle
   • Computer System

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and expedite the secure transportation and accountability of logistic materials and HAZMAT chemicals to commercial, state and government facilities.
   • Follow GPS directives and maintain in constant communication with dispatch when necessary.
   • Deliver all types of groceries to local stores

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your production truck driver job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A production truck driver salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a production truck driver in Virginia may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level production truck driver usually earns less than a senior-level production truck driver. Additionally, a production truck driver with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average production truck driver salary

   $39,389yearly

   $18.94 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level production truck driver salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 17, 2026

   Average production truck driver salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$53,045	$26
   2	California	$50,172	$24
   3	Michigan	$39,150	$19
   4	Arizona	$35,052	$17
   5	Kansas	$33,728	$16
   6	Kentucky	$31,852	$15
   7	Texas	$27,513	$13
   8	Indiana	$25,189	$12
   9	Alabama	$25,129	$12

   Average production truck driver salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	PepsiCo	$45,194	$21.73	2
   2	Land O'Lakes	$42,910	$20.63	40
   3	Bridgestone	$42,567	$20.46	13
   4	Graphic Packaging International	$40,445	$19.44	21
   5	Allegiance Staffing	$30,193	$14.52	6
   6	HW Staffing Solutions	$29,215	$14.05	12
   7	The Salvation Army	$26,419	$12.70	163
   8	Pizza Hut	$25,084	$12.06	428

4. Writing a production truck driver job description

   A good production truck 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 production truck driver job description:

   Production truck driver job description example

   Company Philosophy:
   The company has built its reputation in the marketplace by demanding high standards for all of its employees. The company's success is measured by its integrity, honesty, quality products at a fair price with exemplary service to its customers. This position requires an individual that excels in leadership and is a team player with a superb skill set. Beyond the technical qualifications of the position it is important that the individual demonstrates a character with strong family values and a willingness to build a solid working relationship with hands-on ownership.
   
   Purpose and role of job:
   Responsible for delivering raw materials and removing waste from the production lines. Also will assist tending machine that compresses scrap material, cardboard, plastic, and any other loose material to bale into bundles.
   Principal Accountabilities/ Responsibilities:
   Observes all safety rules and uses the proper safety equipment as a driver and pedestrian.Completes daily forklift required inspections Follows necessary GMP, FDA, and ISO regulations/guidelines.Delivers raw materials from raw material staging to the production lines. (Materials are electronically transferred from staging to the lines through the use of a Radio Frequency Gun (RFG).Removes bins of scrap from production lines and delivers them to the baler room.Delivers empty bins to the production lines Carries materials to the baling machine and places into the compression chamber.Threads tie bands around bale and twists or clamps ends of bands to tighten.Removes bale from machines and transports to storage place, weighs bale, and records weight.Lines compression chamber of baling machine with paper, burlap, or other covering before baling.Performs other duties as necessary when directed to do so.Loads and unloads waste trailers.
   Education and experience requirements:
   Ability to communicate orally and written.Licensed forklift operator.Ability to operate in a fast paced environment.Ability to work in a team oriented environment Ability to use computer equipment.High School diploma or equivalent.Manufacturing experience preferred.Forklift experience preferred.SAP system knowledge/experience preferred
   Work Environment:
   Work in an environment with the potential for exposure to dust during certain tasks.
   Physical Requirements:
   Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and bending over throughout a 12-hour shift.Occasional climbing, kneeling, and reaching overhead during shift.Occasional pushing and pulling with the arms and legs throughout shift.Occasional lifting or carrying boxes up to 50 lbs.Constant light and strong grasping throughout shift.Operation of forklifts and baler during shift.Daily sweeping and organizing floor and work area.Required participation in a daily pre-shift warm-up routine.
   Disclaimer:
   The above information on this job description has been described to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents. Other duties and responsibilities not specifically described may be assigned from time to time, consistent with knowledge, skills and abilities of the incumbent.
   First Quality is committed to protecting information under the care of First Quality Enterprises commensurate with leading industry standards and applicable regulations. As such, First Quality provides at least annual training regarding data privacy and security to employees who, as a result of their role specifications, may come in to contact with sensitive data.First Quality is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or protected Veteran status.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find production truck drivers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your production truck driver job on Zippia to find and recruit production truck 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 production truck 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.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you 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 production truck driver

   Once you've found the production truck 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 important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new production truck driver first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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