How to hire a solid waste truck driver

How to hire a solid waste truck driver, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

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

   This list shows salaries for various types of solid waste truck drivers.

   Type of Solid Waste Truck Driver	Description	Hourly rate
   Solid Waste 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	$13-23
   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
   CDL Driver	A CDL driver is responsible for the transportation of goods from the manufacturing warehouse to specific store locations. CDL drivers' duties include inspecting the items before and after the delivery to ensure that the orders are correct with the right quantity, providing proof of delivery from the receiving customers, following the delivery schedule and report any delays immediately, monitoring the vehicle's engine for efficiency, and escalating concerns of incorrect deliveries and defective items... Show more	$19-46

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • DOT
   • Post-Trip Inspections
   • Maintenance Checks
   • Yard Waste
   • Traffic Laws
   • Pickup
   • Mechanical Problems
   • Drive Trucks

   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 solid waste truck driver job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A solid waste truck driver can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, solid waste truck drivers' average salary in tennessee is 40% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level solid waste truck drivers 41% less than senior-level solid waste truck drivers.
   • Certifications. A solid waste truck driver with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a solid waste truck driver's salary.

   Average solid waste truck driver salary

   $38,234yearly

   $18.38 hourly rate

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   Entry-level solid waste truck driver salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 9, 2026

4. Writing a solid waste truck driver job description

   A solid waste truck 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 solid waste truck driver job description:

   Solid waste truck driver job description example

   This is a temporary position.
   
   The primary function of this position is to load, inspect, and drive trucks to the disposal facilities.
   
   Duties and Responsibilities
   
   * Employees who occupy this position work independently and in a team environment transporting solid waste and other materials to the appropriate destination.
   * Operates commercial vehicles; such as tractor trailers, walking floor trailer, dump trailer, roll-off, bucket truck and any associated equipment used in solid waste operations.
   * Performs routine inspections and light preventative maintenance to applicable equipment.
   * Prepares daily log sheets and other associated paperwork.
   
   Education, Experience, Licensing
   
   * Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from High School or GED equivalent and one year of experience operating tractor-trailers, trash hauling, or closely related field.
   * Possession of a valid Class A CDL with an acceptable driving record is required.
   * This is a safety-sensitive position, which is subject to Drug and Alcohol Workplace Testing as provided in DOT regulation 49CFR-Parts 40 and/or 382.
   
   Supplemental Information
   
   * Knowledge of hand tools for performing maintenance.
   * Ability to perform truck inspections and light maintenance.
   * Ability to operate equipment used in the daily functions of transporting materials.
   * Ability to communicate effectively; both verbally and in written form.
   * Ability to work in variable weather conditions and stand, sit, kneel, crawl, or climb at various times throughout the day.
   * Ability to lift and carry 100 lbs.
   * The work days and hours for this position are Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 2:30 pm, and Saturday's as needed. May be required to work additional hours during emergencies.
   * Incumbents may also fill in at other solid waste facilities as needed.
   
   DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find solid waste 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 solid waste truck driver job on Zippia to find and recruit solid waste truck driver candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with solid waste truck driver candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   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 solid waste truck driver

   Once you've decided on a perfect solid waste truck driver candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new solid waste truck 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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