Driver, Dedicated Route CDL-A, Store Delivery

Dedicated Route CDL-A Driver - Store Delivery
Job Title:	OTR Dedicated Route CDL-A Driver - Store Delivery	Location:	Durango, CO
Department:	Supply Chain	Status:	Regular, Full-Time
Reports To:	Logistics Manager	FLSA Category:	Exempt (Motor Carrier Exemption)
Relevant Experience:	2+ Years CDL-A Preferred	Salary Range:	$75,000-$85,000/year + bonus incentives

The Dedicated Route CDL-A Driver - Store Delivery is responsible for the safe, timely, and professional transportation of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory products from the Durango facility to franchise locations and other designated destinations throughout the United States. This is a hands-on, touch-freight store-delivery role operating refrigerated tractor-trailer equipment while maintaining compliance with all applicable Department of Transportation (DOT), federal, state, and Company requirements.

The driver will inspect and verify loads before departure, assist with loading and load securement as required, and safely unload pallets, boxes, and other products at RMCF stores using approved material-handling equipment. Deliveries may involve retail locations with varying receiving configurations, including locations without traditional loading docks.

The driver serves as a professional representative of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and is expected to provide reliable, courteous service to franchisees, customers, vendors, and the public while maintaining a strong focus on safety, product integrity, and operational efficiency.

The Dedicated Route CDL-A Driver - Store Delivery will be expected to consistently deliver outstanding outcomes in the following areas:

1. Safe Transportation & Regulatory Compliance
   1. Operate refrigerated tractor-trailer equipment safely and responsibly in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
   2. Maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and comply with all applicable driver qualification, hours-of-service, inspection, and recordkeeping requirements.
   3. Follow Company transportation policies, safety procedures, and established operating standards.
   4. Drive defensively and adjust driving practices appropriately for traffic, road, weather, and vehicle conditions.
2. Store Delivery & Route Management
   1. Complete assigned multi-stop routes efficiently while meeting established delivery schedules and customer service expectations.
   2. Plan and manage routes to support timely deliveries while considering road conditions, weather, traffic, store receiving requirements, and hours-of-service limitations.
   3. Inspect and verify assigned loads before departure and assist with loading and load securement as required.
   4. Safely deliver and unload RMCF products at franchise and other designated locations, moving pallets, boxes, and other products into designated receiving areas using pallet jacks, hand trucks, dollies, carts, or other approved equipment.
   5. Complete deliveries at retail locations with varying receiving configurations, including locations without traditional loading docks, and follow site-specific access and receiving requirements.
   6. Complete third-party backhauls, product transfers, and other transportation assignments as directed.
   7. Maintain flexibility for route-dependent schedules that may include early-morning, evening, weekend, or after-hours deliveries, as required by store receiving needs and hours-of-service limitations.
3. Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance
   1. Conduct required pre-trip, post-trip, and other vehicle inspections in accordance with DOT and Company requirements.
   2. Monitor vehicle condition and promptly report mechanical problems, damage, safety concerns, refrigeration issues, or other equipment deficiencies.
   3. Maintain the cleanliness and general condition of the assigned tractor, trailer, and transportation equipment.
   4. Ensure products are transported under appropriate temperature and handling conditions.
4. Documentation & Reporting
   1. Maintain accurate driver logs, mileage records, inspection reports, delivery documentation, and other required transportation records.
   2. Complete and submit required paperwork and electronic records accurately and within established timelines.
   3. Communicate delivery issues, delays, route changes, product concerns, store-access challenges, or other exceptions promptly to the Logistics Manager or designated transportation lead.
5. Customer & Franchisee Service
   1. Serve as a professional representative and brand ambassador for Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory during interactions with franchisees, customers, vendors, and the public.
   2. Communicate professionally and respectfully with delivery contacts and Company personnel.
   3. Handle products and deliveries with care and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
6. Operational Support
   1. Assist with load preparation, load verification, cargo securement, product transfers, and backhaul activities as directed.
   2. Support transportation and warehouse activities when not actively assigned to a route, including preparation for upcoming deliveries and equipment readiness.
   3. Return pallets, totes, carts, and other reusable transportation assets as directed, and communicate recurring store receiving or access constraints that could improve future route planning.
   4. Perform other transportation-related duties as assigned.