Route Driver

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world.
CDI's Consumer Products Group is the driving force behind the marketing and sales function for CDI's butter, supported by a strong food service business, and two heritage retail brands: Challenge and Danish Creamery. Proudly Californian, our butter is cultivated by the sun, and we believe that together we can spread that sunshine through every bite, every meal, and every shared moment.
We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy!
We offer a generous total rewards package that includes:

• Hourly Wage $23.93- $29.91
• Health Benefits
• Pension Plan

The Challenge (Job Summary):
A Challenge Dairy Products Route Driver/Salesman is a professional driver with responsibilities in the areas of selling and delivery. These responsibilities include the following:
The proper care and maintenance of his/her vehicle while adhering to strict compliance with the rules of the road regarding safety. This includes conducting pre-trip inspections and reporting any safety or repair issues immediately.
Specific responsibilities with respect to the care of the vehicle include but not limited to, maintaining the proper levels of and working order for:

1. Oil
2. Lubrication
3. Water
4. Coolants
5. Cleanliness of cab and box
6. Fuel

Maintain proper skills and license necessary to operate a Challenge Dairy vehicle and always be on the alert for circumstances that are out of the ordinary and require sudden responses.
Our records indicate that most problems occur in the familiarization (first 90 days) state, be aware of the following:

1. Our Challenge truck is wider, longer and heavier than a normal automobile and therefore, will not accelerate or decelerate as rapidly as a car or small truck.
2. When driving in restricted areas, be alert for any restrictions that might damage the refrigeration unit or mirrors that extend beyond the normal width of the truck.
3. Delivering our products in their proper form, consequently, be alert for making sudden stops that could cause the load to shift, thereby damaging products or even making the vehicle unsteady.
4. Personal safety is most important, be sure to use proper lifting procedures and always be alert for any low hanging protrusions that can cause personal injury to the head, eyes, back, etc.
5. Remember the defensive driving skills - they work

Delivery
Distribute all products to all customers as directed by Challenge Dairy Products, Inc. Maintain proper inventory levels to ensure proper service of customers. Responsible for the security of and accountable for all products assigned to the Driver in a particular jurisdiction. Inventory of product is to be taken as required by Challenge Dairy Products, Inc.
Sales
Appearance

1. Appearance is crucial to our success, therefore, the following is required:
2. Wear clean uniform every day, including a belt.
3. Keep hair combed and neatly trimmed above the collar.
4. Facial hair must be professional and maintained per Foodservice Division guidelines.
5. Wear shoes that are clean and neatly polished with non-slip soles

Attitude
Attitude is indicative of the attitude of the Company toward our customers and fellow employees. Courtesy, concern and cooperation are the mandatory traits that are necessary for our continued growth.
Aptitude
This is the ability to learn quickly. Familiarity with product features and benefits for those products distributed and the way they are used is necessary. In addition, familiarity and adherence to the policies we maintain is required. Use of equipment to complete assignments are necessary, including but not limited to, the use of handheld computer, operation of pallet jack and dollies.
Credit & Collections
A sale is never complete until the currency (payment of invoices within credit terms) of your customers is received. Additionally, be aware of certain danger signals, i.e. lower inventory levels, lower quality level of customer's food, longer time between deliveries, etc. These happenings could indicate possible financial problems. Once notified, this information should be reported to the Branch Manager as soon as possible.
Account Penetration
Need to sell more individual items to customers. Recognize those items that customer could buy from Challenge and then sell them. Consult with the Branch Manager on these sales opportunities.
New Accounts
In addition to selling additional items into our existing accounts, recognize new opportunities and converting these new or changed business to Challenge products. Consult with the Branch Manager on these prospective accounts.
Physical Requirements
Lifting

1. It is necessary for employee to lift product from levels as low as ground level to as high as above the head. Products vary in weight, from 5 to 70 pounds.
2. Throughout the course of a normal day, Driver will load and unload approximately 12,000 pounds of product. Majority of this product is unloaded by hand, case-by-case. Safe lifting procedures shall be practiced at all times.

Climbing

1. In the course of a normal day, will climb in and out of delivery truck approximately 60 times. Steps are 24" to 30" high.

Other

1. Requires long hours of standing and walking.
2. Once cases are unloaded and stacked for movement, load can weigh up to 300 pounds. Movement of this load requires balance and at times is necessary to pull up or down stairs and ramps as needed.
3. Use of a hydraulic lift gate/ramp on the delivery truck will assist you in loading and unloading product at delivery points. Safe operation of this equipment is essential.