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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Transportation Trainer

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

TransportationLogisticsTraining and DevelopmentEducationSafety

🎯 Role Definition

As a Transportation Trainer, you are the cornerstone of our fleet's safety and proficiency. You will be responsible for designing, delivering, and refining our driver training programs for both new hires and veteran drivers. This role involves a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on, behind-the-wheel coaching, and continuous performance evaluation. Your primary objective is to instill a culture of safety, ensure full compliance with all Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, and enhance the operational skills of our professional drivers to maximize efficiency and customer satisfaction.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior Commercial Driver / Lead Driver
  • Safety Coordinator
  • Driver Manager with extensive on-road experience

Advancement To:

  • Senior Transportation Trainer / Training Lead
  • Fleet Training Manager
  • Regional or Corporate Safety Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Safety and Compliance Specialist
  • Fleet Operations Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, develop, and continuously update comprehensive training curricula for new and experienced commercial drivers, covering defensive driving, vehicle mechanics, and customer service protocols.
  • Conduct engaging classroom instruction on a wide range of topics, including DOT/FMCSA regulations, hours-of-service (HOS) rules, hazardous materials (HazMat) handling, and company policies.
  • Provide direct, one-on-one, behind-the-wheel (BTW) training and coaching to drivers, focusing on safe vehicle operation, maneuvering skills, fuel efficiency techniques, and pre/post-trip inspections.
  • Administer and evaluate driver road tests, skills assessments, and knowledge exams to certify driver competency and identify areas requiring further development.
  • Lead the new driver orientation program, ensuring a smooth and informative onboarding process that integrates new hires into the company culture and operational standards.
  • Develop and deliver remedial and corrective action training for drivers following accidents, incidents, or performance issues identified through safety audits or telematics data.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate training records for all drivers, ensuring documentation of completed courses, certifications, and performance evaluations in compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
  • Stay current with all federal, state, and local transportation regulations and laws, and integrate any changes or updates into the training materials and programs promptly.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through driver performance metrics, feedback surveys, and safety statistics, recommending improvements to enhance learning outcomes.
  • Instruct drivers on the proper use of on-board technology, including Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), GPS navigation systems, and communication equipment.
  • Coach drivers on advanced defensive driving techniques, including hazard perception, space management, and navigating adverse weather and road conditions.
  • Conduct periodic ride-alongs with existing drivers to provide ongoing coaching, assess skill levels, and ensure adherence to company safety procedures.
  • Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and primary resource for drivers and management on all matters related to safety, compliance, and vehicle operation.
  • Champion a culture of safety and professionalism throughout the organization by modeling best practices and promoting safety awareness in all interactions.
  • Collaborate with the Safety Department to analyze accident/incident data and identify trends that can be addressed through targeted training interventions.
  • Manage the scheduling and logistics of all training activities, including classroom sessions, yard skills practice, and on-road instruction.
  • Develop supplementary training aids such as presentations, videos, job aids, and manuals to support various learning styles and reinforce key concepts.
  • Train drivers on proper cargo securement techniques specific to the types of freight hauled, such as flatbed, tanker, or refrigerated goods.
  • Provide training on company-specific procedures, including paperwork submission, communication protocols, and route planning strategies.
  • Conduct "Train the Trainer" sessions to develop other mentors or lead drivers within the fleet, expanding the organization's training capacity.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the Safety Department in conducting root cause analyses for accidents and safety violations.
  • Collaborate with the Recruiting department by participating in hiring events and providing expert assessment of driver candidates.
  • Provide regular feedback to Operations and Fleet Management on driver performance, skill gaps, and morale.
  • Participate in the selection and maintenance of training vehicles and simulation equipment to ensure they are safe and effective learning tools.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A) with a clean driving record.
  • In-depth Knowledge of Regulations: Expertise in DOT, FMCSA, and state-specific transportation regulations.
  • ELD Proficiency: Thorough understanding and ability to train on various Electronic Logging Device platforms.
  • Vehicle Systems Knowledge: Strong mechanical aptitude and knowledge of commercial vehicle systems, maintenance, and inspection procedures.
  • Instructional Design: Ability to create, develop, and update engaging and effective training materials and curricula.
  • MS Office Suite: Proficiency in PowerPoint, Word, and Excel for creating presentations, manuals, and tracking reports.
  • Hazardous Materials Expertise: HazMat endorsement and experience in training HazMat transportation protocols is often required.
  • LMS Experience: Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) for administering and tracking training is a plus.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills for clear instruction in both classroom and in-cab settings.
  • Patience & Empathy: Ability to remain calm, patient, and supportive while coaching drivers with varying skill levels and learning styles.
  • Mentorship & Coaching: A natural ability to mentor, guide, and motivate others to achieve their full potential.
  • Public Speaking: Strong presentation and public speaking skills to effectively engage groups of trainees.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Excellent ability to build rapport and trust with a diverse workforce.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to diagnose performance issues and develop effective training solutions.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust training techniques and schedules to meet individual and operational needs.
  • Organizational Skills: Meticulous attention to detail and strong time-management skills to manage multiple training tasks simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.
  • Certification as a Driver Trainer (e.g., CDT) or Safety Professional (e.g., CDS).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Adult Education & Training
  • Transportation & Logistics
  • Business Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of combined driving and training experience.

Preferred:

  • A minimum of 5 years of recent, verifiable over-the-road (OTR) or regional commercial driving experience with an excellent safety record.
  • At least 2 years of formal experience in a role involving driver training, mentoring, or safety instruction within a transportation environment.
  • Verifiable experience conducting both classroom and behind-the-wheel training sessions.
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