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Driver Trainee Jobs in Defiance, OH (NOW HIRING)

Rumpke

Driver Trainee

Findlay, OH · On-site

The Driver Trainee position trains side-by-side with the drivers to gain experience. Driver Trainees begin employment in a trainee role while training to become a CDL driver. Drivers are responsible ...

McLane Company

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Findlay, OH · On-site

$22.50/hr

As a Driver Trainee, you will learn the essential functions of the Driver job including the accurate and timely distribution of products to various customer locations. The Driver Trainee gains ...

Rumpke of Ohio, Inc.

Driver Trainee

Lima, OH · On-site

The Driver Trainee position trains side-by-side with the drivers to gain experience. Driver Trainees begin employment in a trainee role while training to become a CDL driver. Drivers are responsible ...

Coca-Cola Bottling Co

Driver Trainee

Lima, OH · On-site

$21/hr

Job Overview The Delivery Merchandiser Trainee is a fast-paced position responsible for learning ... Learn to drive a Class A CDL vehicle and obtain required licensing within 10 weeks of training ...

Enterprise Holdings

Management Trainee

Findlay, OH

$50K - $54K/yr

Must have a valid driver's license with no more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents in driving record in the last 3 years and no drug or alcohol related convictions on record in the past 5 ...

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All JobsDriver JobsDriver Trainee JobsDriver Trainee Jobs in Defiance, OH

Driver Trainee information

See Defiance, OH salary details

$22.9K

$45.7K

$60.8K

How much do driver trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for driver trainee in Defiance, OH is $45,690.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,600.00 and $53,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Driver Trainee vs Driver?

AspectDriver TraineeDriver
Required CredentialsDriver's license, possibly a commercial licenseValid driver's license, commercial license if applicable
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, company vehicles, on-the-job trainingRegular routes, delivery or transportation settings
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in transportation, logistics, or delivery companiesFull-time professional role in similar industries

Driver Trainee is an entry-level position where individuals learn driving skills and gain necessary certifications. Once training is complete, they typically advance to a Driver role, which involves operating vehicles regularly in transportation or delivery services. The main difference lies in experience level and job responsibilities, with Driver Trainee focusing on learning and development.

What types of training and support can I expect as a driver trainee?

As a Driver Trainee, you will typically participate in a structured training program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-road experience under the supervision of experienced drivers or instructors. You'll learn about vehicle safety, regulatory compliance, route navigation, and proper loading/unloading procedures. Most employers provide mentorship and regular feedback during training, ensuring you build confidence and develop safe driving habits before transitioning to independent routes. This supportive environment helps you gradually assume more responsibility while preparing for any required licensing exams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a driver trainee?

To thrive as a Driver Trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle inspection procedures, and, eventually, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are often required. Strong attention to safety, good communication, and a willingness to learn help trainees adapt quickly and work well with supervisors and customers. These skills and qualifications ensure safe driving practices, regulatory compliance, and readiness for advancement to full professional driving roles.

What is a driver trainee?

A driver trainee works with an employer to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to haul freight and operate tractor trailers. It usually involves the training you need to get a commercial driver's license (CDL). The process varies with the company, but it typically includes a combination of classroom time, safety coursework, and on-the-job route driving. Depending on the materials you carry, your duties may also involve earning additional license endorsements, such as hazardous material (HAZMAT). Your responsibilities may also be to load and unload trucks. You also have to record your work hours as per state and federal regulations.

More about Driver Trainee jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Driver jobs in Defiance, OH? The most popular types of Driver jobs in Defiance, OH are:
What cities near Defiance, OH are hiring for Driver Trainee jobs? Cities near Defiance, OH with the most Driver Trainee job openings:
Driver Trainee jobs near you

Driver Trainee

Rumpke

Findlay, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Rumpke rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 96 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 90 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.
When you join Rumpke, you'll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.
This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!
The Driver Trainee position trains side-by-side with the drivers to gain experience. Driver Trainees begin employment in a trainee role while training to become a CDL driver. Drivers are responsible for servicing assigned route(s)/customers with the collection and hauling of waste or recycling materials to a disposal site or recycling plant.
Shift: 5:00am - 7:00pm M-F
Responsibilities of Position:
  • Attend classroom and field training and study independently to obtain required CDL license
  • Assist as a helper during training to complete daily routes as needed
  • Enter/exit a truck 300-500 times per day to service assigned route
  • Operate a truck in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies
  • Provide waste or recycling removal services to customers on assigned route(s) and hauling to disposal site
  • Clean up waste spills and overflows
  • Maintain and update route sheets/logs sheets
  • Conduct pre-trip/post trip inspections and complete logs
  • Professionally interact with internal and external customers
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibility:
  • This position will not manage employees

Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:
  • Ability to read and understand a map
  • Ability to enter/exit the truck approximately 300-500 times per day
  • Must posses good written and verbal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers

Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:
  • Must be able to obtain a DOT medical card within 10 days of employment
  • Must be able to obtain class B CDL permit within 60 days of employment
  • Must be able to obtain a class B CDL within 90 days of employment

Physical Requirements in a Regular Workday:
  • Frequently lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 75 lbs
  • Continuously working outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions
  • Continuously working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
  • Frequently stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
  • Frequently climbing and/or balancing
  • Frequently sitting/standing/walking in an office environment

Additional Working Conditions/Aspects:
  • Must be at least 19 years of age
  • No more than 3 moving violations within the last 2 years
  • Must not have any DUI's or OVI's within the last 5 years or 2 in the last 10 years
  • Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
  • Exposure to residential and commercial waste
  • Ability to travel between offices, as required
  • Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
  • Legally eligible to work in the United States
  • Valid driver's license (if applicable)
  • Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
  • Must be able to read and speak the English language

This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.
Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke's policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About Rumpke

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rumpke, centered in Cincinnati, OH, US, is a leading environmental solutions provider serving the waste and recycling industry. The company, with its official website at rumpke.com, is established on the principle of providing excellent customer service alongside innovative and sustainable solutions. Rumpke offers a wide array of services, including residential, commercial, and industrial waste collections, in addition to recycling programs and landfilling services. The company was founded in 1932 by William F. Rumpke, initially as a junkyard, but evolved over time into one of the most trusted waste management providers.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cincinnati, OH, US

Year founded

1932

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