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Early Morning Driver Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Maumee Valley Group

Route Driver

Defiance, OH · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys early mornings, a consistent weekday schedule, and ... Valid driver's license with a clean driving record * Ability to pass a DOT physical and Drug Screen

TL Worldwide Transportation

NEMT Driver

Akron, OH · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Early morning, mid-morning, afternoon, and evening shifts * Assistance obtaining required credentials and certifications * Indoor vehicle storage during rain, snow, and cold weather * 24/7 driver ...

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All JobsEarly Morning Driver JobsEarly Morning Driver Jobs in Ohio

Early Morning Driver information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$35

$85

How much do early morning driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for early morning driver in Ohio is $35.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $39.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an early morning driver?

Early morning drivers are professionals who transport goods or passengers during the early hours of the day, often before sunrise. Their work is crucial for ensuring timely deliveries and transportation, especially when businesses or commuters require services before regular working hours. These drivers may work for delivery companies, public transportation services, or private clients, and typically start their shifts as early as 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. The job requires punctuality, alertness, and the ability to work independently during quiet hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an early morning driver?

To thrive as an Early Morning Driver, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and a good understanding of local routes and traffic patterns. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, route optimization software, and often commercial driving certifications (such as a CDL for certain vehicles) are commonly required. Reliability, punctuality, and strong communication skills help ensure timely deliveries and positive customer interactions. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and trust in early-hour transportation services.

What are some unique challenges early morning drivers face, and how can they prepare for them?

Early morning drivers often encounter low visibility due to darkness or fog, reduced traffic but increased encounters with delivery schedules, and potentially hazardous road conditions such as frost or ice. Preparing by getting adequate rest, checking vehicle lights and weather conditions, and planning routes in advance can help mitigate these challenges. Many employers also provide safety training and encourage drivers to communicate regularly with dispatch to ensure on-time deliveries and address any issues that arise during early hours.

What is the difference between Early Morning Driver vs Delivery Driver?

AspectEarly Morning DriverDelivery Driver
CredentialsValid driver's license, clean driving recordValid driver's license, sometimes specific certifications for certain deliveries
Work EnvironmentEarly hours, often in urban or suburban areas, focused on pre-dawn pickups or deliveriesVaried hours, including daytime, evening, or weekends, delivering goods to customers or businesses
Employer & IndustryLogistics companies, courier services, transportation firmsRetail, food services, e-commerce, logistics companies

Early Morning Drivers primarily focus on pre-dawn pickups and deliveries, often working in urban areas, while Delivery Drivers handle a broader range of delivery times and destinations. Both roles require valid licenses and share similar work environments, but their schedules and specific duties differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Driver jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Driver jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Early Morning Driver jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Early Morning Driver job openings:

Early Morning Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Early Morning Driver job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,744 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Early Morning Donor Partnership Route Driver

Akron, OH • On-site

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Akron-Canton Regional Foodbankexternal

$22/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank offers a diverse workplace with professionals that work together to fulfill our mission in the fight to end hunger. We are seeking individuals who share and believe in our core values - compassion, collaboration, service, integrity, inclusion and innovation.
The Early Morning Donor Partnership Route Driver plays a vital role in providing access to donated foods throughout the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank's eight county service territory (Carrol, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, & Wayne). The Early Morning Donor Partnership Route Driver interacts with local food donors, retailers, manufacturers, and facilities by transporting goods on behalf of the Foodbank. Position responsibilities also include communication, documentation, record keeping and overall compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as compliance with Feeding America and the American Institute of Baking (AIB) regulations. A high degree of professionalism and punctuality are crucial in this role as customers rely on timely deliveries. Customer service, commitment, availability, flexibility, and dependability is essential for success in this position. Hourly Rate: $22 per hour
Work Schedule: This is a full-time, Monday-Friday, non-exempt role, working approximately 40 hours per week with the opportunity for overtime as needed. Work schedules will vary based on route and business needs.
Key Benefits
*No Weekends
*No Overnights
*Home Every Evening
*160 Hours PTO (Pro-rated upon hire date)
*Paid Holidays
*New Equipment
Job Responsibilities:
  • Product donation local pickups and deliveries throughout the eight-county service territory.
  • Maintain and build a professional rapport with donors to foster continued support for the Foodbank.
  • Maintain accurate records of vehicle operations and maintenance on a daily basis, in accordance with DOT and Foodbank regulations.
  • Load and off-load freight, supplies, and/or equipment, as required, using a pallet jack or tow motor.
  • Detect and eliminate safety and sanitation hazards ensuring that all product donations meet Foodbank and AIB standards.
  • Maintain all current licenses, certifications, and medical cards, in accordance/ compliance with Foodbank, DOT, State and Federal mandated requirements.
  • Maintain a clean and operable vehicle, inside and out, (i.e., fuel, oil, air pressure, filters, light bulbs, etc.) ensuring the Foodbank brand is upheld as you represent the organization in the community that we serve.
  • Complete pre and post DOT/CSA inspections by recording the vehicle conditions on the DVIR (driver vehicle inspection report) and turn in the report at the end of each day.
  • Ensure complete compliance with all local, state, and federal motor vehicle regulations to avoid citations that could result in fines or penalties to you personally or to the Foodbank.
  • Cover routes for other drivers when needed.
  • Performs other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum high school diploma and two (2) years of professional truck driving experience, preferably in a grocery or food-related environment encompassing sales and customer relations.
  • Possession of a valid Ohio Class A-Commercial Driver's License (CDL), current medical card with the requirement of renewing no less than every 2 years, current DMV printout with no moving violations, and forklift certification, with the necessary experience to pass a performance review.
  • Proven ability to drive tractor-trailers and operate standard warehouse equipment. Ability to safely operate all types of equipment, including, but not limited to, pallet jacks, forklifts and tow motors.
  • Excellent trouble shooting and diagnostic skills with the ability to define problems and move to resolution for preventative equipment maintenance.
  • Strong mechanical aptitudes and a working knowledge of transportation and warehouse equipment.
  • Knowledge of DOT regulations and CSA requirements.
  • Proven ability to work steadily and independently with minimum supervision and to follow standardized procedures and set schedule.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records. Add, subtract, multiply and divide units of weight successfully, compute ratio, rate and percent. Write reports and record transactions with proper format and legibility, using all parts of speech.
  • Exert force and/or lift or carry items weighing up to 50 pounds frequently.
  • Work inside freezers and coolers with a temperature range of -10 degrees F. to 38 degrees F.
  • Ability to work well with other staff and to relate well to donors and agency representatives. Speak to customers with poise, voice control and confidence, imparting information in a clear and understandable manner to uphold the Foodbank brand in the community that we serve.
  • Must be an enthusiastic professional with a high level of customer orientation and relationship building skills.
  • Must be able to follow all American Institute of Baking, Feeding America, Food and Drug Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, Occupational Safety Hazard Administration, Department of Transportation, and Foodbank (standard operating procedures and employee handbook) safety regulations.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop; kneel, crouch, and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust and focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment described here is representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Come join an organization that makes a difference in the lives of others! The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is proud to be a multiple time recipient of the NorthCoast99 award, which showcases our Foodbank as one of the top 99 places to work in Northeast Ohio. We offer a warm and loving culture filled with opportunities to grow and develop your career, competitive benefits, and compensation, 9 paid Holidays and a generous paid time off program that begins on day one!
The Foodbank provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information or any other class protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind.

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