ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Professional Driver Jobs in Buffalo, MN (NOW HIRING)

Mclane Company, Inc.

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Osseo, MN

$80K - $90K/yr

This is your chance to embark on a fulfilling career as a professional driver with competitive pay and benefits. Program Overview * Pay Rate: $23.50/hour during training and schooling. * Requirement:

Mclane Company, Inc.

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Wayzata, MN

$80K - $90K/yr

This is your chance to embark on a fulfilling career as a professional driver with competitive pay and benefits. Program Overview * Pay Rate: $23.50/hour during training and schooling. * Requirement:

Mclane Company, Inc.

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Loretto, MN

$80K - $90K/yr

This is your chance to embark on a fulfilling career as a professional driver with competitive pay and benefits. Program Overview * Pay Rate: $23.50/hour during training and schooling. * Requirement:

Mclane Company, Inc.

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Long Lake, MN · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This is your chance to embark on a fulfilling career as a professional driver with competitive pay and benefits. Program Highlights * Hourly Pay: $23.50 during training and schooling. * Prerequisite:

Mclane Company, Inc.

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Osseo, MN · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This is your chance to embark on a fulfilling career as a professional driver with competitive pay and benefits. Program Highlights * Hourly Pay: $23.50 during training and schooling. * Prerequisite:

Mclane Company, Inc.

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Loretto, MN · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This is your chance to embark on a fulfilling career as a professional driver with competitive pay and benefits. Program Highlights * Hourly Pay: $23.50 during training and schooling. * Prerequisite:

Mclane Company, Inc.

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This is your chance to embark on a fulfilling career as a professional driver with competitive pay and benefits. Program Highlights * Hourly Pay: $23.50 during training and schooling. * Prerequisite:

Mclane Company, Inc.

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Wayzata, MN · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This is your chance to embark on a fulfilling career as a professional driver with competitive pay and benefits. Program Highlights * Hourly Pay: $23.50 during training and schooling. * Prerequisite:

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessional Driver JobsProfessional Driver Jobs in Buffalo, MN

Professional Driver information

See Buffalo, MN salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do professional driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional driver in Buffalo, MN is $18.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $20.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional driver?

Professional drivers race a variety of vehicles at a highly competitive level, spanning many classes and divisions. There are also different types of tracks and terrains they race on. Professional drivers race for the chance to earn prize money based on the place they finish in. They also seek sponsorship from companies to help fund the operation required to keep racing vehicles functioning correctly. Many professional drivers find success as part of a team or are picked up by sponsors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), a clean driving record, and knowledge of traffic laws and safe driving practices. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and vehicle inspection tools is typically required. Reliability, strong customer service, and stress management are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient transportation of goods or passengers and compliance with regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by professional drivers, and how can they be managed?

Professional drivers often encounter challenges such as long hours on the road, navigating heavy traffic, and adhering to strict delivery schedules. Managing fatigue is crucial, so it's important to take regular breaks and prioritize rest. Handling unexpected situations like vehicle breakdowns or route changes also requires problem-solving skills and adaptability. Building good communication with dispatchers and clients can help address issues promptly and maintain smooth operations.

What is the difference between Professional Driver vs Commercial Driver?

AspectProfessional DriverCommercial Driver
CredentialsDriver's license, possibly specialized endorsementsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often required
Work EnvironmentVaries from personal vehicles to company fleetsTypically commercial vehicles like trucks, buses, or delivery vans
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across transportation, logistics, and personal servicesPrimarily in freight, passenger transport, and logistics industries

While both roles involve operating vehicles, a Professional Driver may include personal or non-commercial driving, whereas a Commercial Driver specifically operates commercial vehicles requiring a CDL. The key differences lie in licensing requirements, work environment, and industry usage, with Commercial Drivers often working in freight and passenger transport sectors.

More about Professional Driver jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Driver jobs in Buffalo, MN?

The most popular types of Driver jobs in Buffalo, MN are:

What cities near Buffalo, MN are hiring for Professional Driver jobs?

Cities near Buffalo, MN with the most Professional Driver job openings:

Professional Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Driver job openings in Buffalo, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, and 35% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,143 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Driver, Trainee Hourly

Mclane Company, Inc.

Minnetonka Beach, MN

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Work closely with a Driver Trainer to develop skills for attaching trailers, operating trucks safely, and conducting vehicle inspections.

  • Operate the truck in compliance with all regulations and document delivery receipts, product temperatures, and exceptions using the Driver Delivery Handheld and driver logs.

  • Assist in unloading trailers and delivering products to customer locations.

McLane rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 49 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Advance Your Career with Us!

In this role, you will acquire the fundamental skills necessary for the Driver position, which includes the precise and timely delivery of products to various customer sites. As a Driver Trainee, you will also gain insights into warehouse operations and other essential functions as part of your journey to becoming a professional driver.

CDL-A Driver Training Program - Fully Sponsored

Location: Northfield, MN

Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 7 AM - 5:30 PM

We are excited to offer a fully funded CDL-A School right here in Northfield! This is your chance to embark on a fulfilling career as a professional driver with competitive pay and benefits.

Program Overview
  • Pay Rate: $23.50/hour during training and schooling.
  • Requirement: Must secure a CDL-A Permit before the start of classes.
  • Training: Monday-Thursday, on-site in Northfield, MN for the final 4 weeks.
Earnings Potential
  • Average first-year earnings: $80,000 - $90,000
  • Minimum guaranteed salary: $65,000 annually as a driver
Benefits
  • Comprehensive benefits available from Day 1, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSA/HSA, and company-paid life insurance.
  • 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan after 90 days.
  • Paid holidays, vacation time, sick leave accrual, educational assistance program, and more!
Key Responsibilities

As a trainee, you will work closely with a Driver Trainer to develop the skills needed for the following tasks:

  • Position the tractor to attach the trailer and secure it properly.
  • Operate the truck safely, adhering to all local, state, and federal regulations as well as company policies.
  • Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the tractor-trailer and submit a DOT inspection report detailing its condition.
  • Utilize the Driver Delivery Handheld (DDH) to document delivery receipts, product temperatures, and any exceptions. Ensure the trailer is loaded securely for safe transport.
  • Accompany the Driver Trainer to various locations, learning about commercial driving regulations and observing essential driving skills.
  • Maintain a driver log (Manual or PeopleNet) in compliance with DOT regulations, documenting delivery receipts, product temperatures, and exceptions.
  • Assist the Driver in unloading the trailer and delivering products to customer locations.
Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • High School Diploma or GED is preferred.
  • Must be at least 21 years old.
  • Possess a CDL-A Permit.
  • Complete training and obtain a Class A CDL within 6 months.
  • Ability and willingness to select, load, unload, and deliver all products ordered by customers.
  • Physical capability to stand, walk, sit, climb, reach, bend, squat, and stoop as necessary for job functions.
  • Ability to read and understand labels, instructions, and bills of lading.
  • Perform basic mathematical calculations to verify product quantities.
  • Communicate effectively with customers, management, and fellow team members.
  • Safely operate a tractor-trailer and utilize equipment such as a 2-wheeled dolly, ramp, and onboard PeopleNet devices.
Working Environment

The role involves working in various areas, including distribution centers, transportation departments, workshops, and customer facilities. Conditions may include moderate noise, vehicle vibrations, and exposure to extreme weather depending on the climate. Regular travel, including overnight stays, is expected.

We prioritize safety with our motto, WORK SAFE, HOME SAFE. All prospective team members will undergo a pre-hire screening process to ensure their safety and ability to perform their job effectively.

All candidates will be subject to a background check and drug screening in accordance with applicable laws.

We welcome all qualified applicants and ensure equal consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

What McLane employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom