Shipping Associate Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Shipping Driver

At Pilgrim’s, Safety Is A Condition, which means the safety of our team members comes first - always.

The Shipping Driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of trailers to and from the shipping docks and storage yard. The driver will also be responsible for ensuring trailers maintain the correct temperature while sitting on the storage lot. This role operates and maintains commercial hauling equipment, follows established schedules, and upholds company standards for safety, quality, and reliability. The driver collaborates closely with department personnel and production teams to ensure requests are fulfilled accurately, proper documentation, and effective communication. By adhering to transportation regulations, biosecurity protocols, and company policies, the Shipping Driver plays a vital role in supporting operational continuity and the overall success of Pilgrim’s supply chain.

Responsibilities: 

• Operate shipping trucks safely and efficiently.
• Conduct equipment inspections following company guidelines and report issues to the Supervisor.
• Operate trucks in a manner that maintains product quality and integrity.
• Communicate effectively—both verbally and in writing—with associates, maintenance staff, and supervisors regarding trailer and storage lot conditions, and other relevant information.
• Maintain equipment and keep trucks and work areas clean, neat, and orderly.
• Transport each trailer as directed.
• Follow the housekeeping schedule, using proper techniques and required PPE.
• Foster a positive work environment through cooperative communication and teamwork.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need:

• Certifications & Licenses: applicants must have a Class A CDL with 12 months of verifiable tractor/trailer experience within the previous 36 months.
• if the driver has a positive test for drugs or alcohol in the previous 5 years, they are not eligible.
• Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with others in a manner that maintains harmony with co-workers, ability to follow both written and verbal directions, appropriate skill to drive a truck safely, working knowledge of driving and traffic rules, good hand and eye coordination required.

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more
• Must be able to operate manual CMV

Why Work for Pilgrim’s? 

• Schedule: 1st shift 6 am-2 pm Mon-Fri., subject to work Saturdays on as needed basis.
• Benefits: Vision, Medical, and Dental coverage begin after 60 days of employment. 
• Paid Time Off: vacation, company observed holidays
• 401(k): Company match begins after the first year of service and follows the company vesting schedule.
• Base hourly salary rate of: $28.92 per hour. 
• Career Development: Our company is dedicated to supporting professional growth by offering continuous learning opportunities and a focus on career growth through various learning and development programs; and
• Better Futures 

The Company is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our team members and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct drug, alcohol, and background checks for all new team members post-offer and prior to the start of employment. The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

About us: Pilgrim’s is a leading global food company with more than 62,000 team members worldwide. The company processes, prepares, packages, and delivers fresh, frozen, and value-added food products for customers in more than 100 countries. Pilgrim’s operates protein processing plants and prepared foods facilities in 14 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the U.K, the Republic of Ireland and continental Europe.

Our mission: To be the best in all that we do, completely focused on our business, ensuring the best products and services for our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers, profitability for our shareholders and the opportunity of a better future for all our team members.

Our core values are: Availability, Determination, Discipline, Humility, Ownership, Simplicity, Sincerity

EOE, including disability/vets 

Unsolicited Assistance: JBS and its companies do not accept unsolicited assistance from any recruitment vendors for any of our open jobs. All resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee at JBS and its companies or via the applicant tracking system, in any form without a valid written request and search agreement previously approved by HR, will be solely owned by JBS and its companies. No fees will be paid should the candidate be hired by JBS and its companies because of an unsolicited referral.