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Side Loader Driver Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

The driver will collect solid waste or recyclables on curbside and/or backdoor routes and transporting to post-collection facilities. Key Responsibilities: Operate a fully automated side loading ...

The driver will collect solid waste or recyclables on curbside and/or backdoor routes and transporting to post-collection facilities. Key Responsibilities include operating a fully automated side ...

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Side Loader Driver information

See Texas salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do side loader driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for side loader driver in Texas is $18.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Side Loader Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), strong spatial awareness, and experience operating side loader vehicles. Familiarity with vehicle maintenance, route navigation systems, and sometimes hydraulic controls is typically required. Reliability, attention to detail, and good communication skills help ensure safety and efficiency when collecting and transporting waste or materials. These skills and qualities are crucial for minimizing accidents, meeting service schedules, and maintaining high standards of safety and customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges side loader drivers face during their daily routes, and how can they manage them effectively?

Side Loader Drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating narrow streets, dealing with parked vehicles blocking access to bins, and adhering to strict collection schedules. Effective communication with dispatch and local residents, as well as staying up-to-date with route changes, can help overcome these obstacles. Additionally, maintaining the vehicle and practicing safe loading techniques are crucial to ensuring efficiency and safety throughout the day.

What is a side loader driver?

Side Loader Drivers are professional drivers who operate specialized trucks designed to load and unload materials from the side, rather than the rear or front. These vehicles are commonly used in industries like waste management, logistics, and construction for efficient handling of containers, pallets, or waste bins. Side Loader Drivers are responsible for safely maneuvering these vehicles in urban and industrial environments, following safety regulations, and ensuring timely deliveries or collections. They often need specific driving licenses and training to operate side loader vehicles.

What is the difference between Side Loader Driver vs Forklift Operator?

AspectSide Loader DriverForklift Operator
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL (if required)Forklift certification/license
Work EnvironmentLoading/unloading trucks, warehouse, outdoorWarehouse, manufacturing plants, indoor/outdoor
Industry UsageLogistics, distribution, retailManufacturing, warehousing, construction
Job FocusTransporting goods with side loader trucksOperating forklifts for material handling

While both roles involve material handling, a Side Loader Driver primarily operates trucks equipped with side loaders for transporting goods, often in outdoor or loading dock environments. A Forklift Operator focuses on operating forklifts within warehouses or manufacturing sites to move pallets and heavy items. Both require specific certifications and are essential in logistics and warehousing industries, but their work environments and equipment differ.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Side Loader Driver jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Side Loader Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various Side Loader Driver job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,373 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Driver - Side Load

GFL Environmental

Justin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


GFL Environmental rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 171 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

The Residential Driver will be responsible for safely, efficiently, and courteously providing waste removal services to customers. The driver will collect solid waste or recyclables on curbside and/or backdoor routes and transporting to post-collection facilities.


Key Responsibilities:
Operate a fully automated side loading truck, ancillary equipment and hydraulic system while driving alone on public roadway to collect solid waste on specified collection route.
Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections and reports, daily truck report, route sheets and other documentation requested by supervisor daily.
Communicate vehicle mechanical problems to mechanic and supervisor immediately.
Maintain route quality standards as predetermined by management.
Follow all safety and equipment checks and precautions in performance of all duties. Comply with all federal, state/provincial, local and company rules on safety and vehicle operation.
Maintain clean vehicle by cleaning cab interior and exterior of vehicle.
Comply with all information requests from superiors in order to ensure compliance with work rules and company policy.
Conform in all respects with applicable federal, state/provincial and local laws, regulations, ordinances and other orders and to all company policies, procedures and directives from supervisors.
Maintain accurate records of services performed.
Work independently with minimal in field supervision.
Work closely with supervisor to improve routing efficiencies.
May be required to work overtime.
Attend safety and branch meetings.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or requested by management.
Requirements:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) desired.
Possess valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Minimum two (2) years of commercial driving experience OR CDL school certificate
Must be able to meet relevant criteria for safety sensitive functions according to Company standards
Must be able to demonstrate the ability to safely drive the truck and operate the equipment
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the truck and its components and the basic maintenance Requirements: for safe operation
Ability to control operations of equipment; maneuvering truck into and out of minimum clearance spaces, using mirrors to back distances of approximately 120 feet or more
Ability to recognize unacceptable waste (such as gasoline or other flammable materials)
Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers
Ability to read, write, and comprehend associated documents and maps
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
Flexibility to accept and adapt to change as well as the commitment to seek continuous improvement
Ability to exert muscle force to lift, push, pull or carry objects up to 50 pounds repetitively using proper lifting techniques
Ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example: two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting or standing
Ability to follow all company safety policies and procedures
Physical/Mental Demands:
Ability to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, climb, balance, taste, and smell.
Visual Requirements: include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus due to the constant maneuvering of vehicle in tight and high traffic areas.
Ability to operate all controls from inside the vehicle.
Ability to regularly lift/move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift/move up to 100 pounds.
Sitting is required 75% of the time due to the primary function of driving.
Ability to work in usually loud conditions.
Working Conditions:
Frequently exposed to loud noise, humidity, hot and cold weather conditions, moving mechanical parts, vibration, toxic and caustic chemicals, fumes and airborne particles.
Occasionally work in high precarious places.
Work in motor vehicle traffic conditions constantly.
Work environment is usually loud.

#GFLTalent


We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.


GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contactmyworkdayrecruitment@gflenv.com
Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship
for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required.Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date.


This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.



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