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Side Loader Driver Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Side Loader Driver information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do side loader driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for side loader driver in Virginia is $19.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.16 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 are Side Loader Drivers?

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 job categories do people searching Side Loader Driver jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Side Loader Driver jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Side Loader Driver job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,834 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
CDL Truck Driver-Bagster

CDL Truck Driver-Bagster

Waste Management

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 613 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 71 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Job Description
I. Job Summary
Drivers operate heavy-duty trucks with front, side, or rear-end load lift attachments dependent on the line of business they're operating in and the type of truck they're operating. Drivers will transport the material to a disposal, transfer or recycle facility when trucks reach legal load capacity. Commercial Drivers are responsible for providing the pick-up service of containers filled with waste or recyclable material. Containers may weigh in excess of 1,000 pounds and at times require drivers to maneuver wheeled containers to a pick-up stage area. Commercial Drivers navigate high-traffic and congested roadways, driveways, alleyways, and lots. Highly skilled backing maneuvers are essential to successfully perform this job. Residential Drivers are responsible for the collection of residential household waste or recyclable material and must safely maneuver vehicles in residential environments. Residential Drivers navigate high-traffic and congested roadways, driveways, alleyways, and lots. Roll-off Drivers are responsible for preparing, loading, and transporting large mobile open-top and compactor containers from customer locations. Roll-off Drivers will navigate driveways, alleyways, lots, and high-traffic roadways and may operate in tight overhead environments while on industrial routes. Highly skilled backing maneuvers are essential, to successfully perform this job.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Operates vehicle in accordance with Waste Management Safety and Life Critical Rules, OSHA (Occupational and Safety Health Act) and DOT (Department of Transportation) requirements as well as all local, state and federal laws.
  • Performs pre and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicle and documents checks utilizing the standard DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report).
  • Immediately reports all unsafe situations or service-related issues to Operations Manager or Dispatch.
  • Attends and participates in all scheduled training programs, briefings, and meetings as required by WM or directed by the Route Manager.
  • Works closely with Operations Manager to improve route efficiencies and identify best practices.
  • Notifies Operations Manager of any incidents, accidents, injuries, or property damage.
  • Notifies Operations Manager or Dispatch of service interruptions including closed or impassable streets or alleyways, receptacles too heavy to service or potential safety hazards.
  • Communicates customer requests to Operations Manager or Dispatch.
  • Completely dumps all receptacles and leaves the customer's location clean and free of debris.
  • Follows route assignments as directed and completes end-of-day documentation and check-out process.
  • Performs all duties as scheduled by Operations Manager or Dispatch and assists other drivers as directed to meet customer needs.

III. Qualifications
A. Required Qualifications
  • 1 year operating a vehicle requiring a CDL or
  • 1 year equivalent military driving within the last 7 years
  • must be at least 18 years of age
  • legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located
  • (CDL)-Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A, with an air-brake endorsement or
  • (CDL)-Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B, with an air-brake endorsement.
  • Able to read, write, and speak English well enough to interact with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to official questions, and complete records or reports.

B. Preferred Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED (accredited)

IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Standing
  • Walking
  • Lifting
  • Pushing
  • Pulling
  • Crouching
  • Reaching
  • Handling
  • Sitting
  • Talking
  • Hearing

V. Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability. As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more! Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.
If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.
About Us
ABOUT WM
WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of post-consumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gas-to-electricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavy-duty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.
Equal Employment Opportunity
For United States: WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
For Canada: WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.
Real ID
In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSA-approved alternative.
About the Team
When you drive for WM, you join a team of the best drivers in the nation - professional, well trained, and skilled. Our drivers work hard and drive safe. They are rewarded with competitive pay, great benefits, opportunity for growth, and they are home at night and on the weekends.
Our drivers are part of the fabric of the communities they serve. We show up on time, help keep your communities clean and watch out for the residents. Billy is just one of our many drivers going above and beyond for our customers. Video - WM Driver: Billy Shelby
Driver/Operators are expected to operate vehicles and/or equipment in a safe and reliable manner.

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