Driver Trainee - SYGMA - San Antonio: Start Your Driving Career with Sysco

Role Overview

Are you looking for a career that gets you on the road, provides essential services, and offers opportunities for growth? As a Driver Trainee with SYGMA, a subsidiary of Sysco, you'll play a critical role in delivering food products to our valued customers. This position is your first step toward becoming a professional commercial driver, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare you for a rewarding career in the transportation industry.

In this role, you'll work closely with experienced drivers, assisting them with deliveries, learning the ins and outs of route management, and developing essential skills for operating commercial vehicles. You'll also attend CDL school to obtain your Commercial Driver's License, equipping you with the knowledge and credentials to advance your career with Sysco.

A Day in the Life of a Driver Trainee

Your day as a Driver Trainee will be dynamic and engaging, filled with opportunities to learn and contribute. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Assisting with Deliveries: You'll accompany the driver on delivery routes, helping to unload products at customer locations according to invoices and SYGMA's delivery procedures. This involves physically handling products, operating equipment like dollies and pallet jacks, and ensuring accurate and timely deliveries.
• Customer Interaction: You'll interact with customers, providing excellent and courteous service, building relationships, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Route Familiarization: You'll learn the assigned route, becoming familiar with delivery locations, traffic patterns, and potential challenges. You'll assist with route paperwork, ensuring accurate documentation of deliveries.
• Safety Practices: You'll adhere to SYGMA's Preferred Work Methods, prioritizing safety in all aspects of your work.
• Equipment Checks: You'll assist with pre-trip inspections of the vehicle, ensuring it's safe to operate. This includes checking tires, lights, brakes, and other essential components.
• CDL School: You'll attend CDL school as scheduled, learning the theory and practical skills required to obtain your Commercial Driver's License.
• Assisting with Navigation: You'll provide assistance in routing, using maps and directions to guide the driver.
• Maneuvering Assistance: You'll help the driver in challenging situations, such as backing up or navigating low clearances.

Why San Antonio, Texas?

San Antonio offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, vibrant economy, and affordable living, making it an attractive location for your career. The city's strong economy supports a thriving transportation and logistics industry, providing ample opportunities for professional growth within Sysco. Additionally, San Antonio's rich history, diverse culture, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a desirable place to live and work.

Furthermore, Texas has no state income tax, making it a financially friendly place to live and work. San Antonio boasts a lower cost of living than many other major cities in the United States.

Career Path

The Driver Trainee position is the foundation for a fulfilling career with Sysco. After successfully completing the training program and obtaining your CDL, you can advance to a full-time Driver position. From there, you can pursue various career paths within the company, such as:

• Route Driver: Responsible for delivering products to customers on a designated route.
• Delivery Supervisor: Oversees a team of drivers, ensuring efficient and safe delivery operations.
• Transportation Manager: Manages the transportation operations for a specific region or facility.
• Logistics Specialist: Analyzes and optimizes supply chain processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Sysco is committed to promoting from within, providing ample opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

Salary and Benefits

Sysco offers a competitive salary and benefits package to attract and retain top talent. The salary for a Driver Trainee typically ranges from $35,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience and location. This range is an estimate and may vary. Upon successful completion of the trainee program and advancement to a full-time Driver position, your salary will increase accordingly.

In addition to a competitive salary, Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave)
• Holiday pay
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Wellness programs
• Employee discounts on Sysco products

Sysco Culture

Sysco is a company that values its employees and fosters a culture of teamwork, respect, and integrity. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. Our core values include:

• Integrity: We conduct our business with honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior.
• Excellence: We strive for excellence in all that we do, continuously improving our processes and services.
• Teamwork: We work together as a team to achieve common goals, supporting and respecting each other.
• Inclusion: We embrace diversity and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
• Responsibility: We take responsibility for our actions and are accountable for our results.

How to Apply

If you're ready to start your driving career with Sysco, we encourage you to apply online. Simply visit our careers website, search for the Driver Trainee position in San Antonio, and submit your application. Be sure to highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications, and explain why you're interested in joining the Sysco team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the minimum requirements for the Driver Trainee position?

   The minimum requirements include a high school diploma or GED equivalent, a valid driver's license, and a CDL-A permit. You must also be able to read and write clearly and speak English proficiently.

2. Do I need prior driving experience to apply?

   Prior driving experience is not required. The Driver Trainee program is designed to provide you with the training and skills you need to become a professional commercial driver.

3. How long is the Driver Trainee program?

   The length of the program varies depending on your progress and the requirements of the CDL school. Typically, the program lasts several weeks to a few months.

4. Will I be paid while I'm in CDL school?

   Yes, you will be paid while you're attending CDL school. Sysco values your time and investment in your career.

5. What kind of vehicle will I be driving?

   As a Driver Trainee, you'll be assisting the driver in operating a tractor-trailer unit. The specific type of vehicle may vary depending on the route and the products being delivered.

6. What are the physical requirements of the job?

   The job requires medium to heavy physical exertion. You must be able to climb into a trailer, lift 50 lb. boxes frequently, lift up to 75 lb. boxes occasionally, and operate a two-wheeled dolly and pallet jack.

7. What kind of training will I receive?

   You'll receive comprehensive training, including classroom instruction, on-the-job training with experienced drivers, and CDL school instruction.

8. What is the dress code for the Driver Trainee position?

   The dress code typically includes comfortable work clothes, such as jeans or work pants, a t-shirt or work shirt, and sturdy work shoes or boots. Sysco will provide you with any necessary safety equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses.

9. What are the opportunities for advancement at Sysco?

   Sysco is committed to promoting from within, providing ample opportunities for career advancement. You can advance to positions such as Route Driver, Delivery Supervisor, Transportation Manager, and Logistics Specialist.

10. What if I have a disability that requires accommodation?

    Sysco is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please inform us of any accommodations you may need during the application or interview process.