Truck Driver

Description Are you an experienced CDL Class A driver who takes pride in safely transporting cargo that cannot simply be replaced? Do you bring exceptional judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to protecting the equipment entrusted to you? Join the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) Transportation and Logistics team in a distinctive dual-role position supporting scientific research, space exploration, and national defense. Our drivers transport specialized, high-value, and sometimes one-of-a-kind equipment, which may include spacecraft or satellite hardware and precision scientific instruments. These shipments may represent years of research and engineering; protecting them requires careful planning, sound judgment, and disciplined execution. Between freight assignments, drivers operate APL campus shuttles and support other transportation needs. As a Truck Driver... Operate commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers and straight trucks, with gross vehicle weights of up to 80,000 pounds to transport equipment, materials, and other authorized freight on interstate and intrastate assignments. Plan and execute safe trips; assess routes, weather, traffic, parking, delivery access, and required rest periods; communicate schedule changes and delivery issues promptly. Inspect vehicles before and after trips; identify and report mechanical or safety concerns; maintain accurate inspection, mileage, trip, and shipment records. Load, position, protect, and secure freight using appropriate equipment and methods; verify weight distribution, cargo restraints, shipment condition, and shipping documentation before departure. Safely transport sensitive, high-value, delicate, and sometimes irreplaceable scientific or engineering equipment. Follow shipment-specific handling, packaging, cargo securement, documentation, and chain-of-custody instructions; coordinate with authorized technical and logistics personnel and promptly escalate any condition that could jeopardize the shipment. Comply with applicable FMCSA/DOT rules, including hours-of-service, electronic logging device requirements when applicable, safe driving practices, and drug/alcohol testing requirements. Coordinate professionally with shipping personnel, receiving sites, customers, and transportation partners; resolve routine problems independently and escalate exceptions appropriately. Operate APL campus shuttle buses when not assigned to over-the-road transportation, safely transporting staff and authorized passengers along assigned routes and supporting special transportation needs. Provide courteous passenger service, follow established routes and schedules, and comply with applicable passenger-transportation safety requirements. Operate material-handling equipment, including forklifts, after completing required training and authorization; wear required personal protective equipment. Maintain flexibility to work variable hours and travel for occasional overnight or multi-day over-the-road (OTR) assignments based on operational needs. Responsibilities may include remaining on-site to assist with field testing or coordinating return air travel when vehicles must remain at a destination. Manage an assigned corporate purchasing card responsibly by retaining transaction receipts, maintaining accurate expense records, and submitting timely travel and expense reports in accordance with institutional policies. Maintain vehicle cleanliness and readiness; support fueling and routine operator-level care. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... Possess a high school diploma or equivalent and can read, write, and communicate effectively in English as required to perform the job safely. Have at least two years of verifiable professional commercial driving experience, including demonstrated tractor-trailer operation. Possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with all required endorsements …

View the full posting and apply