Costco truck drivers are a vital part of Costco’s business, as they transport goods and materials to and from Costco warehouses, and they play a critical role in the company’s success.
But is it a good job, and is it worth the hours? Here are some questions to consider before getting a job as a Costco truck driver!
Key Takeaways
What is the Costco Truck Driver Job In 2022?
At Costco, truck drivers can make up to $64,000 a year as of 2022. This position is crucial for the smooth supply chain operation, which was recently discussed by Costco customers on social media in relation to driver shortages. Truck drivers are necessary to transport goods quickly from depots to Costco stores for customers to purchase.
If you want to read more about the Costco truck driver job, and learn more about the hours, duties and pay, keep reading for more interesting facts and tips!
What is a Costco Truck Driver?
While working as a Costco truck driver, you will transport goods from a depot to Costco warehouses and back again.
In addition, truck drivers tow empty trailers, pallets of products into the warehouse, and vendor loads.
While driving, the driver must maintain proper vehicle maintenance records as well!
What are Costco Corporate Requirements for Becoming a Company Truck Driver?
In order to be a Costco truck driver, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Have a valid CDL driver’s license from the state in which the company operates
- Have a clean driving record
- Have a satisfactory background check
- Be able to pass a drug test
- Must have at least three years of tractor-trailer combination driving experience or comparable driving experience, and provide a driver’s abstract form
- They have been trained on working with electronic equipment and software such as GPS, AVL units, CB
- Know all the applicable rules and regulations that pertain to their job
- Flexibility and the ability to respond to unexpected situations (i.e., traffic, weather)
What are the Responsibilities and Duties of Costco Truck Drivers?
Before applying to be a Costco truck driver, you must understand what is required and what your daily responsibilities are.
Primarily, these responsibilities include driving loads of merchandise across your territory, using simple tools to get the job done safely, and packing items into semi-trailers.
Mainly, Costco truck drivers handle the transportation of goods to and from Costco warehouses, and this work can be very demanding and physical.
Besides driving, other duties truck drivers have at Costco are follows:
- Inspect trucks for mechanical parts and safety hazards, performing regular maintenance on the vehicle to ensure its functionality
- Before transport, plan route while scheduling planned stops and final delivery time
- Document work and rest periods, log mileage spent driving, keep fuel and toll receipts
- Input the items for each stage of the loading and unloading process into Costco’s automated system
- Follow Costco truck driving policy, rules, and regulations as well as State, Federal, and local trucking regulations
- Guide trucks into correct loading or unloading positions
- Collect the delivery information of merchandise and verify the status of packages
- Report any defects, accidents, or violations that occurred during transport
How Much Money Do Costco Truck Drivers Make?
On average, truck drivers’ salary in the United States is $55,380 per year or $28.40 per hour at entry-level positions at Costco.
However, most experienced workers make up to $64,740 annually.
While experience affects salary, the pay scale also varies depending on the warehouse location and the complexity of the driver’s route.
What Hours Do Costco Truck Drivers Work?
Commonly, Costco truck drivers work a 40-hour week, so this is considered a full-time job.
How Do I Apply for the Costco Truck Driver Position?
If you’re interested in beginning a career as a Costco truck driver, you’ll need to go through an online application process.
To apply, drivers must fill in the application form and provide information about their recent driving experience.
When applying for the Costco truck driving job, it’s essential to cover all the information on your application.
Begin by searching for the truck driving job description on the Costco Career webpage.
When searching for a specific position, applicants can find the truck driver job description under the Depot (Including Business Drivers) section.
After clicking on this link, the truck driver is the last choice.
After looking over the job description, the applicant can enter the Costco applicant portal by clicking on Choose a Location to find truck driver jobs at stores in their area.
Once an opening has been found and the applicant is ready to enter the portal, they must log in to their applicant profile to complete a job application.
If you have ever applied to any other Costco job, you will use the same login information to access your applicant profile.
However, if you have never applied for a job at Costco, create a new profile with your contact information and email address.
Finally, applicants that have logged into their profile can complete the application process by being sure to provide proof of 3 years of recent driving experience or its equivalent.
Is Becoming a Truck Driver for Costco a Good Job Choice?
As with any job, there are pros and cons to being a truck driver for Costco.
If you’re interested in becoming a Costco truck driver, make sure you know how the job will affect your lifestyle before you accept it.
Some perks include Costco providing drivers with a competitive salary, benefits, and the opportunity for advancement.
However, drivers can be stressed and may have extended hours on the downside, as long hours of driving on the road might prove too stressful or tiring for some people.
Every person is different, so what may be worth it for one person may not be worth it for another.
Therefore, be sure to consider whether this type of work is right for you before accepting the offer!
What are the Costco Truck Driver Shortage and Supply Issues for 2022?
While the American Trucking Associations (ATA) have warned of a severe truck driver shortage for years.
However, other organizations like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) believe it’s quite the opposite, with an oversupply of drivers.
Conversely, the OOIDA asserts that driver turnover makes up for any real industry labor shortage.
In 2020, Costco placed limits on items like toilet paper to stop customers from stockpiling goods.
Social media users were soon to report that some stores were running out of supplies.
Many attributed these supply chain issues to Costco driver shortages rather than focusing on consumer panic buying and stockpiling, which ultimately was the actual issue.
To find out more, you can also see our posts on Costco maintenance assistant, Costco pharmacy sales assistant, and Costco receiving clerk.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a job that involves a lot of physical work and enjoys driving, then the Costco truck driver position may be the right choice for you.
Primarily, truck drivers drive trailers and deliver goods to Costco stores from vendors.
Often, they work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Since safety is essential, truck drivers also must complete safety training and pass a criminal background check.