Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Kolsum Ballard

Saint Hedwig,TX

Summary

With a proven track record at CoreMark, I excel in commercial driving and fostering strong working relationships. My expertise in safe driving and defensive driver training has significantly enhanced operational efficiency. Renowned for a strong work ethic and exceptional communication skills, I consistently deliver on time, maintaining a clean driving record and prioritizing safety and customer satisfaction.

Proficient in operating box, semi, dry vans,and reefer trucks. A long with liftgate trailers, as well as loading, securing and unloading products with maximum efficiency. Well-organized and knowledgeable in meeting customer needs, coordinating paperwork, and meeting company objectives.

Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

CDL Truck Driver/Yard Hostler

CoreMark
12.2011 - 02.2025
  • Operated with safety and skill to avoid accidents and delays.
  • Dropped and hooked trailers and changed configuration of equipment.
  • Inspected trucks for malfunctions and reported vehicles to management for corrective action.
  • Maintained daily, legible DOT log book and submitted corresponding documents.
  • Kept accurate records of cargo delivery times and vehicle maintenance to provide documentation to dispatch for billing and inventory purposes.
  • Utilized GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
  • Obtained necessary permits and licenses to operate various commercial vehicles legally.
  • Complied with truck driving rules as well as company policies and procedures regarding safe vehicle operations.
  • Inspected load security and checked for damages.
  • Identified mechanical issues, completed basic repairs and reported serious concerns to management.
  • Drove truck in urban and rural areas to expertly make high volume of deliveries.
  • Worked with road knowledge, GPS systems and paper maps to navigate planned route and make adjustments.
  • Used two-way radios to stay in contact with dispatch and receive last-minute instruction changes.
  • Operated light and heavy trucks doing Long Haul deliveries.
  • Provided clear communication with team members to coordinate trailer moves in a timely manner.
  • Coordinated the inspection of inbound trailers for damages or maintenance issues, ensuring prompt attention when necessary.
  • Supported continuous improvement efforts by providing suggestions for process improvements to management.
  • Improved yard efficiency by effectively managing the movement of trailers between docks and parking areas.
  • Contributed to a positive teamwork environment by collaborating with other Yard Hostlers and staff members.
  • Prioritized daily task list based on urgency of incoming shipments or customer needs, optimizing yard operations accordingly.
  • Actively participated in regular safety meetings to stay updated on industry best practices and company safety standards.
  • Reduced downtime for loading and unloading operations by promptly communicating with dispatchers, drivers, and warehouse personnel.
  • Assisted with training new hires on proper hostler truck operation, safety procedures, and yard protocols.
  • Operated yard truck to move empty and loaded trailers safely throughout yard.
  • Completed daily equipment checks of fluid levels and monitored equipment for damage or leaks.

CDL Truck Driver

Werner Enterprises
04.2008 - 09.2011
  • Operated with safety and skill to avoid accidents and delays.
  • Dropped and hooked trailers and changed configuration of equipment.
  • Inspected trucks for malfunctions and reported vehicles to management for corrective action.
  • Maintained daily, legible DOT log book and submitted corresponding documents.
  • Demonstrated safe driving by following regulations and safety procedures, resulting in zero accidents.
  • Kept accurate records of cargo delivery times and vehicle maintenance to provide documentation to dispatch for billing and inventory purposes.
  • Utilized GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
  • Obtained necessary permits and licenses to operate various commercial vehicles legally.
  • Complied with truck driving rules as well as company policies and procedures regarding safe vehicle operations.
  • Minimized delays by planning and adjusting routes to account for changing weather and traffic conditions.
  • Drove truck in urban and rural areas to expertly make high volume of deliveries.
  • Operated light and heavy truck doing Long Haul deliveries.

Construction Worker

R-con Construction Company
01.2005 - 03.2007
  • Utilized hammers, saws, squares, levels, and fastening devices to complete projects.
  • Maintained clean and organized job sites, contributing to a safe working environment for all employees.
  • Loaded, unloaded, and moved material to and from storage and production areas.
  • Worked independently in fast-paced environment while meeting productivity and quality expectations.
  • Gathered and disposed of worksite debris to remove safety hazards.
  • Worked with more knowledgeable professionals to grow understanding of principles and construction standards.
  • Operated power equipment to move materials and promote job efficiency.
  • Adapted to rapidly changing weather conditions and schedules, ensuring project continuity and efficiency.
  • Oversaw daily site operations, ensuring all tasks were completed according to plan.

Communications Operator

US Army
07.1998 - 07.2002
  • Participated in ongoing training programs to maintain proficiency in industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
  • Successfully managed high-stress situations with composure, effectively coordinating multi-agency responses when needed.
  • Enhanced emergency response times by efficiently prioritizing and dispatching incoming calls.
  • Collaborated with team members to develop improved call handling procedures, increasing overall efficiency.
  • Provided timely updates to field units during critical incidents, contributing to successful outcomes.
  • Mentored new operators during their initial training period, providing guidance on best practices and company policies.
  • Monitored multiple sources of information simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive situational awareness during emergencies.
  • Maintained accurate records of all communications, ensuring reliable data for future reference and analysis.
  • Recognized as a key contributor to team success, regularly receiving positive feedback from colleagues and supervisors for outstanding performance.
  • Consistently met or exceeded performance benchmarks for call handling time while maintaining high levels of accuracy and professionalism.

Cook

Wendy's Fast Food
02.1997 - 07.1998
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
  • Checked for quality, kept track of old and new items and rotated stock to confirm freshness of food and ingredients.
  • Maintained well-stocked stations with supplies and spices for maximum productivity.
  • Enhanced teamwork within the kitchen staff by fostering a collaborative environment focused on meeting high standards of quality and efficiency.
  • Took food orders from cashiers and cooked items quickly to complete order items together and serve hot.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.

Cook

KFC
01.1996 - 01.1997
  • Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
  • Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
  • Set up and prepared cooking supplies and workstations during opening and closing to maximize productivity.
  • Prepared multiple orders simultaneously during peak periods with high accuracy rate, maximizing customer satisfaction, and repeat business.
  • Instructed new staff in proper food preparation, storage, use of kitchen equipment and sanitation.

Education

No Degree - Business Management

University of South Carolina Tech
Laurens, SC
08-2000

High School Diploma -

Laurens District 55
Laurens, SC
05-1998

Skills

  • Strong work ethic
  • Commercial driving
  • Safe driving
  • Class A commercial Driver's license
  • DOT compliance
  • Dependable and reliable
  • Long-haul driving
  • Defensive driver training
  • Attention to detail
  • Customer service
  • Materials transport
  • Heavy haul expert
  • Inclement weather driving
  • Trailer maintenance
  • Time management
  • OTR driving
  • Refrigerated trailers operation
  • Trip planning
  • Vehicle safety and maintenance
  • Forklift operation
  • Map reading and navigation skills
  • Valid Driver's license
  • Dependability and honesty
  • Commercial driving experience
  • Strong working relationships
  • Clean driving record
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Load safety
  • Safe driver training
  • Manual transmission
  • Freight expertise
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Dispatch collaboration
  • Fluent in english
  • Product distribution
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds
  • Inventory management

Timeline

CDL Truck Driver/Yard Hostler

CoreMark
12.2011 - 02.2025

CDL Truck Driver

Werner Enterprises
04.2008 - 09.2011

Construction Worker

R-con Construction Company
01.2005 - 03.2007

Communications Operator

US Army
07.1998 - 07.2002

Cook

Wendy's Fast Food
02.1997 - 07.1998

Cook

KFC
01.1996 - 01.1997

No Degree - Business Management

University of South Carolina Tech

High School Diploma -

Laurens District 55
Kolsum Ballard