Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Paul Needels

Carthage,TX

Summary

Accomplished Live Haul Driver at Smithfield with expertise in GPS navigation and customer service. Enhanced operational efficiency by 20% through strategic route planning and mentoring new drivers. Known for reliability and attention to detail, ensuring compliance with DOT regulations and maintaining a spotless safety record.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Live Haul Driver

Smithfield
10.2023 - 08.2025
  • Demonstrated professionalism in all interactions with customers, representing the company in a positive manner at all times.
  • Adapted rapidly to changing conditions or situations during transit, demonstrating flexibility when faced with unforeseen challenges or obstacles enroute.
  • Mentored new drivers on best practices for safe driving techniques, fostering a culture of responsibility within the team environment.
  • Assisted in implementing GPS tracking technology into daily operations, streamlining communications between drivers and dispatchers while improving overall operational efficiency.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and maintain knowledge of best practices for line haul operations.
  • Developed strong relationships with key clients through prompt and efficient delivery of shipments, leading to increased business opportunities for the company.
  • Utilized advanced knowledge of DOT regulations to ensure compliance during transport activities and roadside inspections.
  • Supported cost reduction efforts by optimizing backhaul opportunities, maximizing revenue generation per mile driven.
  • Conducted thorough pre-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety and compliance with regulations.
  • Increased fuel efficiency with careful route planning and regular vehicle maintenance.
  • Collaborated with logistics team members to optimize freight handling processes, reducing loading/unloading timeframes significantly.
  • Coordinated with warehouse personnel to ensure accurate loading of trailers, preventing any discrepancies or issues during transit.
  • Contributed to overall operational success through effective communication with dispatchers and warehouse personnel.
  • Managed transportation paperwork efficiently, ensuring proper documentation of pick-ups, deliveries, and any incidents encountered during transit.
  • Maintained excellent safety records, conducting thorough pre-and post-trip inspections on all vehicles.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by promptly resolving concerns related to shipments and providing accurate status updates.
  • Ensured timely deliveries by maintaining strict schedules and adhering to federal regulations.
  • Upheld rigorous standards for cleanliness and organization inside truck cabs, promoting a professional image for the company while on the road.
  • Reduced downtime by quickly identifying and addressing minor mechanical issues before they escalated.
  • Enhanced on-time delivery rates by planning and executing efficient routes for line haul operations.
  • Inspected vehicle before and after trips and logged and reported mechanical problems to avoid unsafe hazards.
  • Inspected trucks and trailers before each trip to assess safety and identify maintenance concerns.
  • Spoke professionally with customers regarding complaints, gathering all necessary information to make educated decisions and address issues.
  • Complied with truck driving rules as well as company policies and procedures regarding safe vehicle operations.
  • Managed efficient unloading of freight, inspected merchandise, and documented customer concerns for supervisor.
  • Checked shipping papers to determine nature of load and checked for presence of hazardous materials.
  • Inspected load security and checked for damages.
  • Completed routine maintenance on truck to keep in working order.

Truck Driver

Brotherton Farms
06.2023 - 09.2023
  • Operated with safety and skill to avoid accidents and delays.
  • Maintained a clean driving record while adhering to company policies and federal regulations for transportation safety.
  • Maintained daily, legible DOT log book and submitted corresponding documents.
  • Inspected trucks for malfunctions and reported vehicles to management for corrective action.
  • Demonstrated safe driving by following regulations and safety procedures, resulting in zero accidents.
  • Utilized GPS and other navigation tools to plan routes and stay on schedule.
  • Increased safety standards by conducting thorough pre-and post-trip inspections of the truck and trailer.
  • Successfully navigated challenging weather conditions in order to maintain on-time delivery rates without compromising safety or cargo integrity.
  • Dropped and hooked trailers and changed configuration of equipment.
  • Proactively communicated with dispatch teams regarding any changes or updates affecting scheduled pick-ups or deliveries, ensuring that all parties were kept informed.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by maintaining open communication with clients during pickups and deliveries.
  • Achieved high levels of customer satisfaction through professional interaction with clients at pickup and delivery points, representing the company positively at all times.
  • Kept accurate records of cargo delivery times and vehicle maintenance to provide documentation to dispatch for billing and inventory purposes.
  • Demonstrated adaptability in adjusting to unforeseen road conditions or traffic delays, maintaining timely deliveries despite challenges.
  • Provided timely, accurate documentation for all freight shipments, contributing to smooth logistical operations.
  • Minimized delays by planning and adjusting routes to account for changing weather and traffic conditions.
  • Obtained necessary permits and licenses to operate various commercial vehicles legally.
  • Facilitated loading and unloading processes by working closely with warehouse personnel, minimizing wait times at docks.
  • Safeguarded cargo integrity by regularly checking load securement during transport and promptly addressing any issues that arose.
  • Utilized GPS technology and mapping software effectively to identify the most efficient driving routes consistently throughout assignments.
  • Collaborated efficiently with fellow drivers to coordinate schedules or share information about upcoming routes or potential hazards.
  • Reduced fuel expenses through careful route planning and diligent monitoring of vehicle maintenance needs.
  • Developed strong relationships with dispatchers, ensuring optimal job assignments based on skillset and geographical familiarity.
  • Optimized vehicle performance by diligently monitoring and addressing any maintenance issues, prolonging the truck''s lifespan and reducing costly repairs.
  • Streamlined trip logs, expense reports, and other paperwork to ensure accurate records were maintained for compliance purposes.

Wash Crew/arv Truck

Smithfield
10.2019 - 09.2022
  • Demonstrated professionalism in all interactions with customers, representing the company in a positive manner at all times.
  • Adapted rapidly to changing conditions or situations during transit, demonstrating flexibility when faced with unforeseen challenges or obstacles enroute.
  • Mentored new drivers on best practices for safe driving techniques, fostering a culture of responsibility within the team environment.
  • Assisted in implementing GPS tracking technology into daily operations, streamlining communications between drivers and dispatchers while improving overall operational efficiency.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and maintain knowledge of best practices for line haul operations.
  • Developed strong relationships with key clients through prompt and efficient delivery of shipments, leading to increased business opportunities for the company.
  • Utilized advanced knowledge of DOT regulations to ensure compliance during transport activities and roadside inspections.
  • Supported cost reduction efforts by optimizing backhaul opportunities, maximizing revenue generation per mile driven.
  • Conducted thorough pre-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety and compliance with regulations.
  • Increased fuel efficiency with careful route planning and regular vehicle maintenance.
  • Collaborated with logistics team members to optimize freight handling processes, reducing loading/unloading timeframes significantly.
  • Coordinated with warehouse personnel to ensure accurate loading of trailers, preventing any discrepancies or issues during transit.
  • Contributed to overall operational success through effective communication with dispatchers and warehouse personnel.
  • Managed transportation paperwork efficiently, ensuring proper documentation of pick-ups, deliveries, and any incidents encountered during transit.
  • Maintained excellent safety records, conducting thorough pre-and post-trip inspections on all vehicles.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by promptly resolving concerns related to shipments and providing accurate status updates.
  • Ensured timely deliveries by maintaining strict schedules and adhering to federal regulations.
  • Upheld rigorous standards for cleanliness and organization inside truck cabs, promoting a professional image for the company while on the road.
  • Reduced downtime by quickly identifying and addressing minor mechanical issues before they escalated.
  • Enhanced on-time delivery rates by planning and executing efficient routes for line haul operations.
  • Inspected vehicle before and after trips and logged and reported mechanical problems to avoid unsafe hazards.
  • Inspected trucks and trailers before each trip to assess safety and identify maintenance concerns.
  • Spoke professionally with customers regarding complaints, gathering all necessary information to make educated decisions and address issues.
  • Complied with truck driving rules as well as company policies and procedures regarding safe vehicle operations.
  • Managed efficient unloading of freight, inspected merchandise, and documented customer concerns for supervisor.
  • Checked shipping papers to determine nature of load and checked for presence of hazardous materials.
  • Inspected load security and checked for damages.
  • Completed routine maintenance on truck to keep in working order.

Truck Driver

Schneider
10.2022 - 04.2023

Operated vehicles in challenging weather conditions across multiple states, utilizing ELDs and GPS for navigation.

Education

Truck Driving

C1 Truck Driving School
Strafford, MO
11.2019

Skills

  • Customer service
  • Air brake operation
  • Pre-trip inspections
  • Heavy lifting
  • Defensive driving
  • Maintenance
  • Vehicle inspection
  • Post-trip inspections
  • Route planning
  • GPS navigation
  • Weather awareness
  • Backing maneuvers
  • Freight documentation
  • Loading and unloading procedures
  • Efficient fueling
  • Trailer coupling
  • Truck inspection
  • Regulations
  • Logbook accuracy
  • Dependable and cooperative
  • Safe driving
  • Attention to detail
  • Reliability

Timeline

Live Haul Driver

Smithfield
10.2023 - 08.2025

Truck Driver

Brotherton Farms
06.2023 - 09.2023

Truck Driver

Schneider
10.2022 - 04.2023

Wash Crew/arv Truck

Smithfield
10.2019 - 09.2022

Truck Driving

C1 Truck Driving School
Paul Needels