Driver / Route Operator¶
Last Updated: February 2026
Your hub for everything you need as a route driver at Scott Recycling. This page covers your daily routine, pre-trip inspection, customer interactions, what to do when things go wrong, KPI targets, and DOT compliance essentials.
Get Started¶
If you're new, work through these in order:
- Getting Started with Odoo — Login, navigation, finding your apps
- Driver Fundamentals — Route procedures, pickup workflow, safety essentials
- Shadow a lead driver — ride along for 2-3 days before running routes solo
Your Daily Apps¶
| App | What You'll Do There | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Recycling | View route schedule, customer details, pickup info, mark pickups complete | Scheduling Pickups · Service Visit Calls |
| Fleet | Vehicle info, mileage tracking, maintenance requests | Fleet Management |
| Helpdesk | Report issues, request vehicle maintenance | Helpdesk Guide |
| SR Operations | Check your daily KPIs | KPI Dashboard |
| Attendance | Clock in/out at the start and end of your shift | Attendance Guide |
| Time Off | Request time off, check your balances | Time Off Guide |
| Dashboards | View route and production analytics | Dashboards Overview |
Daily Routine¶
Early Morning (6:30 AM)¶
- Arrive at the warehouse — clock in using the Attendance app
- Pre-trip inspection — complete the full vehicle inspection checklist (see below). Do this EVERY day, no exceptions
- Check with dispatch — confirm your route, note any changes, additions, or cancellations
- Review your route — open your schedule in the system, check addresses, special instructions, and estimated weights for each stop
Load Out (7:00 AM)¶
- Load your truck — empty containers, bins, dollies, hand trucks, straps, paperwork, PPE
- Verify supplies — make sure you have enough containers for your route stops
- Set GPS for your first stop
- Depart — check out with dispatch before leaving
On Route (7:30 AM – 3:30 PM)¶
- Follow the route in scheduled order unless dispatch tells you otherwise
- At each stop — follow the Customer Interaction Guide below
- Log each pickup — mark as complete in the system with actual weight and notes
- Communicate with dispatch — call if you are running behind, encounter a problem, or need route changes
- Take breaks — you are required to take breaks per DOT regulations and company policy
Return and Close Out (3:30 – 4:00 PM)¶
- Return to the warehouse — work with the receiving team to unload all materials
- Complete route log — make sure every stop is logged with actual weights and notes
- Post-trip inspection — check your truck for damage, fluid leaks, or issues that developed during the day
- Report any truck issues — submit a Helpdesk ticket immediately for anything that needs repair
- Log your KPIs — check SR Operations → My Performance for your final numbers
- Park and secure — park in your assigned spot, lock the truck, return keys
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist¶
Complete this checklist every morning before departing. If ANY item fails, do not drive the truck — report it to dispatch and your supervisor immediately.
Exterior Walk-Around¶
| Check | What to Look For | Pass? |
|---|---|---|
| Tires (all) | Proper inflation, adequate tread depth, no bulges, cuts, or bald spots | |
| Lug nuts | All present and tight, no rust streaks indicating looseness | |
| Lights — headlights | Both working on low and high beam | |
| Lights — taillights | Both working | |
| Lights — brake lights | Both working (have someone watch while you press the brake) | |
| Lights — turn signals | Left and right, front and rear | |
| Lights — hazard flashers | All four corners flashing | |
| Mirrors | Clean, properly adjusted, no cracks | |
| Body/frame | No new dents, damage, or fluid leaks underneath | |
| Doors and latches | Open and close properly, latch securely | |
| Lift gate | Operates smoothly, no unusual noises, safety latch engages |
Under the Hood¶
| Check | What to Look For | Pass? |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | At or above minimum line on dipstick | |
| Coolant | At proper level in reservoir | |
| Brake fluid | At proper level | |
| Power steering fluid | At proper level | |
| Windshield washer fluid | Adequate level | |
| Belts and hoses | No visible cracks, fraying, or leaks | |
| Battery | Terminals clean, no corrosion, secure mount |
Interior / Cab¶
| Check | What to Look For | Pass? |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | Test before leaving lot — responsive, no grinding, no pulling to one side | |
| Parking brake | Engages and holds | |
| Horn | Working | |
| Windshield wipers | Functional, not streaking | |
| Seatbelt | Latches and retracts properly | |
| Gauges | No warning lights on dashboard | |
| Fire extinguisher | Present, charged (green zone on gauge), accessible | |
| First aid kit | Present |
Cargo Area¶
| Check | What to Look For | Pass? |
|---|---|---|
| Clean | No debris from previous load | |
| Straps / tie-downs | Present and in good condition | |
| Dolly / hand truck | Present and functional | |
| Load bars | Present if applicable | |
| PPE | Gloves, safety glasses in cab |
Customer Interaction Guide¶
Every customer interaction represents Scott Recycling. Follow this process at every stop.
Arrival¶
- Park safely — use the designated loading area, dock, or parking spot. Do not block traffic or fire lanes
- Read special instructions before approaching — gate codes, dock numbers, "call 30 min before," height restrictions
- Announce yourself — find the contact person or check in at the front desk
- Introduce yourself — "Hi, I'm [Name] from Scott Recycling. I'm here for your e-waste pickup."
Confirm the Pickup¶
Ask these questions at every stop:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| "What materials do you have ready today?" | Confirms what you are picking up |
| "Is this everything, or is there more in another area?" | Prevents missed items |
| "Any items that need special handling?" | Batteries, CRTs, servers, confidential drives |
| "Anything that should NOT go with us?" | Prevents taking items that are not ready |
Load the Truck¶
- Assess the load first — look at everything before you start loading
- Heaviest items first — distribute weight evenly, keep center of gravity low
- Secure everything — use straps, bars, or blocking. Loose items become projectiles
- Handle electronics carefully — laptops and monitors lose value if damaged
- Use a dolly or hand truck for heavy or bulky items — do not try to carry more than 50 lbs alone
- Separate material types when practical — it speeds up receiving at the warehouse
Get the Signature¶
- Complete any required paperwork (pickup receipt, bill of lading)
- Get a signature from the customer contact
- Leave a copy if required
- Thank the customer — "We appreciate your business. We'll see you next time."
Before Leaving¶
- Confirm with the contact that everything is loaded and nothing was missed
- Mark the pickup as Complete in the system
- Enter the actual weight (or best estimate)
- Add any notes about the pickup
- Take photos if needed (large loads, unusual items, access issues)
What to Do When...¶
Customer Not Home / No-Show¶
- Check special instructions for a gate code, key box, or alternate contact
- Call the customer contact using the number from the schedule
- Wait 5-10 minutes
- If no response, call dispatch
- Mark the stop as a No-Show with the time you arrived and departed
- Move to the next stop — do not wait indefinitely
Refused Pickup¶
- Stay professional — do not argue
- Ask if there is a reason (not ready, wrong day, changed their mind)
- Note the reason in the system
- Call dispatch to report the refusal
- Move to the next stop
Overweight / Over-Capacity Load¶
- Do not overload your truck — exceeding weight limits is a safety and DOT violation
- Load what you can safely carry
- Call dispatch immediately — they will arrange a second trip or send another truck
- Note in the system what was taken and what remains
- Let the customer know someone will return for the rest
Vehicle Breakdown¶
- Pull off the road safely — turn on hazard flashers
- Call dispatch immediately — they will coordinate a tow and route coverage
- Do NOT attempt roadside repairs beyond changing a tire in a safe location
- Stay with the truck unless it is unsafe to do so
- If on a highway, stay inside the cab or move well away from traffic
Accident¶
- Stop the vehicle — do not leave the scene
- Check for injuries — call 911 if anyone is hurt
- Call dispatch — they will guide you through the company accident procedure
- Exchange information with other parties (name, insurance, license plate)
- Take photos — damage to all vehicles, the scene, road conditions, traffic signs
- Do not admit fault — stick to facts when speaking with anyone
- Complete an incident report when you return
Hazardous Material Found at Customer Site¶
- Do NOT load it — if you encounter materials you are not equipped to handle (chemical drums, medical waste, asbestos, unknown liquids), do not touch them
- Inform the customer — explain that the material requires specialized handling
- Call dispatch — they will coordinate proper removal if needed
- Take photos from a safe distance if safe to do so
- Note it in the system — document exactly what you found
Your KPI Targets¶
| Metric | Daily Target |
|---|---|
| Stops Completed | 12-15 |
| On-Time Arrival | > 90% |
| Route Efficiency | > 85% |
Lead Driver additional targets:
| Metric | Daily Target |
|---|---|
| Stops Completed | 15 |
For full details, see Understanding Your KPIs.
DOT Compliance Notes¶
As a commercial driver, you are subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. These are not optional — violations can result in fines, license suspension, and company liability.
Hours of Service (HOS)¶
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum driving time | Follow federal HOS limits for your vehicle class |
| Required breaks | Take all required rest breaks — do not skip them to "finish the route" |
| Off-duty time | Minimum off-duty hours between shifts must be met |
| Logbook | Maintain accurate records of driving time, on-duty time, and rest periods |
Vehicle Inspection Requirements¶
| Requirement | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Pre-trip inspection | Every day before driving — use the checklist above |
| Post-trip inspection | Every day after returning — note any issues that developed during the day |
| Written report | Document inspection findings. Report defects to supervisor and via Helpdesk ticket |
| Annual inspection | Company handles this — your truck will be pulled from service for annual DOT inspection |
Your Responsibilities¶
- Never drive impaired — alcohol, drugs (including prescription medications that cause drowsiness), or extreme fatigue
- Maintain your CDL/license — report any license changes, suspensions, or tickets to your supervisor immediately
- Know your vehicle — weight limits, height clearance, turning radius
- Wear your seatbelt at all times
- Follow traffic laws — you represent Scott Recycling on the road
If You Are Unsure, Ask
DOT compliance is serious. If you are unsure whether your hours, your vehicle condition, or a load is within regulations, stop and call dispatch. Getting it right is always more important than staying on schedule.
Training Courses¶
| Course | What You'll Learn |
|---|---|
| Driver Fundamentals | Route procedures, pickup workflow, vehicle checks, safety essentials |
| Employee Handbook | Safety rules, PPE requirements, timekeeping, company policies |
Questions? Ask your supervisor, lead driver, or dispatch.