Lowboy Driver
- Raleigh, NC, United States
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- Posting language
- English
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Original job description
POsition Summary
Cardinal Civil Contracting is a heavy civil and site development contractor and part of Cardinal Infrastructure Group (Nasdaq: CDNL), a publicly traded infrastructure company with operations across the Carolinas and Atlanta metro and expansion underway into Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
The Lowboy Driver keeps Cardinal’s job sites moving by safely transporting heavy construction equipment – excavators, dozers, loaders, rollers, and other iron – between the yard, vendors, and active projects, including remote and undeveloped sites. This role owns every load from pre-trip through unload: inspecting the rig, loading and securing equipment to DOT standards, planning legal routes, and delivering on schedule so crews never wait on machines.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Transport & Delivery
- Operate a Class A tractor and lowboy / RGN (removable gooseneck) trailer to haul heavy equipment between the yard, job sites, dealers, and repair shops on a daily dispatch schedule
- Plan routes for oversize/overweight loads around height, width, weight, and bridge restrictions; obtain or verify NCDOT (and other state) permits and coordinate escort/pilot vehicles when required
- Deliver equipment efficiently to active and remote construction sites, navigating unimproved haul roads, tight access points, and active work zones
- Coordinate with the equipment dispatcher, superintendents, and foremen on move priorities, site access, drop locations, and changing field needs; communicate delays immediately
Loading, Securement & Equipment Care
- Safely load and unload equipment by walking machines on and off the trailer (and using ramps, winches, or assist equipment as needed), with a spotter where required
- Secure every load with chains, binders, and straps in compliance with FMCSA cargo securement rules (49 CFR 393); recheck securement during transit
- Perform thorough pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections (DVIR) of tractor, trailer, and load; report defects and keep the rig clean, greased, and road-ready
- Perform basic field maintenance (fluids, tires, lights, greasing) and report equipment damage or mechanical issues found during transport
Records & Documentation
- Maintain accurate Hours-of-Service logs via ELD, inspection reports, bills of lading, permits, fuel receipts, and move tickets; submit daily paperwork on time
- Keep CDL, DOT medical card, and required endorsements current and report any change in driving status immediately
Safety & Compliance
- Model and enforce Cardinal’s safety program; participate in daily safety briefings, stop work when conditions are unsafe, and report all incidents, near misses, and equipment damage immediately
- Comply with company policies, OSHA regulations, and FMCSA/DOT requirements, including Hours of Service, vehicle inspection, cargo securement, and drug and alcohol testing (DOT Clearinghouse) requirements applicable to the role
Other related duties as assigned
Required Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience
- Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty
- 2+ years of verifiable Class A tractor-trailer driving experience, including at least 1 year hauling heavy construction equipment on a lowboy, RGN, or similar heavy-haul trailer
- Proven ability to safely load, unload, and operate heavy construction equipment (excavators, dozers, loaders, rollers) on and off a trailer
- Working knowledge of FMCSA cargo securement, Hours of Service, pre-trip inspection requirements, and oversize/overweight load rules
- Comfortable using an ELD, GPS/routing tools, and a smartphone or tablet for dispatch, photos, and digital paperwork
- Strong situational awareness, sound judgment under pressure, and clear communication with dispatch and field crews
- High school diploma or GED, or equivalent work experience
- Valid Class A CDL without restrictions, current DOT medical card, and a driving record acceptable under company and insurance guidelines; must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass DOT pre-employment drug screen and background check
Preferred Skills, Competencies, Education & Experience
- 3+ years of lowboy / heavy-haul experience in heavy civil or site development construction
- Familiarity with Triangle-area and Eastern NC roads, jobsite access, and NCDOT oversize permit routing
- Equipment operator experience (e.g., grading, utilities) to assist on site when not hauling
- OSHA 10; Tanker (N) and/or Hazmat (H) endorsement; flagger certification; HCSS Dispatcher or telematics experience
Physical Demands
- Frequently climb on and off the tractor, trailer deck, and equipment using three points of contact; stand, bend, stoop, kneel, and crawl to inspect and secure loads
- Repeatedly lift, carry, and throw chains and binders weighing up to 50 lbs; occasionally lift up to 75 lbs (e.g., trailer ramps, outriggers, tire chains) with assistance as needed
- Sit and drive for extended periods (up to the Hours-of-Service limits); operate heavy equipment controls; meet DOT physical qualification standards (vision, hearing, and medical)
Work Environment
- Primarily over the road and on active construction sites, including remote and unimproved sites; regular work at the equipment yard
- Exposure to outdoor weather extremes, heat, cold, rain, noise, dust, diesel exhaust, heavy traffic, and moving equipment. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sites
- Early starts (often pre-dawn to move loads before traffic or within permit travel windows), extended hours, and occasional weekends as project and equipment needs require
What We Offer
- Medical, dental, vision; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidays
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. This job description does not create an employment contract, and employment with Cardinal Civil Contracting is at-will.
Cardinal Civil Contracting is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying for employment, please contact Talent Acquisition at careers@cardinalcivil.com.
Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
More about this job
Skills
- Heavy equipment operation
- Unload equipment
- Regulatory compliance
- Inspection
- Documentation
- Driving
- GPS
- Communication skills
- Heavy lifting