MICHAEL D. FENTON
***** ****** ** **** *, Blue Island, IL 60406 708-***-**** ************@*****.***
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Safety-first, customer-oriented, and performance-driven Professional Driver with over 15 years of comprehensive experience in route operations, vehicle safety, and customer relations. Possesses a valid Class C License with an excellent, clean driving record and a current, active DOT Medical Certification. Proven track record of operating delivery vans and box trucks under 26,000 lbs GVW in all weather conditions. Exceptional customer service professional skilled at acting as a concierge resource for guests, maintaining meticulous vehicle logbooks, and executing rigorous pre/post-trip inspections. Highly adaptable driver ready to complete Aramark's Defensive Driving Course and support the transportation team with unmatched safety and hospitality.
CORE COMPETENCIES & ATS KEYWORDS
Driving & Fleet Safety: Route Management, Defensive Driving, DOT Compliance, Pre/Post-Trip Inspections (DVIR), Rules of the Road.
Customer Service: Passenger Hospitality, Guest Relations, Concierge & Property Knowledge, Public Representation.
Operations & Logistics: Vehicle Logbooks & Rider-Ship Logs, Dispatch Coordination (Walkie-Talkie), Route Efficiency.
Maintenance & Technical: Mechanical Problem Solving, General Vehicle Inspections (Oil/Tires), SDS (Safety Data Sheets) Awareness.
Physical Stamina: Heavy Material Handling (Lifting up to 80 lbs), Secure Cargo Loading/Unloading, Extended Driving/Standing.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Route Driver / Independent Contractor Chicago Tribune / Sun-Times – South Holland, IL March 2010 – Present
Manage high-volume daily delivery routes and logistics, ensuring efficient, consistent, safe, and timely service to over 140 commercial and residential customers.
Supervise, train, and mentor over 45 new and existing drivers, ensuring absolute adherence to defensive driving techniques, road regulations, and company safety policies.
Build solid, positive working relationships with consistent customer contacts, serving as a key brand ambassador and prioritizing long-term customer goodwill.
Maintain strict driver documentation and vehicle logbooks; exercise sound judgment to resolve route and operational issues independently.
Conduct daily preventative vehicle inspections to identify potential maintenance and safety issues, ensuring a safe and clean vehicle atmosphere.
Union Iron Worker Active Union Member – Chicago, IL Area 2015 – Present
Perform high-intensity, physically demanding labor requiring routine bending, squatting, climbing, reaching, and heavy lifting of materials up to 80 lbs.
Prioritize personal safety and watch out for the safety of team members on active, fast-paced job sites by strictly adhering to safe work practices, company policies, and PPE requirements.
Participate actively in regular department and safety meetings, sharing innovative ideas to improve overall operational safety and efficiency.
Delivery Driver FedEx – Hammond, IN 2002 – 2006
Safely and cautiously operated company delivery vehicles (vans and box trucks under 26,000 lbs GVW) on assigned routes, strictly adhering to tight schedules and state/local highway laws.
Drove defensively in all types of challenging weather conditions, ensuring zero accidents and zero safety violations.
Loaded, unloaded, sorted, and secured cargo, frequently maneuvering items weighing 50+ to 80 lbs while standing, walking, and driving for prolonged periods.
Provided courteous, exceptional customer service when encountering guests; utilized handheld computers and logs to manage delivery documentation accurately.
Warehouse Material Handler / Order Picker Osco Warehouse – Alsip, IL 2007 – 2009
Safely operated warehouse equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, and hand trucks) to move, load, and unload product carts and pallets efficiently.
Received and processed incoming stock, managed inventory counts, and operated cash register systems handling cash, checks, and cards in a safe, accurate manner.
Followed strict facility safety procedures regarding the handling of machinery and general chemicals, utilizing SDS sheets and books when necessary.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Valid Driver’s License: Class C (Ready to align with company fleet/passenger endorsement requirements)
DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Medical Card): Current / Active
Driving Record: Excellent clean driving record meeting all DMV/MVR criteria
Technical Training: IBEW Technical Institute, Alsip, IL
Business Studies: Business Management Studies – City Wide College, Chicago, IL
Additional License: Adjuster License (All Lines DHS Texas, 2023)
EQUIPMENT & TOOLS PROFICIENCY
Vehicles & Equipment: Delivery Vans, Box Trucks (under 26,000 lbs), Hand Trucks, Pallet Jacks, Forklifts.
Office & Tech: Handheld Computers, Walkie-Talkies, Telephones, Printers/Copiers.