What part-time work is actually available with a CDL

A commercial driver's license opens doors to work that a regular license does not, but part-time CDL jobs are less common than full-time positions. Most trucking companies and logistics firms hire for 40-hour weeks or longer because the cost of onboarding a driver — background checks, insurance paperwork, vehicle assignment — is the same whether you work 20 hours or 60. That said, part-time CDL work does exist in specific sectors: local delivery routes, seasonal hauling, on-call work for smaller carriers, and contract driving for specialized services.

The key difference between part-time and full-time CDL work is that part-time positions tend to be local or regional rather than over-the-road. You are more likely to find consistent hours if you work for a company that serves a defined area — a concrete supplier, a propane distributor, a waste management service — rather than a long-haul carrier. Some companies also hire part-time drivers to cover peak seasons: landscaping supply companies in spring, heating oil distributors in winter, or moving companies in summer.

Your Class A or Class B CDL, along with any endorsements you hold (tanker, hazmat, doubles), determines which jobs you can legally perform. A Class B CDL with a tanker endorsement, for example, opens local fuel delivery routes that often run part-time. A Class A without hazmat limits you to non-hazardous freight but covers more positions overall.

Key Takeaways

  • Part-time CDL positions are most common in local delivery, seasonal work, and on-call driving for smaller carriers rather than long-haul trucking.
  • Companies that serve a specific region — propane distributors, concrete suppliers, waste management — are more likely to hire part-time drivers than national carriers.
  • Your CDL class and endorsements determine which routes and cargo types you can legally handle, so verify the job requirements match your license.
  • Part-time CDL work often pays less per hour than full-time positions but may offer schedule flexibility or shorter routes that keep you home daily.
  • You will need to maintain your medical certificate and pass regular background checks even for part-time work, just as full-time drivers do.

Local delivery routes and same-day services

Local delivery is the most reliable source of part-time CDL work. Companies that deliver to businesses or consumers within a city or region often need drivers for specific time windows — early morning routes, afternoon runs, or evening deliveries. These jobs typically keep you within 50 to 100 miles of a central depot, so you return home each night and work a predictable schedule.

Examples include beverage distributors (beer, soda, water), grocery wholesalers, appliance delivery services, and furniture movers. Some of these companies hire part-time drivers to cover peak hours or specific days of the week. A beverage distributor, for instance, might need extra drivers on Fridays and Saturdays when retail orders spike. A furniture delivery service might hire part-time drivers for weekends or seasonal surges.

Pay for local delivery typically ranges based on the company and region, but part-time local drivers often earn less per hour than full-time over-the-road drivers because there is no per-mile pay or overnight allowance. However, you avoid the cost of living on the road and the wear on your personal life that comes with weeks away from home.

Seasonal and temporary CDL positions

Seasonal work is a second major category of part-time CDL opportunity. Many industries need extra drivers for specific months: landscaping suppliers need drivers in spring and early summer, heating oil companies need them in fall and winter, and moving companies need them in summer. Agricultural hauling, holiday retail delivery, and construction material transport all follow seasonal patterns.

Seasonal positions often run 8 to 20 hours per week for several months rather than year-round. The advantage is that you know the timeline upfront — a winter heating oil route might run October through March — so you can plan other work around it. The disadvantage is that the work ends, and you need to find something else or return to full-time employment.

To find seasonal work, contact local companies in industries that peak at certain times of year. Call landscaping supply yards in February, propane distributors in August, and moving companies in April. Many of these businesses post seasonal openings on their websites or through local job boards, but direct calls to the dispatcher or operations manager often surface opportunities before they are publicly listed.

On-call and contract driving for smaller carriers

Smaller trucking companies and independent contractors sometimes hire on-call drivers to cover unexpected absences or sudden freight loads. On-call work is unpredictable — you might work 10 hours one week and 40 the next — but it can fit around other commitments if you have flexibility. Some drivers use on-call CDL work as a second job or as income while building a full-time position elsewhere.

On-call positions are most common at small regional carriers, owner-operator fleets, and specialized haulers (concrete, gravel, scrap metal). These companies often cannot afford to keep a full roster of full-time drivers, so they maintain a list of part-time or on-call drivers they call when needed. Pay is usually hourly rather than per-mile, and you may or may not be paid for time spent waiting for a load.

The trade-off is reliability. On-call work does not may provide hours, so it is difficult to budget or plan around. Some drivers combine on-call CDL work with a stable part-time job elsewhere to may support steady income.

Specialized part-time CDL roles

Some part-time CDL work falls outside traditional trucking. Shuttle services for hotels, airports, or rental car companies hire CDL drivers to move groups of people or vehicles. School districts sometimes hire CDL drivers for special education transport or field trip routes. Towing companies hire part-time drivers for on-call roadside information. Armored car services and cash transport hire CDL drivers for find delivery routes.

These roles often pay differently than freight hauling — some are hourly, some are per-route, and some include hazard pay or security bonuses. They also may have different scheduling patterns. A shuttle driver might work split shifts (early morning and evening), while a towing company driver might work on-call nights and weekends.

To find these positions, search job boards for "CDL driver" combined with the specific service (shuttle, towing, armored car). Contact local companies directly — hotels, airports, and school districts have dispatch offices that handle driver hiring. These employers are often more open to part-time arrangements than large trucking firms because the work is local and the routes are consistent.

Pay, hours, and what to expect

Part-time CDL pay varies widely depending on the type of work, your location, and the company. Local delivery drivers might earn $18 to $25 per hour, while on-call drivers at small carriers might earn $20 to $30 per hour. Seasonal work sometimes pays more per hour to attract workers for a limited time. Specialized roles like armored car driving or shuttle services may pay $22 to $35 per hour depending on hazard or responsibility premiums.

Hours for part-time CDL work typically range from 15 to 35 hours per week, though some seasonal positions spike higher during peak months. Most part-time positions do not include benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off — you are responsible for your own insurance and taxes as a part-time or contract employee. Some companies offer mileage reimbursement or fuel allowances; others do not.

Before accepting a part-time CDL position, clarify whether you are classified as an employee or an independent contractor. Employees receive a W-2 and have taxes withheld; contractors receive a 1099 and must pay self-employment tax. This affects your take-home pay and your tax filing obligations.

Finding part-time CDL job openings

Part-time CDL positions are not always advertised on major job boards. Start by searching Indeed, LinkedIn, and Craigslist for "part-time CDL driver" in your area, but also contact companies directly. Call local delivery services, propane distributors, concrete suppliers, waste management companies, and moving companies and ask if they hire part-time drivers. Many small companies fill part-time roles through word-of-mouth or direct calls rather than formal postings.

Staffing agencies that specialize in transportation and logistics sometimes place part-time CDL drivers. These agencies handle the paperwork and background checks, and they may have access to temporary or seasonal positions that are not posted publicly. Search for "transportation staffing" or "logistics staffing" in your area.

Networking with other CDL drivers is also effective. Drivers often know which companies are hiring part-time and which have flexible schedules. Join local driver groups on Facebook or attend trucking industry events to learn about opportunities from people already working in the field.

Maintaining your CDL while working part-time

Whether you work part-time or full-time, your CDL requires ongoing maintenance. You must renew your medical certificate every one to two years (depending on your age and health status) with a certified medical examiner. You must also renew your CDL itself every four to eight years, depending on your state. Some states require CDL holders to report traffic violations or accidents within a certain timeframe, even if they occur in a personal vehicle.

Part-time drivers are subject to the same Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations as full-time drivers, including hours-of-service rules and vehicle inspection requirements. If you drive a commercial vehicle, you must follow these rules regardless of whether you work 15 hours or 60 hours per week. Violations can result in fines, points on your license, or disqualification.

Keep your medical certificate, CDL, and vehicle registration current and accessible. Many part-time employers conduct background checks and license verifications before hiring, and some conduct random checks during employment. A lapsed medical certificate or a suspended CDL can end a part-time position when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work part-time with a CDL while keeping another job?

Yes, many drivers combine part-time CDL work with other employment. Local delivery routes, on-call driving, and seasonal work often fit around other schedules. Confirm with your employer that your other job does not conflict with availability, and make sure you are not violating any non-compete agreements from a full-time employer.

Do part-time CDL drivers need their own truck?

Most part-time positions provide a company vehicle. Local delivery services, seasonal haulers, and small carriers typically assign you a truck or van for your shift. On-call or contract work sometimes requires you to own or lease your own vehicle, so clarify this before accepting a position. If you must provide your own vehicle, factor in fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs when evaluating pay.

What if I only have a Class B CDL?

A Class B CDL limits you to vehicles under 26,001 pounds, which excludes most over-the-road trucking but covers many local delivery routes, shuttle services, and specialized roles. Local delivery companies, moving services, and armored car services often hire Class B drivers. Verify that the specific job you are considering does not require a Class A license.

How quickly can I start working after getting my CDL?

Once you have your CDL in hand, you can begin job hunting when ready. Most employers require a background check and a medical certificate, which take one to three weeks to complete. Some companies also require a driving record check or a pre-employment driving test. Plan for two to four weeks between your first process and your first day of work.

Is part-time CDL work worth it if I am already employed full-time?

That depends on your goals and schedule. Part-time CDL work can provide extra income, but it requires time away from family and personal commitments. Calculate your hourly rate after accounting for fuel, vehicle wear, and taxes. If you earn significantly more per hour than your primary job, it may be worth it. If the pay is similar or lower, consider whether the extra income justifies the time investment.