Where entry-level CDL jobs come from

Companies that hire new CDL drivers without experience exist, but they are not the same places that hire experienced drivers. You will not find these jobs on Indeed or LinkedIn in the usual way. Instead, they come from trucking companies that run their own training programs, mega-carriers that hire in volume, and smaller regional fleets that need drivers badly enough to train them.

The largest employers of inexperienced CDL holders are mega-carriers — companies like Werner, Schneider, Swift, and Knight-Swift that operate thousands of trucks. These companies hire new drivers constantly because turnover is high. They expect to train you on their equipment and their routes, and they build that cost into their hiring model. Regional carriers and smaller fleets also hire new drivers, but less predictably and usually only when they have an when ready shortage.

The catch is that most entry-level positions come with strings: you may have to commit to a contract (often one to two years), you may start at lower pay than experienced drivers, and you may be required to work as a team driver or on routes the company assigns. Understanding what each employer offers before you explore saves you from taking a job that does not fit your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Mega-carriers like Werner, Schneider, and Swift hire new CDL drivers regularly and run formal training programs for people with no experience.
  • Entry-level positions often require a contract commitment of one to two years and may pay less than experienced driver rates.
  • You can find these jobs by contacting trucking companies directly, working with trucking-specific recruiters, or checking job boards that filter for entry-level CDL work.
  • Most companies require a valid CDL, a clean driving record, and a medical certificate before you start; some will hire you before you have your CDL if you commit to getting it.
  • Team driving, dedicated routes, and regional runs are common first jobs because they are easier to staff and give new drivers predictable work.

Mega-carriers that hire new drivers

The companies most likely to hire you with a new CDL are the ones you see everywhere on the highway. Werner Enterprises, Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and Knight-Swift all have formal entry-level programs. So do Heartland Express, PAM Transportation, and USA Truck. These companies post jobs on their own websites, and that is usually the fastest way to reach them.

Each mega-carrier has its own hiring process, but most follow a similar path: you submit an online process, you pass a phone screening, you do a video interview, and then you either start orientation or go through a formal training phase. Some companies require you to have your CDL before you explore. Others will hire you before you have it, as long as you commit to getting it within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days.

Pay for new drivers at mega-carriers typically starts between $0.35 and $0.45 per mile, depending on the company and the type of freight. That translates to roughly $35,000 to $45,000 per year if you are running full-time, though actual earnings depend on how many miles you drive and how much time you spend waiting or in detention. Most entry-level positions also come with a contract: if you leave before the contract ends, you may owe the company money for training.

Regional carriers and smaller fleets

Regional carriers operate in specific parts of the country and often have less formal hiring processes than mega-carriers. Local and regional trucking companies are more likely to hire you if you live in their service area and can start quickly. These jobs sometimes pay better than mega-carrier entry-level positions, but they are also harder to find because each company posts its own jobs and does not have a national recruitment machine.

To find regional carriers in your area, search for "trucking companies near me" or check your state's trucking association website. Call the companies directly and ask if they hire new drivers. Many small fleets do not post jobs online; they hire through word of mouth or by taking calls. A conversation with a dispatcher or owner can move faster than an online process.

Regional carriers often offer dedicated routes or regional runs, which means you go home more frequently than over-the-road drivers. This makes them attractive if you have family obligations or do not want to live in a truck. However, regional work may pay by the hour rather than by the mile, and the pay structure varies widely. Ask about pay, home time, and contract terms before you commit.

How to search for entry-level CDL jobs

Start with the websites of the major carriers. Werner.com, Schneider.com, Swift.com, and Knight-Swift.com all have careers pages where you can filter for entry-level or "new driver" positions. These pages are updated frequently and show you exactly what each company is hiring for right now.

Job boards that specialize in trucking work better than general sites for entry-level CDL jobs. TruckersReport.com, Trucking.com, and DriveForMeJobs.com all let you filter by experience level and show you which companies are actively hiring new drivers. You can also set up job alerts so you see new postings as soon as they go live.

Trucking-specific recruiters are another route. These are staffing agencies that work only with trucking companies and know which fleets are hiring new drivers. A recruiter can tell you about companies you have not heard of, explain the contract terms before you explore, and sometimes negotiate on your behalf. Search for "trucking recruiter" or "CDL recruiter" in your area, or ask other drivers for recommendations.

What companies require before you start

Most trucking companies have a standard list of requirements for new drivers. You need a valid CDL with the appropriate endorsements for the type of freight you will haul. You need a medical certificate from a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examiner, which certifies that you are physically able to drive. You need a clean driving record — the definition of "clean" varies by company, but most will not hire you if you have serious violations or multiple accidents in the past three to five years.

You will also need to pass a background check and a drug test. The background check looks at criminal history, and the drug test is usually a urine screen done before your first day. Some companies also require a DOT physical before you start, which is more thorough than the medical certificate and checks your vision, hearing, and overall health.

A few companies will hire you before you have your CDL if you commit to getting it. In that case, they may pay for your CDL training or require you to attend a private truck driving school at your own cost. If you go this route, make sure you understand who pays for training and whether the cost comes out of your first paychecks.

Team driving and dedicated routes as entry-level work

Team driving means two drivers share one truck and take turns sleeping and driving. This is common entry-level work because it keeps the truck moving 24 hours a day and is easier for a company to manage than solo driving. Pay for team driving is usually split between the two drivers, so you earn roughly half of what a solo driver would make on the same miles. However, you cover twice as many miles in the same time, so your total earnings can be comparable to solo driving.

Team driving is not for everyone. You spend weeks in a truck with another person, and if you do not get along, the job becomes miserable. Some drivers use team driving as a stepping stone to solo driving after a year or so. Others prefer it because they like the company and the predictability. Ask the company how team assignments work and whether you can request a change if the pairing is not working.

Dedicated routes

Contract terms and what to watch for

Most entry-level CDL jobs come with a contract that locks you in for a set period, usually one to two years. The contract protects the company's investment in training and recruitment. If you leave before the contract ends, you may owe the company money — sometimes a few hundred dollars, sometimes several thousand, depending on how much training they provided and how much time is left on the contract.

Before you sign, read the contract carefully and ask questions about the penalty for early departure. Some contracts have a sliding scale: if you leave after six months, you owe more than if you leave after 18 months. Others have a flat fee. A few companies waive the penalty if you leave for a legitimate reason, like a medical issue or a family emergency. Know what you are agreeing to.

Also ask about pay guarantees, home time, and what happens if you are injured or the company lays you off. Some contracts may provide a minimum number of miles per week; others do not. Some may provide home time every two weeks; others do not. These details matter because they affect your actual earnings and your quality of life. If the company will not answer these questions clearly, that is a red flag.

Getting your CDL if you do not have one yet

If you do not have your CDL, you have two main paths: attend a private truck driving school or get your CDL through a company-sponsored program. Private schools cost between $3,000 and $7,000 and take three to seven weeks. Company-sponsored programs are often free or low-cost because the company pays the school directly, but they usually come with a longer contract commitment.

Private school gives you more freedom to choose your employer after graduation. You can shop around, compare offers, and take the best job. Company-sponsored training locks you in, but it saves you money upfront. If you do not have the money for private school and cannot get a loan, company-sponsored training may be your only option.

Either way, make sure the school is accredited by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) or recognized by your state. Accreditation does not may provide you will get a job, but it means the school meets basic standards and employers take it seriously. After you finish school, you still have to pass the CDL written test and the driving test at your state's DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to get hired as a new CDL driver?

No. Mega-carriers and many regional fleets hire drivers with brand-new CDLs or even before you have your CDL, as long as you commit to getting it. They expect to train you on their equipment and procedures. However, you do need a valid CDL, a clean driving record, and a medical certificate before you can legally drive a commercial truck.

How much will I make as a new CDL driver?

Entry-level pay at mega-carriers typically ranges from $0.35 to $0.45 per mile, which translates to roughly $35,000 to $45,000 per year for full-time work. Regional carriers and smaller fleets may pay differently — sometimes by the hour or with different per-mile rates. Pay depends on the company, the type of freight, and how many miles you actually drive.

What if I cannot afford truck driving school?

Many trucking companies offer free or low-cost CDL training as part of their hiring process. You explore to the company, they hire you, and they send you to their training program or a partner school. The trade-off is that you sign a contract committing to work for them for a set period, usually one to two years.

Can I leave a trucking job before my contract is up?

Yes, but you may owe the company money. Most entry-level contracts include a penalty for early departure, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on how much training the company provided. Read your contract before you sign and ask about the exact penalty amount and whether it decreases over time.

What is team driving, and should I do it as a new driver?

Team driving means two drivers share one truck and take turns driving and sleeping. It is common entry-level work because companies can keep the truck moving 24 hours a day. Pay is split between the two drivers, so you earn roughly half of what a solo driver would make on the same miles. Some new drivers use it as a stepping stone to solo driving after a year.