Where to find entry-level commercial driving positions

Most commercial driving jobs do require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), but some employers hire people without one and help them get licensed on the job. The positions that most commonly do this are tanker truck driving, flatbed hauling, and certain regional delivery routes. You will not find these jobs on general job boards — you need to search trucking company websites directly, call their recruiting lines, or work with a trucking-focused recruiter.

The companies most likely to hire without a CDL are mid-sized regional carriers and owner-operator networks, not the largest national fleets. Werner Enterprises, PAM Transportation, and Heartland Express have historically hired people without a license and paid for training. Smaller local trucking companies often do the same because they have higher turnover and need drivers faster than they can recruit experienced ones. Your best move is to call the dispatch or recruiting number directly and ask whether they hire people who do not yet have a CDL.

Job boards specific to trucking — like TruckersReport.com, Indeed filtered for "CDL not required," and Craigslist under the "gigs" section in your area — sometimes list these positions. However, many companies post only on their own websites or through word-of-mouth referrals from current drivers. If you find a company name that interests you, go to their website and look for a "Careers" or "Recruiting" page rather than relying on third-party listings.

Key Takeaways

  • Some trucking companies will hire you without a CDL and pay for your training, though these jobs are less common than positions requiring an existing license.
  • Regional carriers and smaller local trucking firms are more likely to hire without a CDL than large national fleets.
  • Call the recruiting or dispatch line directly rather than explore through job boards, because many companies do not advertise these positions online.
  • You will likely need to pass a background check, medical exam, and drug test before training begins, even if you do not yet have a CDL.
  • Training programs paid for by employers usually take three to six weeks and cover both classroom instruction and on-the-road practice.

What happens during employer-sponsored CDL training

When a company hires you without a CDL and agrees to train you, they typically send you to a third-party truck driving school or run their own in-house program. The company pays the school's tuition — usually between $3,000 and $7,000 — and you attend full-time for three to six weeks. During this time you are usually not paid, though some companies offer a small stipend or cover your housing near the training facility.

The training covers both classroom work (hours-of-service rules, vehicle inspection, safety procedures) and behind-the-wheel instruction with a professional trainer. You will take the written CDL test at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and the skills test (pre-trip inspection, backing, and road test) either at the school or at the DMV, depending on your state. Once you pass both tests and receive your CDL, you then go through an additional orientation period with the company — usually one to two weeks — where you drive with a company trainer before running routes on your own.

During the orientation period after you get your license, you are typically paid minimum wage or a flat daily rate. Once you are cleared to drive solo, pay switches to a per-mile rate or hourly wage depending on the company. Most companies require you to sign an agreement stating you will stay with them for a set period (often six months to a year) after training, or you will owe back the cost of your training.

Documents and background requirements you will need

Before any company will hire you or send you to training, you must pass a background check and a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam. The background check looks at your driving record, criminal history, and employment history — companies are most concerned about moving violations, DUIs, and felonies. A clean driving record is more important than a clean criminal record for this type of work, though serious felonies will disqualify you at most carriers.

The DOT medical exam is a physical exam performed by a certified medical examiner and costs between $100 and $200 (sometimes the company covers this, sometimes you do). The examiner checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health to make sure you can safely operate a large vehicle. You will need to bring a valid government-issued ID, proof of Social Security number, and your medical history. If you have a condition like sleep apnea, diabetes, or high blood pressure, you may still pass but will need documentation from your doctor.

You will also need a valid state driver's license (not a CDL yet) and a Social Security number. Some companies ask for references from previous employers, though if you have never worked in trucking this is less critical. Have your address history for the past three to five years ready, as the background check will ask for it.

How to approach a company about hiring without a CDL

When you call a trucking company's recruiting line, be direct: say you are interested in driving for them and ask whether they hire people without a CDL and provide training. Many recruiters will say no when ready, which saves you time. If they say yes, they will ask you basic questions: your age (you must be at least 18, and 21 for interstate driving), your driving record, whether you have ever been convicted of a felony, and whether you have any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive.

If you pass that initial phone screen, they will send you an process and schedule a time for you to come in for an interview or send in your documents. Have your driver's license, Social Security card, and a list of your addresses for the past five years ready before you call. If you have a poor driving record — multiple speeding tickets, an accident, or a DUI — mention it yourself rather than waiting for them to find it. Being honest about it shows you take the job seriously and are not hiding something worse.

Some companies will ask you to take a written test or a personality assessment before they move forward. These are standard screening tools and are not difficult — they are checking whether you can follow instructions and whether you have a stable work history. If you have changed jobs frequently or have large gaps in employment, be ready to explain why.

What to expect in terms of pay and schedule

Entry-level commercial drivers without prior experience typically start at $0.28 to $0.35 per mile, which translates to roughly $35,000 to $45,000 per year if you drive full-time. Pay varies significantly by region, company size, and the type of cargo you haul. Hazmat (hazardous materials) and tanker routes pay more — sometimes $0.40 to $0.50 per mile — but require additional endorsements and training beyond the basic CDL.

Most commercial driving jobs are over-the-road (OTR), meaning you are away from home for days or weeks at a time. Some companies offer regional routes where you return home every night or every few days, but these are less common and usually go to more experienced drivers. When you are hired without a CDL, expect to start with whatever routes the company assigns, which are often the longer OTR runs.

Hours are regulated by federal law: you can drive a maximum of 11 hours per day and must take a 10-hour break between shifts. In practice, a typical week involves 50 to 70 hours of driving spread across five to six days. You are paid only for driving time, not for waiting at loading docks, fueling, or pre-trip inspections, though some companies pay a small hourly rate for these activities.

Red flags and companies to research carefully

Some trucking companies use the promise of free training as a recruiting tool but then treat new drivers poorly or have high accident rates. Before you commit, search the company name on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website at SaferBus.org. This site shows the company's safety record, number of accidents, violations, and complaints. A company with a high accident rate or many safety violations is not worth the risk, even if they offer training.

Be wary of companies that ask you to pay money upfront for training, even if they promise to reimburse you later. Legitimate companies that hire without a CDL pay the training school directly — you should never write a check to the company or the school. Also avoid companies that pressure you to sign a contract before you have seen the actual terms in writing or that refuse to let you speak with current drivers.

Check reviews on TruckersReport.com and the Better Business Bureau to see what current and former drivers say about the company. Pay attention to complaints about pay being lower than promised, equipment being poorly maintained, or the company not honoring the training agreement. If multiple reviews mention the same problem, that is a sign to keep looking.

Alternative routes if you cannot find a company that hires without a CDL

If no companies in your area hire without a CDL, you can attend a commercial truck driving school on your own and pay for it yourself. Many schools cost $3,000 to $7,000 and take three to six weeks. Some schools offer payment plans or financing options. Once you have your CDL, you can explore to any trucking company, and your job prospects improve significantly because you are when ready productive.

Some states and local workforce development programs offer grants or low-interest loans for CDL training if you meet income requirements. Contact your state's Department of Labor or your local American Job Center (search "American Job Center near me" online) to ask whether training funding is available. These programs are often free or low-cost and can be faster than waiting for a company to hire you without a license.

Another option is to start in a related field that does not require a CDL — like delivery driving for a local company, warehouse work, or equipment operation — and then transition to commercial driving once you have some work history and can pay for training yourself. This route takes longer but gives you time to decide whether the lifestyle is right for you before you commit to a CDL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CDL to drive a delivery truck for Amazon or UPS?

No. Local delivery trucks (the ones that make multiple stops in a day) do not require a CDL if they are under 26,001 pounds. Amazon Flex, UPS, and FedEx hire delivery drivers without a CDL. However, these jobs typically pay less than commercial trucking and do not lead to a CDL. If your goal is to become a commercial driver, these jobs are a stepping stone, not the destination.

How long does it take to get a CDL if a company hires me without one?

Training usually takes three to six weeks, and you can take the written and skills tests when ready after. Most people pass the tests on their first or second attempt. After you get your license, you will spend one to two weeks in company orientation before driving solo. Total time from hire to solo driving is typically two to three months.

What if I fail the CDL test during training?

Most companies allow you to retake the test at no additional cost if you fail the first time. However, if you fail multiple times, the company may end the training agreement and you will owe them the cost of training. This is rare — most people pass within two attempts if they complete the training program.

Can I choose what type of truck or cargo I haul?

Not as a new driver. Companies assign routes based on business needs and driver availability. Once you have six months to a year of experience, you can often request specific types of work — like regional routes instead of OTR, or tanker instead of dry van — but you have no choice when you start.

What happens if I leave the company before my contract is up?

You will owe the company the cost of your training, which is usually $3,000 to $7,000. This amount is often deducted from your final paycheck or the company may pursue you for it. Read the training agreement carefully before you sign it so you know exactly what the penalty is and how long you must stay.