What XPO looks for in CDL drivers and how their hiring works
XPO Logistics hires CDL drivers for long-haul trucking, regional routes, and dedicated accounts across the United States. The company operates through multiple divisions — XPO Truckload Services, XPO Last Mile, and others — so the specific job, pay structure, and home time vary by division and location. All positions require a valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record, but XPO also considers your work history, safety record, and willingness to work within their dispatch system.
The hiring process typically takes two to four weeks from initial process to start date. You will need to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination, a background check, and a driving skills test. XPO uses a centralized process system on their careers website, though you can also speak with a recruiter by phone if you have questions about a specific position before you explore.
Key Takeaways
- XPO requires a valid Class A CDL, a DOT medical certificate, and a clean driving record with no major violations in the past three to five years.
- You must pass a DOT physical exam, a background check, and an on-the-road driving test before you can start.
- Pay varies by division and route type — long-haul typically pays more than regional, but regional offers more home time.
- XPO's careers website lists open positions by location and division, and you can filter by route type and experience level.
- Recruiters are available by phone during business hours and can answer questions about specific jobs before you submit an process.
CDL requirements and what XPO will check
Your Class A CDL must be valid and in your possession before you explore. XPO will request your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and they review it for violations, accidents, and suspensions. A single major violation — such as a DUI, reckless driving, or at-fault accident — does not automatically disqualify you, but XPO's standards are stricter for recent violations than for older ones.
You will also need a DOT medical certificate (also called a medical card) issued by a certified medical examiner. If you do not have one, XPO can direct you to an approved examiner, but you must complete the exam before your start date. The exam covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other health factors. Most people pass on the first attempt, but conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or certain heart conditions can result in a failed exam.
XPO also checks your employment history for gaps and reasons for leaving previous jobs. If you have been fired or left under poor circumstances, be prepared to explain what happened. Honesty during the interview matters more than a perfect record — recruiters understand that people make mistakes, and they are more concerned with whether you are reliable now.
The process and interview process
Start by visiting XPO's careers website and searching for CDL driver positions in your state or region. The job listings show the division, route type (long-haul, regional, dedicated), pay range, and home time. You can filter by experience level — some positions are open to newer CDL holders, while others require a minimum of one or two years of recent experience.
After you submit your process online, a recruiter will contact you by phone within one to three business days. This initial call is a screening conversation — they will ask about your experience, why you are looking for work, and whether you are willing to relocate or travel. Be honest about your availability and any restrictions (for example, if you need to stay within a certain distance of home).
If the recruiter moves you forward, you will be scheduled for a formal interview, usually by phone or video. This is where you will discuss the specific job, pay, benefits, and what to expect during training. After the interview, XPO will initiate the background check and DOT medical exam. You will be given a list of approved medical examiners and can schedule your exam at a location near you.
Pay, benefits, and home time by route type
XPO's pay structure depends on the division and route type. Long-haul drivers typically earn more per mile than regional drivers, but they spend more time away from home — often two to three weeks on the road before a few days off. Regional drivers work routes that allow them to return home most nights or every few days, and they usually earn a lower per-mile rate but higher annual pay due to more consistent work.
Dedicated account drivers work for a single customer and follow a set schedule, which can mean predictable home time and steady income. Pay for dedicated routes is usually between regional and long-haul rates. XPO also offers sign-on bonuses in some divisions and locations, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, though these are subject to a clawback clause if you leave within a certain period (usually six months to a year).
Benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off. XPO also offers tuition reimbursement if you want to pursue additional certifications or training. The exact benefits package varies by division, so ask your recruiter for details on the specific position you are considering.
What happens after you pass the background check
Once your background check clears and your DOT medical exam is approved, XPO will schedule you for a driving skills test. This is a practical exam where you will demonstrate your ability to perform a pre-trip inspection, couple and uncouple a trailer, and drive the truck safely in various conditions. The test usually takes two to three hours and is conducted by an XPO trainer or a third-party testing facility.
If you pass the driving test, you will receive a start date and instructions for your first day. Most new hires attend an orientation at an XPO facility or terminal, where you will complete paperwork, receive your equipment (logbook, communication device, etc.), and meet your dispatcher. Some divisions offer a brief training period where you ride along with an experienced driver before you run your own loads.
XPO uses electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track hours of service, so you will need to be comfortable using that technology. If you have never used an ELD, training is provided during orientation.
Common reasons XPO may not move forward with your process
A failed DOT medical exam is the most common reason a hire does not go through. If you fail, you can request a second opinion from another certified examiner, but you must resolve the underlying health issue before XPO can bring you on. Some conditions are temporary — for example, high blood pressure can sometimes be managed with medication — so do not assume one failed exam is permanent.
A background check that reveals felonies, fraud, or a pattern of dishonesty can disqualify you. XPO also looks closely at driving records with multiple violations or recent at-fault accidents. If your record is weak, be honest about it during the interview and explain what has changed since then.
Failing the driving skills test is less common but does happen. If you do not pass, ask the tester for specific feedback on what you need to improve. Some drivers retake the test after additional practice or training.
How to find XPO CDL job openings near you
XPO's careers website (xpo.com/careers) lists all open positions by location and job category. You can search by state, city, or zip code to find CDL driver jobs in your area. The listings show the division, route type, pay range, and a brief description of the role.
You can also call XPO's recruiting line directly. The phone number is usually listed on the job posting or on the careers page. Recruiters can tell you about positions that may not yet be posted online, answer questions about specific routes, and sometimes expedite your process if there is an urgent need.
If you are interested in a specific XPO terminal or region, you can also visit that location in person and ask to speak with a recruiter. Some terminals have a dedicated hiring office, and walking in with a completed process can sometimes speed up the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to get hired at XPO as a CDL driver?
XPO hires both experienced drivers and newer CDL holders, but the specific positions available depend on your experience level. Long-haul and dedicated account positions often require one to two years of recent experience. Regional and some entry-level positions may be open to drivers with less experience or even those fresh out of CDL school. Ask your recruiter which positions match your background.
How long does it take to get hired from process to start date?
The typical timeline is two to four weeks. The initial phone screening takes a few days, the formal interview and background check take another week to ten days, and the DOT medical exam and driving test take another week. If any step is delayed — for example, if the medical examiner is booked — the timeline can stretch longer.
What if I have a violation or accident on my driving record?
A single violation or accident does not automatically disqualify you. XPO looks at the severity, how recent it was, and your overall record. Minor violations from several years ago are usually not a problem. Recent major violations (DUI, reckless driving, at-fault accidents) are harder to overcome, but you can still explain the situation during your interview. Honesty and evidence of improvement matter.
Can I choose between long-haul and regional routes?
Yes, you can indicate your preference during the process and interview. However, the specific positions available in your area may be limited to one route type. If only long-haul positions are open near you and you want regional work, you may need to wait for a regional opening or be willing to relocate temporarily.
What equipment or certifications do I need besides my CDL?
Your Class A CDL and DOT medical certificate are the main requirements. Some specialized positions (hazmat, tanker) require additional endorsements on your CDL, but XPO will tell you if a position requires them. You do not need to have these endorsements before you explore — XPO can help you obtain them after you are hired if needed.