What Penske jobs involve and where to find them

Penske is a large transportation and logistics company that hires for roles across vehicle maintenance, truck driving, warehouse operations, and administrative work. Most positions are at local Penske locations — rental facilities, maintenance shops, or distribution centers — rather than at a single headquarters. The company posts openings on its main careers website and through job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn, and you can also walk into a local Penske branch to ask about positions directly.

The types of roles available depend on which Penske division you're looking at. Penske Truck Rental hires drivers and maintenance technicians. Penske Logistics (the freight and supply chain arm) hires warehouse workers, drivers, and operations staff. Penske Vehicle Services runs maintenance facilities and needs technicians, service advisors, and shop support roles. Understanding which division matches your skills and interests narrows your search significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • Penske has multiple divisions — Truck Rental, Logistics, and Vehicle Services — each with different job types and locations.
  • Most positions are posted on Penske's careers website, but local branches often hire for when ready openings not yet listed online.
  • Maintenance technician roles typically require a high school diploma or GED and may require ASE certification or relevant experience.
  • Truck driving positions usually require a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and a clean driving record.
  • Pay and benefits vary by location, role, and experience, so comparing offers across nearby branches can reveal differences.

Maintenance technician positions at Penske

If you're interested in vehicle maintenance work, Penske hires diesel technicians, service technicians, and maintenance helpers at its truck rental and vehicle services locations. Diesel technician roles typically require either ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification or documented experience working on heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles. Some locations will hire someone with a high school diploma and no certification if they show mechanical aptitude and willingness to train on the job, but having certification or prior experience makes you a stronger candidate and may lead to higher starting pay.

The day-to-day work involves diagnosing mechanical problems, performing repairs, replacing parts, and conducting routine maintenance on trucks and commercial vehicles. You'll use diagnostic equipment, hand tools, and lifts. Penske maintenance shops operate during business hours, typically Monday through Friday, though some locations have Saturday hours. The work is physical and requires standing, bending, and lifting regularly.

Truck driving and operations roles

Penske Truck Rental and Penske Logistics both hire drivers for different purposes. Truck rental drivers move vehicles between locations and deliver rented trucks to customers — these are typically shorter routes and day shifts. Logistics drivers haul freight across longer distances and may be on the road for multiple days. Both require a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and a clean driving record with no major violations in the past three to five years.

Warehouse and operations roles involve receiving, storing, organizing, and shipping freight or vehicle parts. These positions don't require a CDL but do require the ability to lift regularly, work in a fast-paced environment, and follow safety procedures. Many warehouse roles are full-time with consistent schedules, though some locations offer part-time or shift-based work.

How to search for and explore to Penske positions

Start by visiting the Penske careers website (penske.com/careers or the specific division's careers page). You can filter by location, job type, and experience level. Create an account so you can save jobs and track applications. Most online applications ask for your work history, education, and certifications — have your resume ready or be prepared to type this information into the form.

If you see a position you're interested in, read the full job description carefully. It will list required qualifications (like a CDL or ASE certification), preferred qualifications (nice to have but not required), and the specific responsibilities. If you don't meet every requirement but meet most of them, explore anyway — many hiring managers will consider candidates who are close to the qualifications.

Don't skip calling or visiting your local Penske branch directly. Many locations have when ready openings that take weeks to post online, and speaking to a manager in person can move your process to the front of the pile. Ask to speak with the branch manager or the person who handles hiring, bring a copy of your resume, and be ready to discuss your experience and availability.

What to expect during the hiring process

After you submit an process, Penske typically contacts candidates by phone within one to two weeks if they're interested. The initial call is usually a brief screening to confirm your availability, location preference, and basic qualifications. If that goes well, you'll be invited to an in-person interview at the local branch.

The interview usually involves one or two managers asking about your work history, why you're interested in the role, and how you handle common workplace situations. For maintenance and driving roles, you may be asked about specific technical knowledge or given a practical test. For example, a technician interview might include a short diagnostic or tool-identification exercise, and a driver interview might include a driving test in a company vehicle.

If you're offered the job, Penske will conduct a background check and may require a drug test. These typically take one to two weeks to complete. Once cleared, you'll receive a start date and information about orientation, which usually lasts one to three days and covers safety, company policies, and role-specific training.

Pay, benefits, and advancement at Penske

Penske wages vary significantly by location, role, and your experience level. Maintenance technicians typically earn between $18 and $28 per hour depending on certification and location. Truck drivers earn either an hourly wage or per-mile pay depending on the role. Warehouse workers usually start at $16 to $20 per hour. These ranges are general — your local branch may pay differently based on local labor markets and current demand.

Most full-time Penske employees receive health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement for job-related training or certifications. Some locations offer shift differentials if you work evenings or weekends. Part-time employees may have limited benefits depending on hours worked.

Advancement typically means moving from entry-level roles to lead or supervisory positions within your department. A maintenance helper can become a technician, then a lead technician or shop supervisor. A warehouse worker can move into a coordinator or supervisor role. Penske also promotes from within for administrative and management positions, so staying with the company and performing well creates opportunities to move up.

Common questions about Penske careers

Many people wonder whether they need prior experience to get hired. The answer depends on the role. Warehouse and rental counter positions often hire people with no experience and train on the job. Maintenance and driving roles almost always require some prior experience or relevant certification, though Penske will sometimes hire someone with strong mechanical aptitude and no formal experience if they're willing to pursue certification while working.

Another common question is whether Penske hires part-time or temporary workers. Yes — many locations hire seasonal workers during peak moving season (summer) and part-time warehouse or counter staff year-round. These roles typically don't include benefits, but they're a way to get your foot in the door and move to full-time later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an ASE certification to work as a technician at Penske?

ASE certification is preferred but not always required. Many Penske locations will hire someone with a high school diploma and relevant experience, or even without experience if you show mechanical aptitude and willingness to train. Having the certification makes you a stronger candidate and may result in higher starting pay.

What's the difference between Penske Truck Rental, Logistics, and Vehicle Services?

Penske Truck Rental rents trucks to customers and hires drivers and maintenance staff. Penske Logistics handles freight and supply chain work, hiring drivers and warehouse workers. Penske Vehicle Services runs maintenance facilities for commercial fleets. Each division has different job types and locations, so check which one is hiring near you.

How long does it take to hear back after explore online?

Most Penske locations contact candidates within one to two weeks if they're interested. If you don't hear back after three weeks, call the local branch directly to check on your process status. Visiting in person often speeds up the process.

Can I transfer between Penske locations if I get hired?

Yes, Penske encourages internal transfers. If you're hired at one location and want to move to another branch, you can request a transfer after working for a set period (usually 90 days to six months). This is especially common for drivers and technicians, whose skills transfer easily between locations.

What happens if I don't pass the background check or drug test?

A failed drug test or disqualifying background findings will result in the job offer being withdrawn. Penske's standards vary by role — some positions are more sensitive than others. If you have concerns about your background, ask the hiring manager what they screen for before you complete the process.