The trucking industry is a great opportunity for people looking to start a new career or switch career paths later on in life. Compared to other industries, it is fairly easy to find employment without any experience!
Finding An Entry-Level Trucking Job
After you earn your CDL, finding a job can seem difficult. Luckily for new drivers, there are many carriers that don’t require experience, as long as you recently graduated from an approved CDL training program.
The majority of opportunities with these carriers will be OTR (over-the-road) routes, meaning drivers are away from home for several days, weeks, or even up to a month. Your first job will most likely be OTR. If you attend a CDL school, these “mega carriers” will often host hiring events at schools to recruit new drivers.
Alternatively, you can search for jobs on job boards and recruiting websites. When looking for your first job, look for words in the job description like “entry level”, “new grads”, “trainees”, “students”, or “no experience needed”.
Here is a list of partner companies that often have entry level truck driving positions:
Orientation and Paid Training
When you start with a new company you will attend their orientation, which consists of signing required paperwork, learning safety procedures & policies, company culture, etc. Sometimes your orientation will take place in a different state than where you are working, and the company will provide lodging and cover your travel costs to attend.
As a driver with little to no experience, you will most likely be assigned a driver trainer for the first handful of weeks (usually 2-6 weeks depending on the company). During this training process, you’ll still be getting paid.
The time you spend driving with an instructor is essential for setting up good habits and learning skills that will help you succeed in your future trucking journey. Be sure to ask any questions you have and learn as much as you can during this period!
How Much Will I Make In My First Year Of Trucking?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), truck drivers in 2023 earned an average of $55,990. Although your starting pay may be lower than this figure, it's important to note that as you gain experience and seniority, your pay can increase. The BLS also reports that the top 10 percentage of truck drivers made $76,780 or more.
Trucking companies pay by the mile, meaning you earn a certain amount per each mile you drive. Because of this, your pay even between months may vary.
It is recommended to stay with one company for your first year to gain experience. After driving for a year, your driving record will prove to other companies that you are an excellent driver, opening up more opportunities to drive and earn more!
Ready to get started with your CDL career? Find CDL schools near you, or search for a CDL job near you now!
Read more: