After you earn your CDL-A, choosing a job can be intimidating. There are many factors you may consider, such as where you are located, how much home time you need, and what benefits the company offers you.
Entry level truck drivers usually have little to no experience. As a rule of thumb, if you have less than 6 months of tractor-trailer driving experience, you are typically considered an entry level driver. Learn more about what an entry level truck driver job is like here.
Top Trucking Companies for Drivers with No Experience
Here are some of the top companies you may consider starting with as an entry level driver. The benefits they offer are typical of many companies. Benefits are subject to change and may not be available for each position. This is a general overview of some of the benefits these companies generally provide.
Werner is a great choice for jobs for new grads. Werner has many home time options for their drivers, so you can find the right schedule to fit your lifestyle. You can also choose between solo and team diving. They offer many great benefits, including rider and pet policies, health benefits, 401(k) retirement plans, life insurance, and much more. In addition, Werner also offers tuition reimbursement to those who qualify.
CFI is a team that feels like a family. You can get started driving as a regional or OTR driver as a recent CDL school grad. With CFI, you can expect consistent freight, reliable home time, and modern, state-of-the-art equipment and safety technology. They also have rider and pet programs. There is also a tuition reimbursement plan for those who qualify.
With Western Express, new drivers with no experience can get started driving regional or OTR. They offer great benefits including paid vacation, pet and rider policies,401(k) plans, and full health benefits. You can expect great equipment, too; the average truck age is just 1 ½ years old at Western Express. They also offer tuition reimbursement for recent grads who qualify. See an example of a Western Express entry level job here.
Melton offers entry level CDL driver jobs for those who have no experience. Melton offers many great benefits for their drivers including comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement programs, pet and rider programs, on-site gym, workout facilities, and personal trainer, free on-site health clinics and dental exams, and much more! Melton is flexible with your home domicile, as well.
How Much do Entry Level Drivers Earn?
Pay for truck drivers can differ widely based on the company they work for, their pay structure, the types of loads they haul, and how many hours they work in a week. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers earned on average $55,990 in 2023. Your starting pay could either reflect this figure or be slightly lower depending on the company.
As with any job, however, as you gain experience, your earning potential can increase. In fact, the top 10 percent of drivers in 2023 earned $76,780 or more. Before you sign on with a company, discuss your potential pay with the recruiter and make sure you’re satisfied with the terms.
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More reading: What's an Entry Level CDL Job Like?