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A leading company in the trucking industry is looking for new truck drivers. With options for CDL training through sponsors or private schools, individuals can start a rewarding career with good earning potential. Entry-level drivers can earn around $30,000 annually, with opportunities to increase earnings significantly with experience.
If you’re looking to start a truck driver career, you’ve come to the right website. Our sponsors are hiring truck drivers right now! Be sure to visit our on-site sponsors. There are many careers people can work without a degree, and one of the best options is being a truck driver. Driving a semi-truck over the road (OTR), regionally or locally, can be a rewarding career both financially and in terms of travel opportunities. There’s a growing demand for truck drivers, and there are a few options to get started. This article provides an overview of those options and what to expect when starting out.
There are two main ways to begin your truck driving career: through a company-sponsored CDL training program or by attending a private CDL school. Both paths are similar in process and relatively short compared to other careers, after which you’ll be driving solo and earning good money.
Many truck companies are willing to hire new drivers, primarily for over-the-road (OTR) routes, which involve driving across the country for weeks at a time with a few days off every few weeks. New drivers typically start with OTR driving, and by attending a company-sponsored CDL training school, they commit to driving OTR for that company for less than a year. In exchange, the company trains the driver at no upfront cost, but the driver usually repays the tuition through deductions from their paycheck over the year.
The alternative is attending a private CDL school, which costs about $4,000 for a month-long course. After graduating from an accredited CDL school, graduates have multiple employment options. However, trucking companies will still require new drivers to complete a paid training period, often involving ride-alongs with experienced trainers before operating their own truck.
The benefit of attending a company's CDL school is that individuals with limited funds or poor credit can start their careers without significant upfront costs. Private schools offer more personalized training and a wider range of job options post-graduation, but students will need to secure a loan or pay out of pocket. Both options typically cost around $4,000 and last 3-6 weeks, with a subsequent paid training period of 1-3 months with a trainer.
Major nationwide companies like Swift, Stevenson Transport, C.R. England, Central Refrigeration, Prime, and Knight Transportation offer CDL training programs. Starting a truck driving career usually involves driving OTR for a few years to gain experience before qualifying for local or regional roles that offer more home time.
Entry-level truck drivers earn approximately $30,000 annually gross, with regular raises and incentives. After several years, earnings can increase to around $50,000, and with experience and specialized loads, drivers can earn up to $100,000 annually gross. Benefits such as health insurance and other incentives vary by company. The high demand for drivers and the essential nature of their work make trucking a promising career choice.
The relative ease and affordability of starting in this field make it an attractive option for those seeking to support themselves and their families.