CDL-A Trainee Opportunity

American Driver; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

American Driver in Michigan is offering an entry-level path for new drivers: paid training for Class A, with real freight and real routes while you learn. You’ll train with a dedicated instructor and only go solo when ready.

During training you earn $900 per week, then $0.56 per mile with a $1,000 weekly minimum for the first three months, and pay grows to $0.56–$0.64 per mile, averaging $1,200 to $1,700 per week.

Qualifications

• Must have valid Class A CDL and be 21+ years old.
• Complete 120+ hours of CDL school training.
• Pass DOT physical and pre-employment drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Complete 4–6 weeks of trainer-supervised training before solo driving.
• Learn tractor-trailer operation on real routes and adhere to hours-of-service rules.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and communicate with dispatch.

Skills

Safety basics

Professional driving

DOT rules knowledge

Education

CDL school training (120+ hours)

Job description

New to the industry? American Driver is putting entry level Class A drivers through real, paid training in Michigan — no shortcuts, no guesswork, just a clear path from student to professional driver.

WHAT YOU'LL EARN

• $900/week during training
• $0.56 per mile once you're solo, with a $1,000/week minimum guaranteed for your first 3 months
• Pay grows to $0.56–$0.64 per mile after that, averaging $1,200 to $1,700/week

TRAINING DETAILS

You'll spend 4 to 6 weeks with a dedicated trainer, running real freight on real routes the entire time. Your trainer evaluates your progress along the way, and you only go solo once you're ready — not on a fixed schedule.

During training you'll cover:

• Class A tractor-trailer operation on actual routes
• ELD systems and hours-of-service compliance
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection procedures
• Dispatch communication and company protocol

ONCE YOU'RE ON THE ROAD

• Weekly home time
• Full compliance with DOT regulations
• Accurate, up-to-date ELD logs and DVIRs
• Complete equipment inspections before and after every shift
• Clear, professional contact with dispatch

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Class A CDL
• 21 years of age or older
• 120+ hours from an accredited CDL school
• Must pass DOT physical and pre-employment drug screen

Start your driving career the right way.

American Driver is an Equal Opportunity Employer.