Entry Level CDL-A Trainees

American Driver; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 54,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

American Driver offers an entry-level CDL-A trainee program in Ohio. Trainees receive paid training with weekly pay during the mentorship period, then transition to solo driving with mileage-based pay. The path includes real freight, real mentorship, and a clear pay ladder continuing after training.

The program requires a valid CDL, 21 years of age or older, 120+ hours of CDL school, and completion of a DOT physical and drug screen. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• CDL-A license required, 21+ years old.
• 120+ hours from an accredited CDL school.
• Pass DOT physical and pre-employment drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, operate a Class A tractor-trailer during training.
• Learn dispatch procedures and company policies.
• Maintain accurate logs and inspect equipment before trips.

Skills

Hands-on driving

CDL A required

Hours-of-service compliance

Education

CDL school hours requirement

Tools

ELD systems

Job description

About the job Entry Level CDL-A Trainees

Fresh out of CDL school and ready to start earning? American Driver runs a structured, paid training program built specifically for new drivers — real freight, real mentorship, and a clear pay path from your first week behind the wheel.

PAY STRUCTURE

• Training: $850/week
• Once solo: $0.56/mile, with a $1,000/week minimum guaranteed for your first 3 months
• After 3 months: pay climbs to $0.56–$0.64/mile, averaging $1,200 to $1,700/week

HOW TRAINING WORKS

For 4 to 6 weeks, you're paired with an experienced trainer who rides with you on actual routes — not a classroom, not a simulator. Your trainer tracks your progress and signs off when you're ready to run solo.

What you’ll learn:

• Hands‑on Class A tractor‑trailer operation
• ELD systems and hours‑of‑service compliance
• Proper pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections
• How dispatch communication and company procedures work

AFTER TRAINING

• Weekly home time
• DOT‑compliant operation at all times
• Current, accurate ELD logs and DVIRs
• Full equipment inspections every shift
• Professional dispatch communication

WHAT IT TAKES

• Valid Class A CDL
• 21 years or older
• 120+ hours from an accredited CDL school
• Pass DOT physical and pre‑employment drug screen

American Driver is an Equal Opportunity Employer.