Entry Level CDL-A Trainees

American Driver; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 46,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Weekly home time

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

American Driver in Columbus, OH runs a structured, paid CDL-A training program for new drivers. You’ll train with an experienced mentor on real routes and receive weekly pay from day one.

During 4 to 6 weeks of hands-on instruction you’ll learn tractor-trailer operation, ELD basics, pre-trip inspections, and dispatch procedures before you run solo. After training, you’ll enjoy weekly home time, DOT-compliant operations, and a clear pay path that grows from training wages into mileage pay of

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Undergo 4–6 weeks of hands-on training with an experienced trainer
• Learn hands-on tractor-trailer operation, ELD basics, inspections, and dispatch procedures
• Move to solo driving after trainer signs off and you’re ready
• Maintain DOT logs and DVIRs and adhere to company procedures

Skills

CDL operations

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

CDL training hours and certification

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.