Updated March 2022

A large majority of the candidates interested in working in the trucking industry have one common worry: will anyone hire me with little to no driving experience?

While industry experience is a must for many jobs, there is quite a selection of companies out there that are hiring new drivers. Many companies are experiencing driver shortages, and with about 231,000 job openings currently in the US, a large majority of companies are happy to hire new drivers with minimal driving experience.

Need For Truck Drivers

Supply chain issues have drastically increased the demand for truck drivers. Trucking companies have adjusted their policies bring in all sorts of new drivers. Some of these changes include increasing the starting pay for new drivers up to $60,000+ within the first year, increased benefits, and more variety in the routes drivers are given. These changes are based on current and former drivers’ feedback for better wages and more home time.

The Government has also taken notice of the issues affecting the trucking industry and has taken new steps to try and help. First, the Entry Level Driver Training Mandate makes sure CDL schools follow a standard training process. Secondly, the introduction of the Trucking Action Plan which promotes apprenticeship programs for drivers to continue their training while on the road. The plan also gives each state a guide to increase their CDL licensing efficiency.

What Are the Requirements to Get Hired in Trucking?

The first step to getting hired is to finish your CDL training at an ELDT certified school, like United Truck Driving School. Then you’ll need to pass your CDL test and meet the basic requirements. Most of the basic requirements to get hired in trucking are straightforward.

To get hired, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Having a Clean Driving Record
• Having a Solid Work History (not necessarily in the trucking industry, they want someone who has steadily had a job of some sort unless you have just graduated high school or University)
• Be At Least 21 Years Old
• Pass a Drug Test
• Pass a Physical (assuming you’re looking to operate a “big rig” type of vehicle)

Generally, participants that meet these requirements will be eligible to be hired by most trucking companies.

Job Placement Assistance for United Graduates

If you finish your CDL training through United Truck Driving School, you will have full access to our job placement services. Our job placement staff are here to help graduates find a job that meets their needs and preferences. Whether it’s right out of school or later in your career, we’re here to help you land a trucking job you’ll love!

We work with some of the top trucking companies to offer job placement assistance to our graduates. Recruiters from some of the best companies are regularly visiting our school looking to hire new drivers. Look at the event calendar to see who is visiting!

Which Companies Hire New Truck Drivers?

While assistance in finding a job is a useful tool and gets appreciated by our graduates, many graduates want a list of trucking companies that hire new drivers without previous experience. Proving you meet their requirements (generally those listed above), the following companies are happy to welcome new drivers onto their team:

• Covenant Transport
• CR England
• Crete Carrier
• CRTS Expedited
• FFE
• H.O. Wolding Trucking
• Jim Palmer Trucking
• KLLM Transport Services
• Maverick Transportation
• Millis Transfer Inc.
• Pam Transport
• Prime Inc.
• Roehl Transport
• Schneider National
• Shaffer Training
• Stevens Transport
• Super Service
• Swift Trucking Companies
• TMC
• US Express
• US Xpress Inc.
• USA Truck
• Werner Enterprises
• Wil-Trans

These are just some of the companies that are known for hiring truck drivers with little to no experience in the industry. There are jobs out there for new truck drivers, so don’t let your fear of not finding work stop you from getting your CDL!

Many may even help in paying back tuition fees in $100 to $400 monthly payments in addition to your regular salary. However, tuition reimbursement typically requires a 1-year contract with the company to qualify.

Contact us if you’re ready to learn more about the exciting world of trucking! We’ve got the training you need to succeed and can help you land a job you’ll love.

Interested in becoming a truck driver but now sure where to begin? Here are 5 simple steps to starting your new career as a professional truck driver!

1. FIND A SCHOOL THAT WORKS FOR YOU

There are several things to consider when choosing a truck driving school. Obviously, location is a huge factor to think about. To become a truck driver, you must physically be present at the school in order to practice your driving skills. United Truck Driving School is conveniently located at San Diego and Riverside in California.

A school’s quality of training is something you should think about as well. Look for a school with a state-licensed program that combines classroom knowledge and hands-on training. United Truck Driving School has been in the industry since 1978. We’ve helped thousands of people start their new careers in trucking. United graduates are highly sought after by trucking companies!

2. ENROLL IN CLASS

There are a few requirements you must meet in order to enroll in a truck driving school. Although they may vary by school and/or state, below are some of the typical requirements.

• Must be 21 years old
• Must have a valid license within the U.S.
• Must provide state proof of citizenship
• Must be able to speak and read English
• Must have no DUIs
• Must pass a physical exam

3. GAIN SKILLS THROUGH CLASSROOM TRAINING AND DRIVING PRACTICE

Most, if not all, truck driving schools require you to complete a certain number of hours in the classroom and behind the wheel to ensure students gain the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the field. Training covers basic controls, vehicle inspections, shifting, speed management, turning, docking, hazard prevention, accident procedures, and more.

The total length of your training will depend on the type of commercial drivers license (CDL) you want to get. You can expect your total training time to last between 3-4 weeks. United offers Class A CDL training, Class B CDL training, and a combination of the two through CDL-A + Passenger training. The type of CDL you get will determine which trucking jobs you’re able to work.

4. STUDY FOR AND PASS YOUR CDL EXAM 

Training courses help with preparing for the CDL exam but do not guarantee success. It’s best to re-visit some of the written material before scheduling your test. For an even better chance of passing the exam, look at study guides, the CDL manual (which you can download on your state’s DMV website), create flashcards, and test your knowledge with practice exams.

5. FIND A JOB IN TRUCKING

At United Truck Driving School, we provide job placement services for our graduates. We maintain relationships with some of the top trucking companies to help our graduates get hired. Take a look at our event calendar to see who is visiting United looking to hire new drivers!

Ready to get started on your career in trucking? Have any questions we can help you with? Don’t hesitate to contact us!

Congratulations on starting your new career in trucking! We want to make sure you’re prepared for the road ahead. The following is a list of items and a few tips to help you get a successful start as a truck driver.

Just be sure you check what’s being given to you by your employer before you go out and buy everything yourself.

Basic Essentials

These basic essentials are the first items you’ll want to get before you hit the road. Having these supplies are going to make you much more comfortable so make getting these your top priority.

• sleeping bag and pillow
• gloves
• flashlight
• tire pressure gauge
• toilet paper
• toothbrush
• toothpaste
• deodorant
• shampoo
• soap
• flip-flops for taking showers

Emergency Supplies

These items won’t be needed on a regular basis, but when they are, you’ll be very glad to have them. Be sure to inventory what comes with any kits you buy and consider whether you want to add anything to the kit. If, for example, your first-aid kit is missing antiseptic or bandages, you’ll want to be sure you get those.

• A first-aid kit in case of accidents
• An emergency kit:
  • Water
  • Canned food
  • Batteries
  • Tin snips
  • Flares
  • Duct tape
  • Jumper cables
  • A tarp
  • Extra gloves
  • Extra socks
  • De-icer for your windshield
  • A wrench
  • A knife
  • Fuses
  • A pair of pliers
  • Road cones
  • A reflective safety vest for high visibility on the road at night or in bad weather
• A warm coat for when it’s cold outside to keep form getting sick
• A rain coat
• A scarf or balaclava
• A hat
• An emergency bathroom container

Supplies for Extra Comfort

These items are neither essential nor needed for emergencies. Instead, this list focuses on comfort and making the most of your time out on the road.

• Dash mount for your cell phone
• Bluetooth earpiece for your cell phone to avoid tickets and safely stay hands-free.
• Earplugs to help you sleep in noisy areas
• Road atlas in case your GPS device or cell phone is having problems
• An electric skillet and crock-pot for cooking on the road. This will help you not only save money but can also help you maintain a healthier diet.
• A hand-held vacuum
• Extendible squeegee

Approach to Buying

Go for the essentials first and you can always get the comfort items later on. Additionally, you will want to get a cooler to keep healthy foods fresh longer and help cut down on your costs since eating out is expensive and time-consuming. Healthy foods you can easily take on-the-go may include fresh and dried fruits, whole grain crackers or breads, sunflower seeds, and nuts. Avoid having too much sugar and salt.

Congratulations again on starting your new career as a professional truck driver! It’s time to put everything you learned in your CDL training to good use! Feel free to contact us at United Truck Driver Training if you have any questions.