Meet 5 employer partners helping new CDL drivers launch their careers
Getting a CDL is a big step. Finding the right company to work for after training is just as important. United Truck Driving School works with several national trucking companies that regularly hire new drivers straight out of CDL training. These companies send recruiters to United’s Riverside and San Diego campuses, and many students receive job offers before they even graduate.
Below is a closer look at five of United’s employment partners:
- Werner Enterprises
- Swift Transportation
- Melton Truck Lines
- Schneider National
- May Trucking Company
Each one offers something different, so new drivers can find a fit that matches their goals.
Werner Enterprises
Werner has been in business since 1956 and is one of the largest truckload carriers in the country. The company is known for its modern fleet, with trucks that average under two years old. Newer trucks tend to break down less and come with updated safety features, which matters for drivers who are still building experience.
Werner offers several types of driving jobs, including over-the-road, dedicated routes, and team driving. Dedicated routes usually mean a driver runs the same general area for the same customer, which can lead to more predictable time at home. Werner also connects new CDL holders with benefits like health insurance and a retirement plan with a company match.
Swift Transportation
Swift is one of the largest full truckload carriers in the country and hires a high number of entry-level drivers each year. New drivers are paired with an experienced mentor for a structured training period before driving solo. Swift also runs a program called Top Gun, which gives newer drivers extra practice with backing and tight maneuvers before they hit the road on their own.
Swift offers a mix of freight types, including dry van, refrigerated, and flatbed, so drivers can try different kinds of work without switching companies. The company also has a dedicated team that helps drivers plan their home time around family needs.
Melton Truck Lines
Melton is a flatbed carrier based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and it stands out for how it trains new drivers. Melton runs an eight day Pre-Hire Evaluation that teaches load securement, tarping, and safety basics before a new driver ever leaves the yard. The program is approved by the Department of Labor as a formal apprenticeship, which means it follows a structured curriculum instead of just tossing new drivers into the job.
Because flatbed hauling involves specialized freight, Melton spends extra time making sure new drivers are comfortable with the equipment. Drivers keep the same assigned truck even during home time, and Melton has built a reputation for a close-knit, driver-first culture where managers know drivers by name.
Schneider National
Schneider is one of the ten largest trucking companies in the country and has been operating since 1935. Schneider offers over-the-road, regional, and dedicated positions, along with different freight types like dry van, intermodal, and refrigerated. Trucks in Schneider’s fleet include comfort features like memory foam mattresses and built-in refrigerators, which matter for drivers spending long stretches on the road. Schneider also has strong support for military veterans, including extra pay consideration for prior driving experience.
May Trucking Company
May Trucking is a smaller, family-oriented carrier that has built its reputation on being a solid starting point for brand new drivers. Many CDL graduates say May is willing to hire people straight out of school without requiring outside experience, and drivers often describe the culture as personal rather than corporate.
May runs mostly dry van and refrigerated freight across the western United States. The company offers newer equipment, guaranteed home time when it is approved in advance, and a tuition reimbursement benefit for recent graduates. It’s often described as a good place to build experience early in a driving career.
Why These Partnerships Matter
United Truck Driving School’s job placement team brings recruiters from these companies directly onto campus so students can ask questions, learn about openings, and apply before graduation. This kind of direct access can save new drivers weeks of searching on their own. It also means students hear directly from the companies about what daily life on the job actually looks like, rather than relying on a job posting alone.
Students who want to compare these options in person can check the event calendar for upcoming recruiter visits at the Riverside or San Diego campus. Current students and United graduates can skip straight to the source. The student resources page lists open applications for each of these carriers, along with direct apply links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these the only companies United Truck Driving School graduates can work for?
No. These are just five of United’s national employment partners, but graduates are free to apply to any trucking company that will hire them.
Do I need experience to be hired by these companies?
No. All five companies listed here regularly hire drivers straight out of CDL training with no prior experience required.
Is job placement guaranteed after graduation?
No. United provides job placement assistance and connects students with employers, but placement and pay are not guaranteed.
What is the difference between over-the-road and dedicated routes?
Over-the-road drivers travel longer distances and may be away from home for one to several weeks at a time. Dedicated routes serve a specific customer or region, which often means more predictable time at home.
Can I try more than one type of freight, like flatbed or refrigerated?
Yes. Several of these companies, including Swift and Schneider, offer more than one freight type, so drivers can switch divisions without changing employers.
Do any of these companies offer tuition reimbursement?
Several of them, including Werner, Swift, Melton, and May, offer some form of tuition reimbursement for qualifying graduates. Details and eligibility vary by company, so it’s best to confirm directly with a recruiter.
How do I meet recruiters from these companies?
United regularly hosts recruiter visits at its Riverside and San Diego campuses. Check the event calendar for upcoming dates.
Which of these companies is best for a new driver?
It depends on the driver’s goals. Someone who wants more time at home may prefer a dedicated route, while someone open to travel may prefer an over-the-road position. United’s job placement team can help students think through the right fit.
Job placement and salary rates are not guaranteed. Ready to start training toward a career in trucking? Learn more about CDL training programs or explore tuition assistance options at United Truck Driving School.
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