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.
