Trucking Companies That Hire New CDL Graduates: Entry Level Jobs

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Congratulations on obtaining your CDL! Now, let's get you hired. Companies like Swift Transportation, CR England, and Roehl Transport are known to hire new CDL graduates. They offer competitive starting pay and a range of benefits.

Swift Transportation, for example, offers a starting pay of $45,000 per year for new CDL graduates. This is a great starting point for your trucking career. CR England, on the other hand, offers a guaranteed minimum of 35 hours of pay per week. Roehl Transport also offers a competitive starting pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

If you're looking for a company with a strong training program, consider companies like Prime Inc. and Crete Carrier. Both offer 2-4 week training programs to help new CDL graduates get up to speed.

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Trucking Companies That Hire New CDL Graduates

If you're a new CDL graduate, you're likely eager to start your trucking career. Companies like American Central Transport (ACT), Crete Carrier, and U.S. Xpress are hiring recent CDL graduates.

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These companies offer a great opportunity to gain experience and build your skills. They're willing to hire new CDL graduates with no prior experience.

Melton is another company that's looking for new trucking hires, including those with no experience. They offer a pre-hire evaluation program, driver apprenticeships, and tuition reimbursement to help new drivers get started.

You can also consider Roehl, which provides CDL training and jobs. They're a great option if you're looking for a company that will support you from the start of your career.

Remember, these companies are just a few examples of the many trucking companies that hire new CDL graduates. Be sure to research and find the one that best fits your needs and goals.

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Why Choose a Specific Company?

Choosing the right trucking company is crucial for new CDL graduates.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers a comprehensive training program for new drivers, including a paid training period and a mentorship program that pairs new drivers with experienced drivers.

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Many companies, such as Swift Transportation, have a reputation for hiring new CDL graduates and providing them with the training and support they need to succeed.

One of the key benefits of choosing a company like Schneider National is its commitment to safety, with a strong emphasis on driver safety and a robust safety training program.

Swift Transportation's hiring process is designed to be efficient and straightforward, with a streamlined application and hiring process that can be completed in as little as a few days.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services also offers a range of benefits to its drivers, including competitive pay, comprehensive health insurance, and a 401(k) matching program.

Schneider National's fleet includes a wide range of equipment, from dry vans and refrigerated units to flatbeds and intermodal containers.

Requirements and Benefits

If you're a new CDL graduate, you're probably eager to get started with a reputable trucking company. Melton offers job opportunities for Class A CDL drivers with no experience.

Their state-of-the-art pre-hire evaluation program and driver apprenticeships provide the necessary resources for success. You'll also receive pre-hire letters and tuition reimbursement to help you along the way.

To give you an idea of the potential earnings, Melton's top 50% of drivers made an average of $98,000 in 2022.

Driver Requirements

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To become a truck driver with Melton Truck Lines, you'll need to meet their strict requirements. You must be at least 21 years old.

Melton requires a valid CDL Class A from the state you reside in. This is a must-have for any truck driving job with the company.

You'll also need to have a clean driving record, with no BACs, DUIs, or DWIs in the last 5 years. This ensures that you're a safe and responsible driver on the road.

In addition to these requirements, you'll need to meet all applicable DOT Regulations, including a DOT physical and NIDA approved drug screen. This ensures that you're physically fit and can pass a drug test.

Melton also conducts an integrity interview and checks your work attendance and availability requirements. This helps the company ensure that you're a reliable and trustworthy driver.

Here are the specific requirements in a nutshell:

  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Valid CDL Class A from the state you reside in
  • No BACs, DUIs, or DWIs in the last 5 years
  • Must meet all applicable DOT Regulations
  • Must pass an integrity interview and meet Melton’s work attendance and availability requirements

Tuition Reimbursement

If you're a recent CDL graduate, you're in luck because Melton offers a tuition reimbursement program for recent graduates with 4 or less months of OTR experience.

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This program will pay you $150 every month up to $10,000, which is a huge help in paying off those student loans.

The first payout will follow your 30-day Melton anniversary, and if you paid less than $10,000 pursuing your CDL, the payout will stop at the amount you paid.

This program is a game-changer for new truck drivers, making the transition to your first Class A trucking job more manageable and setting you up for success.

Training and Support

As a new CDL graduate, you'll be paired with a road trainer who's a great match for your personality and training needs. They'll be with you for at least 3 weeks, helping you learn the ropes and get comfortable behind the wheel.

You'll earn a per diem during this time, which means you'll get paid for each day you're out on the road with your trainer. This is a great way to start earning a income while you learn.

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Once you're ready to take the wheel on your own, you'll start getting paid by the mile. This means you'll earn money based on how many miles you drive, which can add up quickly.

Your trainer will be a valuable resource, providing guidance and support as you navigate the challenges of being a new truck driver. They'll help you develop the skills and confidence you need to succeed on the road.

Getting Started

If you're a new CDL graduate looking for a trucking company to hire you, you're in the right place. You must hold a Class A CDL to drive for Melton, so make sure you've got that taken care of.

To get started, you'll need to meet the basic requirements of the trucking companies you're interested in. All of our candidates must hold a Class A CDL before driving for Melton, so that's a good place to start.

Check your CDL status and make sure it's up to date. If you don't have a CDL yet, you can view our list of recommended schools using our CDL Schools Finder to complete this prerequisite.

Once you've got your CDL, you can start applying to trucking companies that hire new CDL graduates.

Types of Routes and Jobs

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Regional routes typically involve hauling freight within one particular region of the country, with drivers often getting home on the weekends. This type of route is a great option for those who want to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Regional route drivers might be part of the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional", and this type of route can be a good choice for those who value time at home.

Over The Road (OTR) driving, on the other hand, involves hauling freight to various customers throughout a company's hauling region, often requiring drivers to be away from home for two to three weeks at a time.

Regional Route

Regional Route drivers often get home on the weekends, which is a major perk of this type of route.

Regional routes typically refer to hauling freight within a specific region of the country, such as the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional".

You might be based in one area and make regular deliveries to customers within that region, making it easier to balance work and personal life.

Over the Road

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Over the Road driving typically involves hauling freight to various customers within a company's hauling region, often requiring drivers to be away from home for two to three weeks at a time.

This type of route can be physically demanding and requires a significant amount of time away from family and friends.

Career Advancement

As a new CDL graduate, you're eager to hit the road and start your trucking career. Many trucking companies offer training programs specifically designed for new graduates, such as Swift Transportation's Swift Drive program, which provides up to 3 months of on-the-job training.

To advance your career, consider companies like J.B. Hunt, which offers a dedicated training program for new drivers. This program includes classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and a mentorship program to help you succeed.

Starting salaries for new CDL graduates can range from $45,000 to over $70,000 per year, depending on the company and location. For example, Schneider National offers a starting salary of $45,000 per year for new drivers.

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Companies like Prime Inc. offer opportunities for advancement, such as becoming a lead driver or a trainer, which can increase your earning potential. With experience and a strong performance record, you can earn up to $100,000 per year or more.

Many trucking companies also offer benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, to support your overall well-being and career growth. For example, C.R. England offers a comprehensive benefits package to its drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What company pays new CDL drivers the most?

According to industry reports, Marten Transport offers the highest starting salary for new CDL drivers, with some positions paying up to $70,000 per year. This is significantly higher than the average starting salary for CDL drivers at other major carriers.

Kristin Waelchi

Senior Writer

Kristin Waelchi is a skilled writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, delving deep into complex topics and shedding light on the intricacies of the world around us. Kristin's expertise lies in crafting engaging articles that inform and educate readers on a wide range of subjects, including industrial facilities.

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