Our whole economy runs on the trucking industry, which means that there is always demand for new drivers to keep things running smoothly. A lot of people think getting hired as a driver requires years of experience, but on the contrary, there are plenty of trucking companies that hire with no experience required.
So how do you get started? In this guide, we’ll explain how to find and successfully apply for truck driving jobs, even if you are brand new to the industry,
How to Find a Trucking Job With No Experience
What Are the Basic Requirements?
There are a few non-negotiable basic requirements to start finding your first trucking job.
Be at least 21 years old
You have to be at least 21 years old in order to apply. This is because this is the industry standard age for interstate driving.
Have a clean driving record
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s still important. You have to prove that you’re a skilled and responsible driver, which means your record should be free from DUIs, excessive speeding tickets, etc.
Be able to pass a DOT physical exam
Trucking jobs can be quite physical. You should be able to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam, which will be conducted by a licensed medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. They’ll check your blood pressure, conduct a urinalysis, and overall check your physical condition for anything that may make it difficult to perform the tasks required (such as heart murmurs, hernias, spinal injuries, neurological conditions, etc).
Be able to read and write proficiently
Drivers will need to display that they can read and write English proficiently. This is necessary to help the driver understand road signs, communicate with dispatchers, and complete the necessary paperwork for their hauls.
If you can meet these requirements, you’ll be in good shape to start your job search.
Building a Resume
Some companies may not require that you build a resume, but for those that do, you can still build a strong truck driver resume with no trucking experience listed.
First, use your non-driving work experience to showcase your reliability and commitment to your previous roles. Be honest, but don’t be afraid to brag about yourself for any accomplishments. List your work experience from the most recent roles to the oldest.
Next, emphasize your skills like time management and problem-solving—both of those are valuable in truck driving. The more descriptive you can be, the better.
Finally, make sure that your resume is well-organized, accurate, and reflects and professional demeanors to make a strong first impression. Don’t be afraid to use a resume template to help you organize your information.
Start Applying
There are thousands of trucking jobs out there, but thankfully, you don’t need to individually apply to every single one to make headway in your job search. Companies like Tenstreet and CDLJobs.com contract with major trucking companies to connect potential candidates with open trucking jobs.
Tenstreet is a large recruitment company that works with over 1,600 trucking companies. Many carriers even redirect to Tenstreet’s application page when you click on their open positions.
Similarly, CDLJobs.com compiles open trucking positions and helps candidates match with trucking jobs based on their skills and qualifications. These range from no-experience trucking jobs to the most seasoned positions.
When you create an application on either of these sites, they share your information with all of their contracted companies that have positions that meet your skillset. That means you only need to fill out one application to apply for hundreds of jobs. It’s one of most streamlined and effective hiring processes out there, and many applicants are hired and on the road in as little as three days.
Max out your CDL and endorsements
The more prepared you can be before your first trucking gig, the better. Make sure you’ve obtained your Class A CDL, and at the very least, pick up the tanker endorsements. (There’s a major shortage in Class A CDL drivers, so the demand is high for good candidates). The hazmat and doubles/triples endorsements are also good investments as most trucking companies will require these two endorsements in order to be considered.
Be Honest
Don’t scrimp on expounding on your strengths, but at the same time, be up front and clear on your level of experience and any potential red flags in your past (traffic tickets, accidents, etc).
Many trucking companies are open to hiring candidates with no experience, so don’t pretend to have more experience than you already do. Dishonesty in these areas is almost guaranteed to be found out during your background check or your first days on the job, which can make it harder for you to get hired elsewhere after the fact.
Most companies will be willing to work with you, so be transparent to give yourself the best foot forward.
Be optimistic
Like we mentioned before, getting hired in the trucking industry without any experience is much easier than most people realize. Once you submit your application, you’ll likely be flooded with potential job offers. The hard part will be picking the one that’s best for you.
Do your research
Finding a trucking job with no experience is relatively easy. Finding the right trucking job for you can be a little harder. The demand for truck drivers is so high right now that you’ll more likely be interviewing the companies rather than the other way around.
It’s important that you research the companies during the process and weigh the benefits before responding to their offer. You can start by visiting their websites, checking out forums, or even asking drivers directly at the nearest truck stop.
When talking with a prospective trucking employer, some important things to consider include their hometime policy, pay scale and change for advancement, and pet policy (if you want to take your pet on the road with you). You should also preemptively research your truck driver insurance options and obtain quotes from a few different companies to compare.
Where Should I Apply?
After checking out other resources like LiveTracking, CDLJobs.com, or Tenstreet, check out some of these trucking companies that are willing to hire drivers with no experience. (Keep in mind that this is by no means an exhaustive list, so be sure to look into other resources for the best results).
PAM Transport
- 48 US states + southern Ontario
- Headquarters: Arkansas
- Requirements: can apply with driving license and are at least 21
Knight
- Headquarters: Arizona
- Over 30 service centers
TransAm Trucking
- Headquarters: Kansas
- Midwest, Southeast, Northeast and Mid-South regions
- Requirements: valid driving license and at least 21
Swift Transportation
- Headquarters: Arizona
- Requirements: valid driving license, at least 21, good communication skills
- Offers training and other support for drivers
Maverick Transportation
- Headquarters: Arkansas
- Student training program for inexperienced drivers (and student priority for employment)
- Requirements: live within area of assignment, at least 21, valid driving license
Schneider National Inc.
- Headquarters: Wisconsin
- Requirements: at least 21, valid driving license, can apply online or in office
- Wide variety of trucks
US Xpress Inc.
- Headquarters: Tennessee
- Services entire United States
- Can earn up to $75,000 in first year
Covenant Transport
- Headquarters: Tennessee
- Requirements: at least 18, valid driving license, cover letter (for the most part)
Roehl Transport
- Headquarters: Wisconsin
- Offers CDL training, employment opportunities for both new and experienced drivers
KLLM Transport Services
- Headquarters: Mississippi
- Primarily transports perishables (temperature-controlled truckloads)
- New drivers generally assigned to smaller trucks
- Requirements: at least 21, valid driving license (can apply online)
Prime Inc.
- Headquarters: Missouri
- Operates three divisions. Flatbed, refrigerated, and food tanker
- One of the best paying and thorough training programs for CDL students and new drivers in the industry
- Operates in 48 states, with OTR, regional, and local positions available in select areas
How Do I Gain Experience as a New Truck Driver?
For experience to “count” in the trucking industry, it has to be related to driving a commercial vehicle, preferably in a certain region or long-haul. The good news? You don’t need any of this kind of experience to find a good trucking job.
Check The Basic Requirements
First, make sure that you meet the basic requirements. Many trucking companies that hire with no experience required want candidates with a clean driving record, can pass a DOT physical, have a clean background, can speak and read the language proficiently, and are over the age of 21. If you meet these requirements, you’re already well on your way to getting your first trucking gig.
Training Options For First-Time Drivers
Even if you don’t have your CDL yet, many of these companies offer training programs that can get you into orientation within the matter of a week if you’re motivated. Some even offer transportation to the training site!
Don’t Give Up!
Remember, the demand is high for eager, capable people who want their shot in the trucking industry. Many employers are willing to work with you and get you up to speed. It’s a two-way street: employers get candidates for their workforce, and new drivers get the experience and the know-how they need to succeed in this industry.
If you’re eager to break into the trucking industry, even with zero experience, you can quickly and easily find a great opportunity waiting for you.
