Best Trucking Companies That Hire New CDL Drivers
Getting your CDL is only the first step. The next challenge most new drivers face is finding a company willing to hire someone with little or no experience.
Many trucking companies prefer experienced drivers because insurance companies often consider them lower risk. Because of this, some carriers require at least a few months of driving history before hiring.
However, several large trucking companies actively recruit new drivers and provide additional training after hiring.
If you recently earned your license, these companies are often the easiest place to start your trucking career.
If you want a broader overview of beginner opportunities in trucking, see our guide:
Entry-Level CDL Jobs: The Complete Guide for New Drivers
Why Some Trucking Companies Hire New Drivers
The trucking industry constantly needs new drivers.
Freight demand stays high while many older drivers retire each year. To keep trucks moving, large carriers invest in training programs designed for drivers who just earned their CDL.
Instead of expecting years of experience, these companies provide:
- additional behind-the-wheel training
- mentorship with experienced drivers
- structured onboarding programs
This allows beginners to start working while continuing to build real-world driving experience.
Trucking Companies Known for Hiring New CDL Drivers
Several national carriers are well known for hiring drivers straight out of CDL school.
Swift Transportation
Swift is one of the largest trucking companies in the United States and frequently hires new drivers.
New hires usually begin with a training period that pairs them with an experienced driver before receiving their own truck.
Swift operates across the country and offers several freight divisions including dry van, refrigerated freight, and dedicated routes.
Because of its size, Swift is often one of the first companies new drivers apply to.
Schneider National
Schneider regularly hires new CDL graduates and offers structured training programs.
The company operates a large network of regional and over-the-road routes.
New drivers may work in divisions such as:
- dry van freight
- dedicated accounts
- regional routes
Schneider is widely known for its safety programs and organized training process.
CR England
CR England operates one of the largest company-sponsored CDL training programs in the country.
Many drivers begin their careers through its training academies and then transition into full-time driving positions after completing the program.
The company primarily focuses on refrigerated freight and long-haul routes.
Werner Enterprises
Werner is another major carrier that hires new drivers and provides structured training.
The company offers several divisions that can appeal to beginners, including:
- dedicated routes
- regional driving positions
- over-the-road freight
Werner also operates many dedicated accounts that allow drivers to transition into more predictable schedules after gaining experience.
Prime Inc.
Prime specializes in refrigerated freight and tanker operations.
The company runs its own training program and provides mentorship for new drivers while they gain experience.
Prime drivers often start with team driving or long-haul routes before transitioning into more specialized positions.
What New Drivers Should Expect During Their First Job
Even after being hired, most companies do not immediately assign new drivers their own trucks.
Instead, beginners typically go through a finishing program where they drive with an experienced trainer for several weeks.
During this period, new drivers learn practical skills such as:
- trip planning
- managing delivery schedules
- fuel management
- electronic logging device use
- handling real delivery situations
This stage helps bridge the gap between CDL school and real-world trucking.
Over-the-Road Jobs Are Often the First Step
Many drivers hope to start with local trucking jobs immediately.
In reality, most beginners begin with over-the-road (OTR) routes.
OTR jobs involve longer trips and more time away from home, but they provide the fastest way to gain experience.
After six months to a year of driving, many drivers qualify for better positions such as:
- regional routes
- dedicated accounts
- local delivery jobs
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired
Even companies that hire beginners still evaluate applicants carefully.
New drivers can improve their chances by focusing on a few key factors.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
Trucking companies pay close attention to driving history. Serious traffic violations can make it harder to find a job after earning a CDL.
Be Flexible With Routes
Drivers willing to start with long-haul routes usually find jobs faster than those who only want local positions.
Apply to Multiple Companies
Applying to several carriers increases the chances of receiving offers quickly.
Many drivers speak with multiple recruiters before choosing the company that offers the best training program or pay structure.
Starting Your Trucking Career
Finding the first trucking job can feel difficult, but many companies actively look for new drivers.
Large carriers provide the training and experience beginners need to build a stable career in trucking.
Once drivers gain several months of experience, they usually gain access to a much wider range of higher-paying jobs.
If you are just starting out, understanding how entry-level trucking jobs work can make the process much easier.
You can learn more in this guide:
Entry-Level CDL Jobs: The Complete Guide for New Drivers