How to Find Truck Driving Jobs With No Experience (2026 Guide)
Category: Career Guides
Published: 2026-04-14
New CDL holder? Here's exactly how to find your first trucking job — which carriers hire entry-level, what to expect, and how to avoid common traps.
## How to Find Truck Driving Jobs With No Experience Getting your first CDL job can feel daunting. Here's a straightforward guide to landing your first position — what to expect and what to watch out for. --- ## Who Hires No-Experience CDL Drivers? Mega-carriers are your best bet as a new CDL holder. They have structured training programs and are built around onboarding inexperienced drivers at scale. **Top carriers that hire 0–1 year experience:**
- Schneider National
- Werner Enterprises
- Swift Transportation (now Knight-Swift)
- Prime Inc.
- CRST Expedited
- CR England
- Roehl Transport Most of these carriers also offer **sponsored CDL training** — meaning they'll pay for your CDL school in exchange for a 1-year driving commitment. --- ## What Pay to Expect as a New Driver Entry-level pay has improved significantly due to driver shortages: - **Company driver, first year:** $55,000–$65,000
- **Sponsored training driver:** $45,000–$55,000 during first year (lower while paying back training)
- **CPM starting rates:** $0.55–$0.65 Pay increases significantly after year one. Most experienced drivers (3–5 years) earn $70,000–$90,000+. --- ## 5 Steps to Getting Your First Trucking Job ### 1. Get your CDL (or use a sponsored program)
If you don't have your CDL yet, apply to carrier-sponsored programs. They handle training costs. ### 2. Clean up your record
Carriers run MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) checks. Minor speeding tickets are usually fine. DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple recent violations will hurt your chances significantly. ### 3. Pass the DOT physical
You'll need a current DOT physical medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. Common disqualifiers include uncontrolled diabetes, severe sleep apnea, and certain vision or hearing issues. ### 4. Apply to multiple carriers
Don't apply to one and wait. Apply to 5–10 carriers simultaneously. Response times vary wildly. ### 5. Be honest during orientation
Background checks and motor carrier verification a