5 CDL A Jobs With No Experience (And 5 Great Entry-Level Companies)

Landing your first CDL A job in 2026 can be challenging, especially when you lack prior experience. This creates a cycle where gaining experience becomes difficult without a job. However, with a strategic approach, you can break into the trucking industry and begin your driving career.

In this article, we’ll explore various CDL A jobs that don’t require prior experience, along with companies known for offering excellent entry-level positions. We’ll also discuss the advantages of participating in on-the-job training programs and provide tips to help you secure a CDL A job with no experience.

Key Takeaways

• CDL A jobs available without experience include roles like trainee truck driver, delivery driver, and bus driver.

• Companies such as Roehl, U.S. Xpress, and Schneider frequently offer entry-level CDL A jobs.

• Participating in on-the-job training programs can help you earn your CDL A license while gaining paid experience.

Types of CDL A Jobs You Can Get With No Experience

If you have a CDL license but no experience yet, consider applying to various positions to get your foot in the door.

1. Paid Trainee/Student Truck Driver

   Average Annual Salary: $51,000

   Many truck driving companies are willing to hire individuals with a CDL A license to undergo their training programs. After completing the training, these trainees typically transition into full-time driving roles right away.

   Pros and cons of being a trainee/student truck driver: While this role provides valuable experience and training with a paycheck, it can also involve lower pay and long hours under the supervision of an instructor.

   Find Truck Driver jobs near me

2. Delivery Driver

   Average Annual Salary: $37,000

   While many shipping companies seek truck drivers to deliver a variety of packages, this role may not always require a CDL A license. However, it offers a steady paycheck and valuable commercial driving experience.

   While you may not operate a tractor-trailer, you will gain experience driving company vehicles safely. With your CDL and good performance in smaller trucks, you may advance to larger vehicles within the company.

   Pros and cons of being a delivery driver: The advantages of this role include shorter, local routes without the challenges of dealing with passengers, but it may also come with unpredictable hours and limited benefits.

   Find Delivery Driver jobs near me

3. Bus Driver

   Average Annual Salary: $33,000

   Bus drivers are needed across various sectors such as school districts and public transport. Many of these positions require only the appropriate CDL and a clean driving record. Additional training is often provided on the job, typically with pay.

   Acquiring bus driving experience can enhance your qualifications for trucking companies, especially with a clean safety record.

   Pros and cons of being a bus driver: Bus drivers often enjoy flexible part-time hours and engaging with diverse passengers, but they may face unusual shifts and challenging interactions.

   Find Bus Driver jobs near me

4. Garbage Truck Driver

   Average Annual Salary: $66,000

   Driving a garbage or recycling truck offers an excellent opportunity to gain commercial driving experience. Many positions only require a CDL, making them accessible to new drivers.

   This experience can also be beneficial should you choose to pursue over-the-road (OTR) trucking jobs later on.

   Pros and cons of being a garbage truck driver: The benefits include an intimate knowledge of your community and the rewarding feeling of contributing to its upkeep, while potential drawbacks are long hours and challenging working conditions.

   Find Garbage Truck Driver jobs near me

5. Mixer Driver

   Average Annual Salary: $31,000

   Construction projects require mixer trucks to transport and pour concrete. Many openings for mixer drivers only require an applicable CDL, making this a viable option for inexperienced drivers.

   Driving mixers and other construction vehicles helps you accumulate valuable experience and build a reputation as a dependable employee, making you more appealing to future trucking companies.

   Pros and cons of being a mixer driver: The role provides a variety of work options and keeps you close to home, but drawbacks include seasonal work and early mornings.

   Find Mixer Driver jobs near me

Good Entry-Level Companies for CDL A Jobs

1. Roehl

   Located in Wisconsin, Roehl is among the largest logistics companies globally and offers CDL training along with entry-level positions for novice drivers. Their diverse fleet allows new drivers to gain experience with various truck types, including dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, and curtain-side vehicles.

2. U.S. Xpress

   U.S. Xpress is a reputable company that offers training programs for new drivers and tuition reimbursement for those still acquiring their CDLs. With different truck types and competitive salaries, they prioritize employee welfare.

3. Schneider

   Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Schneider hires inexperienced drivers over the age of 21. They provide excellent benefits and a variety of driving jobs, making it an ideal place to gain experience while exploring different specializations.

4. CR England

   This family-owned business, established in 1920, is known for its adaptability and success in a fluctuating market, making it a great starting point for a career. CR England is committed to hiring and training new drivers while fostering a positive work environment.

5. Swift Transportation

   Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Swift Transportation hires drivers without experience, emphasizing the importance of reliability and professionalism. They offer competitive salaries for entry-level drivers, with pay increases as they gain experience.

Benefits of CDL A On-The-Job Training Programs

Securing a CDL A job without prior driving experience is achievable. Companies understand that every driver has to start somewhere, which is why many offer training programs specifically designed for new graduates.

In these programs, you will be treated like an apprentice. While you will receive pay, it may not be as high as what you would earn as an independent driver, and you will be supervised during your driving.

Here are several benefits of these training programs:

1. You secure a job. Although the pay may be modest, you are compensated while completing your training, and you are likely guaranteed a full-time position afterward. Companies design their training programs to fit their specific operational needs, ensuring a smoother transition into your driving role.

2. Tuition reimbursement opportunities. If you’ve paid for your CDL A classes, some companies may reimburse you for those expenses and any testing fees, helping offset the lower salary during training. Be sure to inquire about this shortly after obtaining your license, as eligibility windows can be brief.

3. Recognition from reputable companies. While some independent owner-operators may be willing to train novice CDL A holders, having experience at a recognized brand can significantly enhance your future job prospects. Employers often view training from reputable companies as a mark of quality, making you a more attractive candidate.

While on-the-job training isn’t the only pathway to securing a CDL A job without experience, it remains one of the most reliable options.

Tips For Searching For a CDL A Job with No Experience

1. Be open-minded. Your goal should be to gain experience, not necessarily to find your dream job immediately. While mega carriers may not be your ideal employer, they often offer training programs tailored for licensed drivers with limited experience.

   Consider this a temporary step in your career journey; after gaining a few years of experience, more desirable opportunities will arise.

2. Apply widely. Don’t hesitate to apply for positions that may not excite you. Securing any job is essential for gaining experience, which will allow you to transition to more appealing roles later on.

   A company might prefer to hire an inexperienced driver for a long-haul team position rather than for your preferred short-haul role, so increase your chances by applying to multiple positions.

3. Think outside the box. If driving a semi-truck isn’t your starting point, consider roles operating construction dump trucks, gravel trucks, or delivery vehicles. These positions still provide commercial driving experience that is recognized by many OTR trucking companies.

   Moreover, you might discover a passion for a different type of driving that you want to pursue long-term.

4. Network effectively. Connections in any industry can open doors to opportunities. Reach out to instructors, family friends, or local construction companies to learn about potential job openings.

   Consider requesting informational interviews with representatives from OTR trucking companies to express your interest and seek advice on gaining driving experience. This approach can provide valuable insights and make you more memorable to potential employers when applying for jobs in the future.

Author

Abby McCain

Abby is a writer who is passionate about the power of story. Whether it’s communicating complicated topics in a clear way or helping readers connect with another person or place from the comfort of their couch. Abby attended Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a degree in writing with concentrations in journalism and business.