How to hire a cdl driver

How to hire a cdl driver, step by step

Here's a step-by-step cdl driver hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a cdl driver job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new cdl driver
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a cdl driver do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a cdl driver, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect cdl driver also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of cdl drivers.

   Type of CDL Driver	Description	Hourly rate
   CDL Driver	Heavy and tractor–trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor–trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity—that is, the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo—exceeds 26,000 pounds... Show more	$19-46
   Truck Driver-Over-The-Road	A truck driver-over-the-road (OTR) is a professional driver who specializes in hauling items such as heavy freight, machinery, or construction materials from a home terminal to delivery points. OTR truck drivers usually spend more time on the road due to the long distances they are required to reach... Show more	$24-45
   Tractor-Trailer Driver	A tractor-trailer driver is responsible for picking up and delivering goods and services from distribution centers and warehouses to different locations across the country as required. Tractor-trailer drivers manage the best route planning to prevent delays... Show more	$19-40

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • DOT
   • CDL-A
   • Customer Service
   • OTR
   • PET
   • Hazmat
   • Post-Trip Inspections
   • Pickup
   • OSHA
   • Safety Regulations
   • Safety Equipment
   • Dexterity
   • Federal Regulations
   • Customer Locations

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Complete proper amount of OTR hours and training including school training to become CDL-A certify.
   • clean the delta airline of the meals, food, drinks for the next flight.
   • Pick up and deliver all kids of freight
   • Dedicate route driver for pet supplies company.
   • School bus driver transport kids to and from school
   • Obtain TWIC card for access to secure facilities.

   More cdl driver duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your cdl driver job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A cdl driver salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, cdl drivers' average salary in hawaii is 26% less than in wyoming.
   • Seniority. Entry-level cdl drivers earn 57% less than senior-level cdl drivers.
   • Certifications. A cdl driver with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a cdl driver's salary.

   Average cdl driver salary

   $63,112yearly

   $30.34 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level cdl driver salary

   $41,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 20, 2025

   Average cdl driver salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	District of Columbia	$72,415	$35
   2	Oklahoma	$67,825	$33
   3	Kansas	$67,365	$32
   4	Utah	$67,255	$32
   5	Nebraska	$66,507	$32
   6	Illinois	$66,452	$32
   7	Missouri	$66,263	$32
   8	Delaware	$65,661	$32
   9	Kentucky	$65,224	$31
   10	Indiana	$64,700	$31
   11	Tennessee	$64,611	$31
   12	Wisconsin	$64,597	$31
   13	Georgia	$64,579	$31
   14	Maryland	$64,400	$31
   15	Arkansas	$64,150	$31
   16	Arizona	$64,108	$31
   17	Mississippi	$63,943	$31
   18	Colorado	$63,878	$31
   19	Iowa	$63,644	$31
   20	North Carolina	$63,511	$31

   Average cdl driver salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	GCP Applied Technologies	$98,104	$47.17
   2	Jordan Company	$94,564	$45.46	1
   3	Hobby Lobby	$90,007	$43.27
   4	Univar	$87,947	$42.28
   5	Marathon Petroleum	$85,973	$41.33	20
   6	Air Products	$84,354	$40.55
   7	Mid-South Management	$83,832	$40.30
   8	Walmart	$83,114	$39.96	41
   9	Xylem	$81,600	$39.23	4
   10	Hydrite	$81,452	$39.16	13
   11	Occidental Petroleum	$80,459	$38.68	1
   12	Tyson Foods	$80,149	$38.53
   13	PPG	$79,685	$38.31
   14	Smithfield Foods	$78,807	$37.89	21
   15	Covenant	$78,772	$37.87	11
   16	Indian Creek Foundation	$77,254	$37.14
   17	Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley	$75,903	$36.49
   18	Alabama Motor Express, Inc - Amx Logistics	$75,836	$36.46
   19	The Dart Network	$75,559	$36.33	5
   20	Bob's Discount Furniture	$75,483	$36.29	3

4. Writing a cdl driver job description

   A cdl driver job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a cdl driver job description:

   Cdl driver job description example

   The Brink's name is a promise to respect the trust we've earned in over 150 years in business. Every employee honors that promise by offering the highest levels of service and support to our customers. We take pride in our work, and we share a passion about our future. Learn why so many people have made the choice to join our team - and stay here.
   Job Title
   
   CDL- Driver
   
   Job Description
   
   About Brink's
   
   Brink's is the global leader in security and logistics services, trusted by banks, financial institutions and businesses in both public and private sectors. We deliver the currency of the world to businesses in our communities. We do it because we're needed. We do it because we're trusted and valued. We do it because it makes us proud. Brink's Proud.
   
   What's Next?
   
   Thank you for considering applying for a job at Brink's U.S. To be considered for this position, you must complete the entire application process, which includes answering all prescreening questions and providing your eSignature.
   
   Upon completion of the application process, you will receive an email confirming that we have received your application. We will review all candidates and notify you of your status should we deem you fit for a job. Thank you again for your interest in a career at Brink's U.S. For more information about future career opportunities, join our talent network, Like our Facebook page or Follow us on Twitter.
   
   Brink's is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, marital status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or history or any other characteristic protected by law. Brink's is also committed to providing a drug free workplace.
   
   We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find cdl drivers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your cdl driver job on Zippia to find and recruit cdl driver candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit cdl drivers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new cdl driver

   Once you've found the cdl driver candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new cdl driver. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a cdl driver?