How to hire a class b driver

How to hire a class b driver, step by step

Here's a step-by-step class b 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 class b driver job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new class b driver
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a class b driver do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the class b driver you need to hire. Certain class b driver roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a class b driver to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a class b driver that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of class b drivers.

   Type of Class B Driver	Description	Hourly rate
   Class B 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	$16-26
   Truck Driver Class A	The responsibilities of a Truck Driver Class A mainly revolves around driving heavy vehicles and ensuring that all transported goods meet the expected delivery deadlines and quality. The Driver needs to have a Class A license and be emotionally and physically healthy to qualify... Show more	$20-44
   Line Haul Driver	A line haul truck driver is in charge of transporting heavy materials using large vehicles such as tractor-trailers, ensuring timeliness and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically revolve around securing documents or invoices, adhering to specific routes, driving for long durations, liaising and building positive relationships with companies, and ensuring the safety and quality of all cargo... Show more	$17-37

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • DOT
   • Customer Service
   • Customer Locations
   • Straight Truck
   • Post-Trip Inspections
   • Hazmat
   • Safety Regulations
   • Vehicle Inspections
   • Math
   • Cleanliness
   • Good Communication
   • Safety Rules
   • Hazardous Materials

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Maintain dot log books daily.
   • Used a RF scanner to maintain inventory.
   • Use of tow motors and RF scanners also.
   • Follow all rules and regulations while safely transporting HazMat cargo.
   • Follow all organizational and OSHA rules and guidelines regarding handling of hazardous waste materials.
   • Operate propane sit-down, electric stand-up, and special Hazmat forklifts to load and unload inventory.

   More class b driver duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the class b driver job description is a good way to get more applicants. A class b driver salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a class b driver in Idaho may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level class b driver. Additionally, a class b driver with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average class b driver salary

   $44,233yearly

   $21.27 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level class b driver salary

   $35,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

   Average class b driver salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$50,755	$24
   2	New Jersey	$48,918	$24
   3	California	$48,083	$23
   4	Massachusetts	$47,838	$23
   5	Colorado	$47,784	$23
   6	New York	$47,074	$23
   7	Oregon	$46,395	$22
   8	Minnesota	$46,292	$22
   9	Wisconsin	$43,661	$21
   10	Arizona	$43,450	$21
   11	Maryland	$43,170	$21
   12	Indiana	$43,115	$21
   13	Maine	$42,974	$21
   14	Iowa	$42,703	$21
   15	Ohio	$42,072	$20
   16	Georgia	$41,844	$20
   17	Michigan	$41,830	$20
   18	Delaware	$41,567	$20
   19	Missouri	$40,990	$20
   20	Texas	$40,978	$20

   Average class b driver salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Ilitch Holdings	$52,829	$25.40
   2	US Foods	$52,585	$25.28	85
   3	PITT OHIO	$52,536	$25.26	11
   4	Keurig Dr Pepper	$52,022	$25.01	112
   5	Oak Harbor Freight Lines	$51,232	$24.63
   6	Dairy Farmers of America	$51,080	$24.56	74
   7	Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope	$51,022	$24.53	7
   8	Midwest Motor Express	$50,904	$24.47	6
   9	World Fuel Services	$50,885	$24.46
   10	Xpress Global Systems	$50,862	$24.45	1
   11	Reyes Holdings	$50,614	$24.33	35
   12	Green Mountain Coffee Roasters	$50,179	$24.12
   13	Prairie Farms Dairy	$49,989	$24.03	4
   14	A. Duie Pyle	$49,952	$24.02	47
   15	United Contractors	$49,800	$23.94
   16	Dohrn Transfer	$49,644	$23.87	49
   17	SF-Marin Food Bank	$49,431	$23.76
   18	PepsiCo	$49,236	$23.67
   19	McLane	$48,942	$23.53	88
   20	Peninsula Truck Lines	$48,903	$23.51	3

4. Writing a class b driver job description

   A class b 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 class b driver job description:

   Class b driver job description example

   Job DescriptionLOVELL’S TRUCKING LLCCHESAPEAKE, VA
   Job details
   ** Looking for professional drivers who are ready to make money and grow with our company. Serious inquiries only. **
   WagesFull-time LOCAL Contractors****$500 - $2,000 a week, $5000 - $10,000 a month****
   Job Type: Full-time - Number of hires for this role-1
   Qualifications
   * CDL A or B (Required)
   * Commercial Driving: 1 - 2 years (Preferred)
   * Driving: 1 - 2 years (Preferred)
   * New Drivers: We welcome you.
   Full Job Description
   We are a new and upcoming trucking company looking for a driver with at least 1-2 years’ experience. Drivers will be required to pick up and deliver loads of throughout the DMV area and surrounding states.
   Must have a Class A or B license. Looking for a OTR driver who is motivated and ready to work.
   Responsibilities
   * Transport finished goods and raw materials over land to and from manufacturing plants or retail and distribution centers* Inspect vehicles for mechanical items and safety issues and perform preventative maintenance* Plan routes and meet delivery schedules* Document and log work/rest periods and miles spent driving and retain fuel/toll receipts* Input “macros” into our automated system for each stage of the loading and unloading process* Comply with truck driving rules and regulations (size, weight, route designations, parking and break periods) as well as with company policies and procedures* Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions* Collect and verify delivery instructions* Report defects, accidents or violations* Container experience preferred but not required* Be able to lift 50-100 pounds.* Know how to work a pallet jack.
   
   Skills
   * Proven work experience as a truck driver* Hands on experience with electronic equipment and software (GPS, ELD, AVL units, CB etc)* Ability to drive long hours and travel regularly* Extensive knowledge of applicable truck driving rules and regulations* No recent moving or driving violations* Adaptability and foresight to handle unexpected situations (traffic, weather conditions etc)* Valid truck driving license* Driving: 1-2 year (Preferred)
   License/Certification:* CDL A or B (Required)
   Work Location:* Multiple locations
   Work Remotely:* No
   ** After 90 days we can discuss the following benefits **-Discounted Health care-Planet fitness Card-Sams Club Card-Annual bonuses-Hotel reimbursement
   Are you ready to make a change in your life, if so APPLY TODAY!
   Apply now! - Careers (eddy.com)

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right class b driver for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit class b 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.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 class b driver

   Once you've selected the best class b driver candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   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.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new class b driver. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

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 class b driver?