How to hire a contract driver

How to hire a contract driver, step by step

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The contract driver hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A contract driver's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, contract drivers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of contract drivers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Contract Driver	Description	Hourly rate
   Contract 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	$11-24
   Driver Trainer	Driver trainers are instructors who teach their clients how to drive. They are often considered experts in driving, and they are credible enough to impart their driving knowledge to clients... Show more	$14-33
   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

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • DOT
   • CDL
   • Tractor Trailer
   • Safety Regulations
   • Customer Service
   • On-Time Deliveries
   • Delivery Route
   • Delivery Service
   • Uber
   • OTR
   • GPS
   • Straight Truck
   • Log Book
   • Lyft

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Transport customers of the UBER App.
   • Train new employees on CSA regulations.
   • Contract cdl driver to fill need manpower.
   • Teach drivers complete paperwork and train on CSA.
   • DOT, local, state (provincial) and federal requirements
   • Assist with marekting and creation of LYFT brand in area.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your contract driver job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A contract driver can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, contract drivers' average salary in florida is 39% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level contract drivers 55% less than senior-level contract drivers.
   • Certifications. A contract driver with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a contract driver's salary.

   Average contract driver salary

   $16.83hourly

   $34,999 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level contract driver salary

   $23,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 19, 2025

4. Writing a contract driver job description

   A contract 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 contract driver job description:

   Contract driver job description example

   • Signup in Seconds : Get started today, and we’ll provide support along the way.
   • Get Paid Fast : Cash out up to 5X a day with Instant Pay.
   • Flexible Schedule : You control when and where you drive.
   • 24/7 Support : The app gives you turn-by-turn directions and access to 24/7 support if you need help.
     
     

   What you need to get started?

   • 21 years old or older
   • A 4-door vehicle
   • A valid U.S. driver’s license and vehicle insurance
   • At least one year of driving experience in the U.S. (3 years if you’re under 23 years old)

   Additional Information

   • If you have previous employment experience in transportation (such as a delivery driver, driver, professional driver, driving job, truck driver, heavy and tractor-trailer driver, CDL truck driver, class a or class b driver, local truck driver, company truck driver, taxi driver, taxi chauffeur, cab driver, cab chauffeur, taxi cab driver, transit bus driver, bus driver, coach bus driver, bus operator, shuttle driver, bus chauffeur) you might also consider driving with our client and earn extra money.
   • We also welcome drivers who have worked with any other peer-to-peer ridesharing or driving networks.
   • Drivers come from all backgrounds and industries ranging from traditional driving and transportation industries to other industries.
   • Driving is a great way to supplement your part-time or full-time income.

   Ready to get started? Sign up today and start earning!

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right contract driver for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with contract drivers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit contract drivers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit contract drivers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to 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 contract driver

   Once you've decided on a perfect contract driver candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is 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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