How to hire a truck driver class a

How to hire a truck driver class a, step by step

Here's a step-by-step truck driver class a hiring guide:

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

What does a truck driver class a do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The truck driver class a 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 truck driver class a's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, truck drivers class a 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 truck drivers class a and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Truck Driver Class A	Description	Hourly rate
   Truck Driver Class A	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	$20-44
   Class A Driver	A Class A driver is a professional driver who has acquired a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate trucks or commercial vehicles to transport materials and heavy equipment. Class A drivers are required to plan over-the-road (OTR) travel by using GPS and ensure that they follow bulk cargo transportation laws, regulations, and guidelines... Show more	$18-38
   Class B Driver	A Class B driver is responsible for operating vehicles with weight requirements, usually used for commercial and industrial purposes. Class B drivers are typically employed as a school bus driver, delivery truck driver, public transit driver, ensuring that they meet a clean driving record... Show more	$16-26

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • PET
   • OTR
   • Hazmat
   • Customer Service
   • DOT Regulations
   • GPS
   • Construction Sites
   • Safety Regulations
   • Customer Locations
   • Pallet Jack
   • Post-Trip Inspections
   • Traffic Violations
   • Distribution Centers

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and execute standard operations of a semi-tractor trailer for OTR drop and hook services.
   • Help maintain cleanliness of warehouse.
   • Have experience with paper logs and the QUALCOMM.
   • Assist with maintaining the overall cleanliness of the exterior grounds.
   • Deliver propane tanks to assign stores throughout the local counties.
   • Operate tractor and tanker trailer to deliver propane to bulk customers

   More truck driver class a duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the truck driver class a job description is a good way to get more applicants. A truck driver class a 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 truck driver class a in Arizona may be lower than in North Dakota, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level truck driver class a. Additionally, a truck driver class a with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average truck driver class a salary

   $63,270yearly

   $30.42 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level truck driver class a salary

   $43,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 29, 2025

   Average truck driver class a salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New Jersey	$68,341	$33
   2	Minnesota	$68,023	$33
   3	Illinois	$67,270	$32
   4	Pennsylvania	$66,257	$32
   5	Wisconsin	$66,020	$32
   6	Delaware	$65,945	$32
   7	Nevada	$65,650	$32
   8	Oklahoma	$64,994	$31
   9	Colorado	$64,730	$31
   10	Kansas	$64,595	$31
   11	Michigan	$64,327	$31
   12	Kentucky	$64,310	$31
   13	Ohio	$64,102	$31
   14	Nebraska	$64,087	$31
   15	Indiana	$63,800	$31
   16	Virginia	$63,651	$31
   17	Georgia	$63,618	$31
   18	Tennessee	$63,384	$30
   19	Missouri	$62,902	$30
   20	Washington	$62,841	$30

   Average truck driver class a salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Walmart	$87,951	$42.28	45
   2	Air Products	$85,623	$41.16
   3	Mid-South Management	$82,539	$39.68
   4	Target	$81,001	$38.94	3
   5	Tyson Foods	$78,569	$37.77	2
   6	Bob's Discount Furniture	$75,062	$36.09	3
   7	Smithfield Foods	$74,753	$35.94	11
   8	Covenant	$71,709	$34.48	33
   9	Schneider National	$71,569	$34.41	2
   10	Ashley HomeStore	$71,198	$34.23
   11	Werner Enterprises	$71,080	$34.17	5
   12	McLane	$70,599	$33.94	137
   13	Woodfield Country Club	$70,529	$33.91	5
   14	Hub Group	$70,413	$33.85	129
   15	Transportation Services, Inc. (tsi)	$70,221	$33.76	5
   16	Sysco	$68,577	$32.97	299
   17	Dot Foods	$68,434	$32.90
   18	Ace Hardware	$68,269	$32.82	46
   19	Penske Logistics	$67,756	$32.58	3
   20	Carvana	$67,649	$32.52	113

4. Writing a truck driver class a job description

   A truck driver class a 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. Below, you can find an example of a truck driver class a job description:

   Truck driver class a 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! Don not call if you cant keep a job, pass a drug test, or drink entirely too much alcohol. Lastly first impressions are forever! **
   WagesPart -Time LOCAL Contractors****$500 - $1,000 a week, $3,000 - $5000 a month****
   Job Type: Part - 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 a few common ways to find truck drivers class a 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 truck driver class a job on Zippia to find and recruit truck driver class a candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with truck driver class a candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you 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 truck driver class a

   Once you've decided on a perfect truck driver class a 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 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.

   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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