Welcome to Find CDL Jobs!

The acronym CDL stands for commercial driver’s license, which refers to the qualification required to operate commercial motor vehicles in the United States of America. Similarly to non-commercial licenses, the driver’s state of residence establishes the exact requirements for CDL training. There are three different types of commercial driver’s licenses – Class A, Class B, and Class C, depending on their requirements and the subsequent legal right to operate specific types of commercial vehicles.

Receiving a commercial driver’s license and becoming eligible to find CDL jobs that suit your preferences can take between three weeks and six months. The time needed to acquire your commercial license can depend on:

• Time spent in the classroom:
  Different programs offer different durations of classroom studying, ranging from thirty to eighty hours.
• Driving hours:
  There are programs in certain states that require more hours actively driving alongside a certified CDL instructor.
• Full & part-time programs:
  Taking a full-time program will help you acquire your license faster, while part-time programs tend to last a lot longer.
• Automatic vs. manual transmission trucks:
  Automatic trucks are often easier to handle than manual-transmission trucks, meaning that you might master them faster.
• Military experience:
  Members of some branches of the Armed Forces can waive the skill test, allowing them to get a CDL and find a job a lot faster.
• Type of CDL:
  Finally, different programs last for different periods of time, with Class A CDL taking the longest to complete and Class B and Class C CDL taking shorter to finalize.

Before delving into which commercial driver’s license is the best, it’s essential to emphasize the differences between the three main ones, Class A, Class B, and Class C CDL:

• Class A:
  
  • Flatbeds
  • Livestock carriers
  • Tank vehicles
  • Truck-and-trailer combos
  • Tractor-trailer
  What’s more, holders of Class A commercial driver’s licenses can also operate all the vehicles covered by lower-tier licenses – Class B and C.
• Class B:
  This license allows operations of the following vehicles:
  • Small trailers
  • Dump trucks
  • Box trucks
  • Segmented buses
  • Large buses
  • Straight trucks
  • Class C commercial vehicles
• Class C:
  Finally, the lowest-tier commercial license grants its holder the capability to operate:
  • Combination vehicles below the requirements for Class A and B licenses
  • Commercial vehicles for transportation of sixteen or more vehicles which do not meet the requirements of higher-tier licenses
  Therefore, Class A CDL is the best license to have and allows the specialist to apply for the widest range of available CDL jobs, making this the license to possess if you’re looking to pursue a career in the freight industry.

Getting a CDL job with no prior experience can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some steps that can increase your chances:

• Obtain a license:
  The first step is to obtain a commercial driver's license. You can enroll in a truck driving school or attend a company-sponsored training program to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge required to obtain it.
• Research:
  Do some research on companies that hire entry-level drivers. Some companies offer training programs for new drivers and are willing to hire those who haven’t worked in the industry.
• Build your resume:
  Create a resume that highlights your skills, such as teamwork, communication, and punctuality. Even if you don't have any prior experience in the industry, emphasize any relevant experience you have, such as driving large vehicles or operating machinery.
• Network:
  Connect with people through job fairs, industry events, and social media. This can help you learn about job opportunities and make connections that could lead to a job offer.
• Be willing to start at the bottom:
  Starting in the business may require you to work long hours, drive long distances, and spend time away from home. Be prepared to make sacrifices and work hard to prove yourself as a reliable and dedicated professional.

Once you pass all the exams and receive your commercial driver’s license, it’s time to start thinking about how to find CDL jobs near your location that suit your preferences. It’s helpful to be familiar with a range of employment you can ensure by holding a Class A CDL:

• Long-haul cargo truck driver
• Local truck driver

These two tend to be the highest-paying trucking jobs, especially long-haul trucking jobs. Some other jobs you can find with Class A CDL are:

• Bus driver
• Dispatcher
• Truck driving instructor
• Heavy equipment hauling

An owner-operator is a self-employed driver in the trucking industry who owns and operates their own commercial vehicle. They’re typically responsible for finding their own clients, negotiating their own rates, and managing their own expenses, such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance. They may work as independent contractors for a company or operate as a sole proprietorship. This means they have the freedom to choose their own routes and schedules and have more control over their earnings compared to company-employed drivers who typically earn a fixed salary or hourly wage.

Some of the highest-paying CDL jobs you could pursue with the right class of license are:

• Owner operator
• Ice road trucker
• Specialty vehicle hauler
• Team driver
• Private fleet driver
• Mining industry driver
• Tanker/liquid transporter
• Hazmat driver

Find CDL Jobs is a go-to company connecting drivers with the ideal opportunities across the continental United States. We understand that securing the perfect position can be challenging, particularly if you're new to the industry. That's why our online platform is designed to make the search process as easy and stress-free as possible. With our team of young and diligent pros by your side, you can rest assured you're in good hands.
Whether you’ve just finished your CDL training and have no experience or are a seasoned owner operator, we're here to help you take your career to the next level. Our mission is to help drivers like you achieve their dreams, and we're always looking for new and innovative ways to do just that!