Updated July 2022
You’re ready to start your CDL training but are curious where you’ll work after your training. As a newer driver, you may be worried it will be difficult to get hired. While experienced drivers are highly sought after in the trucking industry, there are still several companies that are happy to hire new drivers!
Below is a list of six carriers that train and employ new drivers with little to no experience. If you’re ready and willing to start building up mileage, it definitely won’t hurt to consider giving any one or several of the companies below a good look.
Western Express
Western Express is a company that maintains its fleet age at a maximum of no more than 1.5 years old. Benefits include a bonus program with competitive pay raises, paid vacations and consistent weekly/bi-weekly home time. The Western Express fleet includes Volvo, International, and Freightliner trucks. Each truck is equipped with NAVIGO GPS and a Custom Trip Pack App for conveniences such as smartphone bill scanning. Of-age applicants must possess a Class A CDL, acceptable MVR, and successfully pass both a DOT drug test and physical assessment test.
C.R. England
C.R. England offers new drivers, both permit or non-permit holding, competitive benefits and access to a generous line of new rigs with updated features. In addition to competitive pay, drivers who complete C.R.’s truck training program have the benefits of targeted career control support through CareerTrak and the CRE Toolbox mobile app for consistent communication on the go.
The C.R. England fleet includes the 10-wheeled 2019 Cumberland LT C10 with an X15 Efficiency Series Engine and hands-free Bluetooth radio. Also included is the 2019 Freightliner Cascadia, featuring cab-centralized eVault housing for the ECU, active headlight interruption, and split-second active safety systems. Applicants earning their permits must complete a 17-day CDL training program that includes both a physical and a drug test. The first week for permit seekers consists mostly of classroom instruction while the second (first for permit holders) and third weeks are hands-on driving-focused.
PAM Transport
PAM Transport is perfectly accommodating for aspiring drivers looking for an opportunity to get paid training on the job. PAM allows its eligible students to take full advantage of GI Bill tax benefits. In addition, once more experience is gained, PAM offers its drivers the opportunity to earn more by instructing new drivers as a PAM Driver Mentor. Other benefits include fuel surcharge and fleet tire discounts. PAM also offers layover pay on a contextual basis.
The majority of the fleet’s freight consists of cosmetics, air conditioner units and automotive components on a drop-and-hook system. Applicants to PAM may either have their CDL already or earn their CDL through PAM’s training program with a guaranteed job opportunity. Passengers of at least 18 years of age and family members of at least 13 years are permitted through the passenger program with a small insurance fee for non-spouse passengers.
TMC Transportation
TMC Transportation prides itself as the industry’s “premier open deck carrier” and hosts an abundant fleet of rigs equipped with late-model equipment. As a regional carrier, TMC drivers have the benefit of regular weekend home time. The performance pay structures make it so that compensation isn’t as largely contingent upon strict mileage length. With the percentage performance pay program, drivers can benefit from the opportunity to make more than they regularly would with a program that strictly pays by the mile.
The TMC fleet is specialized for handling freight that demands flatbed trailer transport such as wallboard and steel building materials. Drivers typically deliver five loads by collectively hauling under 500 miles on a daily basis. Applicants to the driver program receive $650 per week for the duration of their flatbed or over-the-road training.
Roehl Transport Inc
Roehl Transport pays its top line of experienced drivers as much as $1,200 per week. At the less experienced level, however, new drivers are still more than welcome to come and get their first bit of real road work done. Drivers are given personal control over their pay raises and can earn more through the Roehl referral program. Roehl also offers a mobile app to help drivers manage their time more efficiently.
Roehl is a driver-founded fleet that has been in operation for over 55 years since its inception. The majority of fleets have weekly home time and are 95% no-touch. Trucks are kept up to date with industry-current components and automatic transmissions. Applicants without their CDL have the opportunity to earn pay increases each quarter depending on their performance under the direct supervision of designated instructors. Training is offered near one of Roehl’s terminals located at the various area around the country.
Stevens Transport
At Stevens Transport, new drivers have the opportunity to earn up to $70,000 by the end of their first year. They know how important their truck drivers are, which is why they’ve made the decision to increase their driver pay to this level. This family-owned business also offers other benefits such as an emergency driver assistance fund, rider program, connection to a personal driver manager, and more.
Stevens takes pride in the high-quality technology and vehicles they’re able to offer their drivers. On average, their power units have only been in use for around 13 months. Stevens claims that their use of up-to-date equipment allows them to create a successful and efficient training program for their drivers.
There are plenty of top trucking companies like Western Express, C.R. England, PAM Transport, Roehl Transport Inc, and Stevens Transport that are happy to hire brand-new drivers. Ready to land a CDL job you’ll love? After you finish your CDL training with Napier, we’ll help you with job placement! We work with over 50 trucking companies to help our graduates get hired. Contact us if you’re ready to learn more about our CDL training programs!
