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Which Trucking Companies Hire New CDL Drivers?
- Pay & Careers
- 2 min read
- November 6, 2026
The hardest job to get in trucking is the first one. Most carriers want experience, but a specific group of companies is built to hire and train new drivers. Knowing who they are, and why they hire rookies, helps you choose wisely.
Why only some companies hire new drivers
Large truckload carriers have the scale to run their own schools, employ trainers and absorb the insurance cost of inexperienced drivers. Smaller fleets often cannot, which is why many of them ask for one to two years of experience.
The US has 787,189 active interstate carriers, but only 5,062 run more than 100 trucks. Most new-driver programs come from that small group of large fleets.
Examples of publicly advertised new-driver programs
The companies below have publicly described paid training, company-sponsored schools or tuition reimbursement for new drivers. Programs change often, so treat this as a starting point, not an endorsement.
Company | Program type described publicly | Source |
CRST | Company-sponsored training with an on-road mentor period; tuition reimbursement for outside graduates | |
Roehl Transport | In-house training with W-2 status and weekly training pay | |
Schneider | Several program lengths and route types; tuition reimbursement for outside graduates | |
Swift (Knight-Swift) | Swift Academy, a company-sponsored CDL program | |
Prime Inc. | Tuition reimbursement for outside graduates, paid over time | |
TMC Transportation | Sponsored training with weekly pay; about a one-year commitment | |
PAM Transport | Sponsored training and tuition reimbursement | |
Midwest Logistics Systems | Company-sponsored CDL training program announced in August 2026 |
Other carriers, such as C.R. England, FFE and Carter Express, appear in driver-run directories of paid training programs. Always confirm current terms directly with the company.
Other places that hire recent graduates
Not every first job is long-haul with a mega carrier. Some local and regional employers, private fleets and LTL carriers also hire recent graduates, especially in areas with strong demand. Some companies also recruit directly from CDL school graduating classes.
How to judge a first job
Pay per mile gets the attention, but it is only one part of a good first job. Turnover at large truckload carriers averaged about 93% a year between 1996 and 2023, which shows how often drivers and jobs are mismatched.
Before you accept an offer, ask:
● How many miles do first-year drivers in my area actually run per week?
● How often will I be home, and is that a promise or a target?
● What freight and equipment will I haul?
● How long is the trainer phase, and how am I paid during it?
● Is there a training contract, and what would I owe if I leave?
● What does my dispatcher or driver manager handle, and how do I reach them?
Key Takeaways
● Large carriers hire most new drivers because they can train and insure them at scale.
● Several well-known carriers publicly advertise paid training or tuition reimbursement.
● Programs change often; confirm current terms with each company.
● Local, regional and private fleets sometimes hire recent graduates too.
● Choose a first job for fit and stability, not only the highest advertised rate.
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