Best Trucking Companies Hiring Inexperienced Drivers

Trucking companies that hire inexperienced drivers understand the training that goes into building experience. The best trucking companies to work for offer excellent salaries, benefits packages, and home time. Drivers can expect better safety standards and the latest technology.

Here you’ll find some of the best trucking companies for new drivers offer exceptional salaries and benefits for drivers without any training.

Quicklook: Best Trucking Companies Hiring Inexperienced Drivers

• Best For Training: Roehl – Quick Apply Now
• Best For Flexible Home Time: Fraley & Schilling – Match Now
• Best For Innovation and Safety: Schneider National, Inc. – Match Now
• Best For Onboard Tech: U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. – Match Now
• Best For Employee Retention: Knight-Swift Transportation – Match Now

5 Best Trucking Companies Hiring Inexperienced Drivers

The following reviews dive into everything you need to know about the best trucking companies to work for that hire inexperienced drivers.

Roehl

Roehl is a leader in the industry, helping its new hires obtain CDL licenses. The transportation company even pays for in-class CDL training and over-the-road training with an experienced Roehl driver. 

With Roehl, a driver can become licensed and get on the road in about six weeks. After obtaining your license, you can start benefitting from Roehl’s extensive benefits and flexible driving schedules. Roehl offers more home time for drivers each week, earning it a reputation as one of the best trucking companies to work for.  

Established: 1962

Location: 1331 North Road Suite 200 Green Bay, WI 54313

Employees: 2,500

Carrier Type: 

• Van
• Flatbed
• Refrigerated
• Curtainside
• Dedicated

Services Provided: Roehl provides transportation services throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Yearly Salary & Benefits:

• Less than 1 year : $50,000
• 1-3 years : $65,000
• 4-10 years: $75,000
• > 10 years : $80,000

Roehl is also a leader in paid training and boasts a stellar work culture.

Health Insurance: 

• Medical
• Dental
• Long-term disability
• Life insurance 
• Short-term income protection

Vacation Policy: 

• HOMEtime Plus™ 14/7
  • Drive 14 days 
  • Get 7 off
• HOMEtime Plus™ 7/4-7/3
  • Drive for 7 days
  • Take 4 days at home
  • Drive for 7 more days 
  • Take 3 days at home 
  • Average 120 days off per year
  • HOMEtime Plus™ 7/7
  • Drive 7 days
  • Take 7 days off 
  • Average 26 weeks off per year 
• Holidays off

Revenue: $450 million

Google Rating: 4.2 stars 

Fraley & Schilling

Fraley and Schilling offers world-class services with weekly home time. Drivers benefit from industry-leading pay and an extensive benefits package, making them consistently rate Fraley & Schilling as one of the best trucking companies to work for. The company is focused on continuous improvement to give drivers the opportunity to join a company that is on the cutting edge of technology and safety. 

Established: 1955

Location: 1920 IN-3, Rushville, IN 46173 

Employees: 300

Carrier Type: 

• Flatbed
• Truckload
• Refrigerated
• Conestoga
• Bulk tanker
• Van

Services Provided: Fraley & Schilling offers a variety of transportation and logistics services, including ultralight truckload, flatbed, conestoga, dry van and bulk tanker options.

Types of Jobs Offered: 

• Owner-operator company driver
• Box freight driver
• Dry freight driver
• Bulk freight driver
• Dry freight driver
• Van freight driver
• Flatbed freight driver
• Intermodal freight driver
• Tanker freight driver

Salary & Benefits: Drivers can earn a salary of approximately $62,479. With paid holidays, late-model equipment and a lease purchase program, the paycheck preview option can correct pay discrepancies before payday. 

Health Insurance: 

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance 

Vacation Policy: Paid holidays

Revenue: $133 million

Google Rating: 4.2/5 stars with 80 reviews

Schneider National, Inc.

Schneider is an established truckload carrier that is known for offering great benefits as well as high-quality training. Plus, Schneider offers a Class A CDL certification program for new drivers with zero experience. 

In 2020, the company won CIO100’s Innovation Award as well as the BIG Innovation Award for its technological advancements, the company’s quality services and its supply chain management investment returns. Schneider National is also known as a top military-friendly employer. 

The company is committed to prioritizing safety, increasing sustainability and promoting overall social responsibility initiatives, in addition to community engagement. All of these together make Schneider one of the best trucking companies to work for.

Established: 1935

Location: 3101 Packerland, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54313

Employees: 19,600

Carrier Type: 

• VTL
• Dedicated
• Intermodal
• Tanker
• Solo
• Team
• Regional
• OTR

Services Provided: Schneider National is one of the largest truckload carriers in the United States. The company provides intermodal and logistics services.

Salary & Benefits: You can expect a first-year salary of $50,180. This coincides with paid CDL training, orientation, tuition reimbursement for driving school and a 401(k) with company matching. 

Health Insurance: 

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision coverage 
• HSA plans
• Hospital indemnity

Vacation Policy: 

• Two weeks of paid time off per year in the first six years 
• Three weeks of paid time off per year after seven years 
• Four weeks of paid time off per year after 15 years 

Revenue: $5 billion

Google Rating: N/A 

U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc.

Known as one of the largest asset-based truckload carriers in the United States, U.S. Xpress Enterprises prides itself on being an early adopter of new safety and communications technologies. 

In 2021, FedEx Ground named U.S. Xpress “Carrier of the Year,” and the company has received the SmartWay Environmental Excellence Award two times now. Note that you must already possess a Class A CDL license before you can apply to any available U.S. Xpress driving positions. 

U.S. Xpress helps drivers minimize hassle and maximize earning power with advanced onboard tech to make the daily life of a trucker better, making them one of the best trucking companies to work for.

Established: 1985

Location: 4080 Jenkins Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421

Employees: 9,440

Carrier Type: 

• Asset-based truckload carrier
• Dedicated
• Regional
• Team
• OTR
• Owner-operator
• Driver trainer
• Lease
• Military

Services Provided: U.S. Xpress offers truckload and freight brokerage services. 

Salary & Benefits: U.S. Xpress pay is based on mileage and driving type. Drivers can also make up to $12,000 in first-year bonuses. 

• Approximately $50,000 per year as a first-year driver 
• $30,000 sign-on bonus for teams
• Full-time positions 
• Optional full-ride college tuition program 
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid orientation
• Pet policy
• Double endorsement
• Mileage incentives

Health Insurance: 

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision 

Vacation Policy: 

• Daily or weekly unpaid home time
• Two weeks per year after the first year 

Revenue: $1.74 billion

Google Rating: N/A

Knight-Swift Transportation

As the largest North American truckload carrier, Knight-Swift Transportation is known for its high employee retention rate. The company offers rewarding driving jobs and CDL training through Swift Academy. Swift is a SmartWay Transport Partner that prides itself on its commitment to its values as well as its professional business code. As part of this commitment, Swift Transportation offers numerous bonus incentives for drivers who demonstrate these values.

Established: 1966

Location: 2200 S 75th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85043

Employees: 21,900

Carrier Type: 

• Truckload
• Border 
• Dry
• Flatbed
• Heavy haul
• Expedited team
• Intermodal
• Refrigerated
• Equipment leasing
• Dedicated

Services Provided: 

• U.S. truckload shipping carrier 
• Comprehensive transportation logistics provider

Salary & Benefits: The average annual pay for drivers is between $49,800 and $68,600. Top performers typically earn $98,000 or more. 

• Guaranteed $1,000 weekly pay
• Military scholarships
• Tuition assistance programs for CDL schools and training
• 401(k) plans 

Health Insurance: 

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Prescription coverage
• Disability coverage
• Life insurance options

Vacation Policy: Multiple home-time options are available.

Revenue: $4.23 billion

Google Rating: N/A

How To Start Your Truck Driving Career With No Experience 

The good news is that it’s fairly simple to begin truck-driving jobs with no prior experience. However, you’ll need to consider the following requirements before jumping in without any knowledge of the prerequisites. 

Have a Strong Employment History

Though industry experience isn’t necessary for an entry-level driving position, you should still be able to demonstrate a solid work history that spans the past two years at a minimum. This goes for any job application, no matter the industry, because a positive work history paired with positive references will demonstrate your work ethic and your overall character. 

In turn, this will make carrier companies more likely to favor your application over other applications when you apply to trucking companies that hire inexperienced drivers.

Meet FMCSA Regulatory Guidelines

No matter which trucking company you apply to work for, your prospective employers will run checks to determine whether or not you meet the legal standards to operate their vehicles. For example, this would include any training that is necessary for hazmat work as well as the right drug and alcohol screening tests. 

Keep in mind that employers are required to adhere to all of the applicable federal regulations. In other words, if you don’t meet these standards, they will not be able to consider your application.

Make Sure You’re Certified

For any position that requires a CDL or other relevant credentials, it’s best not to waste your time applying if you don’t already have the proper certifications. Fortunately, many freight transportation companies out there are happy to reimburse you. 

Keep receipts that identify the costs of training or the certification programs that you completed. If you’re interested in working with a particular company, call them first to ask if they would be willing to work with you until you obtain the appropriate licensing.

Research Companies Thoroughly

The five companies you explored today are only the tip of the trucking iceberg. Make sure you still do your research on any companies that pique your interest. It’s not worth it to apply to companies that don’t offer positions that are compatible with your lifestyle or your family’s needs. 

Confirm the company’s vacation policies, benefits, salaries, and type of truck driving jobs. Comparing companies now will help you save time on your applications by narrowing down your list of preferred employers before you apply. If you don’t have your CDL yet, exclude companies that don’t offer driving training and certifications. 

Apply To Multiple Carriers

You won’t be a perfect fit for every company when it’s time to apply for jobs. Positions fill up just as quickly as new ones open, so apply early and often once you have an understanding of what you’re looking for in a potential employer. As a new driver, you will need to do some legwork up front to prove that you are committed and willing to work hard for your career. 

Apply for Apprenticeships

For licensed drivers with little to no practical truck driving job experience, consider applying for an apprenticeship to get a better feel for what your job responsibilities could be. It is also a great way to record some hours on the road with the support of an experienced driver trainer, which just might increase your eligibility for other available positions. Generally speaking, if the company or individual you apprentice with likes your work ethic and the progress you are making, then they might consider hiring you after you complete your apprenticeship.

Look For Companies With Paid CDL Training Programs

Though securing a position with a company that pays for CDL training means you will need to commit to a certain company for longer, it’s worth looking into companies that either pay for or reimburse CDL training programs or driving schools. 

After all, they are incentivized to invest in your success because it will benefit their company to have safe and qualified drivers operating their fleet. Plus, paid CDL programs can jumpstart your truck driving career at little to no cost to you. This is especially beneficial if your personal finances are already tight.

Don’t Be Picky — Get Your Foot in the Door

As important as it is to look for companies that match your values or your exact lifestyle demands, keep in mind that, as an inexperienced driver, you’ll need to take what you can get at first. Over time, you’ll build up a portfolio of experience that will make you more appealing to pickier employers. For now, just get your foot in the door by accepting any position that you feel comfortable taking.

The Ultimate List of Best Trucking Companies to Work For

The best trucking companies for new drivers can help you build experience and start off with an excellent safety record as you work to launch your career. Some of these companies offer salaries and benefits packages that are better than national averages as well as possibilities for advancement. 

With high industry demand, it is an excellent time to take advantage of companies as they hire inexperienced drivers. Keep an eye out for businesses that offer sign-up bonuses so that you can start earning more today. Trucking companies that hire inexperienced drivers can be your entry to a new, fulfilling career. 

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