Career Opportunities for CDL Holders in the USA
01/31/2025
Guides
Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in the USA opens up a wide range of career opportunities in trucking and related industries. In this article, we will explore different job options and career paths available for CDL holders, as well as explain what OTR means.
Once you obtain a CDL, numerous job opportunities become available. Let’s look at the most common ones:
1. Over-the-Road (OTR) Truck Driver
OTR (Over-the-Road) refers to long-haul trucking over great distances, often across multiple states or even countries. OTR drivers spend weeks or months on the road, transporting various goods, including consumer products, industrial equipment, and food supplies. The average annual salary for OTR drivers is around $77,090, but it varies depending on experience, cargo type, and employer.
2. Regional Truck Driver
Regional drivers operate within a specific region of the country, usually within a 1,000-mile radius from their base. They are on the road for a few days to a week, allowing them to be home more often than OTR drivers. Regional drivers typically earn less than OTR drivers but more than local drivers.
3. Local Truck Driver
Local drivers work within a single city or area, making deliveries within a day and returning home every night. They transport various goods, including construction materials, food, and retail products. Local drivers earn less than regional and OTR drivers but have a more predictable schedule and better work-life balance.
4. Expedite Driver
Expedite drivers specialize in urgent freight deliveries requiring fast transportation. They often operate smaller vehicles such as cargo vans or small trucks and must be prepared for unpredictable schedules and routes.
5. Owner-Operator
Owner-operators own their trucks and work independently or contract with trucking companies. They manage all aspects of their business, including finding freight, vehicle maintenance, and bookkeeping. Owner-operators can earn significantly more than employed drivers but also take on more risks and expenses.
6. Car Hauler
Car haulers specialize in transporting vehicles. This job requires specific skills for loading and unloading vehicles, as well as knowledge of transportation regulations.
7. Reefer Driver
Reefer drivers transport perishable goods requiring temperature control, such as food and pharmaceuticals. They must monitor refrigeration equipment and ensure cargo integrity.
8. Tanker Driver
Tanker drivers transport liquids or gases, including fuel, chemicals, and food-grade liquids. This job requires additional certification and strict safety measures.
9. Logging Truck Driver
Logging truck drivers transport timber from logging sites to processing facilities. This job often involves driving on rough terrain and requires specialized skills.
10. Garbage Truck Driver
Garbage truck drivers collect and transport waste to recycling or disposal facilities. They work on fixed routes and schedules, helping maintain urban cleanliness.
11. Bus Driver
CDL holders can work as bus drivers, including school, city, and intercity routes.
12. Mining Truck Driver
Mining truck drivers work in mines and quarries, hauling ore, coal, sand, and other materials. The job can be highly lucrative, especially in remote regions.
13. Cement Mixer Truck Driver
Transporting and delivering cement to construction sites. Requires careful driving and adherence to strict transportation regulations.
14. Driver Dispatcher
Experienced drivers can transition into dispatching roles, managing route schedules and coordinating drivers. Dispatchers can work remotely or in trucking company offices.
15. CDL Instructor
Experienced drivers can teach new drivers in trucking schools, helping them prepare for the CDL exam. Ideal for those looking to stay in the industry without long-haul travel.
16. Military Contractor or DOD Driver
Private contractors transport military equipment and supplies for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). Requires security clearance.
17. RV Transport Driver
Drivers transport recreational vehicles (RVs) from manufacturers to dealerships or private buyers. A good option for drivers who enjoy traveling across the USA.
18. Tow Truck Driver
Towing broken-down or improperly parked vehicles. Requires additional licenses and skills in winching operations.
19. Boat Hauler
Specializes in transporting large boats and yachts overland. Requires experience handling trailers and oversized loads.
20. Armored Truck Driver
Transports cash, valuables, and sensitive cargo for banks and companies. Requires a background check and sometimes a firearm permit.
21. Fire Truck Driver
Operating fire trucks requires additional certifications. A government job that is stable but comes with high responsibility.
22. Mobile Medical Unit Driver
Driving buses and trucks converted into mobile clinics. Used in rural areas and emergency response situations.
23. Entertainment Hauler
Transporting equipment for concerts, circuses, and festivals. Often involves long tours and an unpredictable schedule.
24. Livestock Hauler
Specializing in transporting cattle, horses, and pigs. Requires knowledge of animal welfare during transit.
25. Private RV or Tour Bus Driver
Driving private motorhomes for celebrities, business executives, or tourists. High pay but requires discretion and a spotless reputation.
26. Postal Truck Driver
Works with USPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon. A stable job with good benefits.
27. Stage Equipment Hauler
Delivering gear for theaters, movie sets, and concerts. Often involves long-distance travel with schedules dictated by events.
28. Fleet Manager or Logistics Coordinator
Experienced drivers can transition into managerial roles, overseeing fleet operations and delivery logistics.
29. Test Truck Driver
Works with truck manufacturers to test new vehicles and safety systems. Requires in-depth knowledge of truck mechanics.
30. Autonomous Truck Operator
Involves monitoring and managing self-driving trucks in the evolving autonomous freight industry. A new niche with high earning potential.
Advice for Beginners
The best option for beginners is to start working for a company and gain experience.
Companies that hire new CDL drivers without experience:
Swift Transportation
Schneider National
Werner Enterprises
CR England
Prime Inc.
Knight Transportation
Key Considerations:
Work conditions (schedule, travel, salary).
Job type (OTR, regional, or local deliveries).
Opportunities for training and career growth.
Average starting salary:
$50,000–$70,000 in the first year.
After gaining real commercial experience, obtaining additional certification can be a good decision.
Additional Certifications for Higher Earnings:
Hazmat (H) – Hazardous materials transportation.
Tanker (N) – Liquid cargo transportation.
Doubles/Triples (T) – Hauling multiple trailers.
Passenger (P) – Bus driving.
Tanker + Hazmat (X) – A combination of liquid and hazardous cargo transportation (highly in demand).
With certifications, you can earn $80,000+ per year.
After 1–2 years of experience, you can:
Move to a higher-paying company.
Specialize in unique freight types (car hauler, reefer, logging truck, etc.).
Become an owner-operator (buy your own truck and work independently).
Transition to instructor, dispatcher, or logistics manager roles.
Best career path for beginners
Get a CDL (preferably Class A).
Start with a company that hires new drivers (Swift, Schneider, CR England, etc.).
Gain 1–2 years of experience in OTR or regional trucking.
Consider becoming an owner-operator if you want to work independently.
Conclusion:
If you have no experience, the best way to start is by working for a large transportation company, where it is easier to secure a first job. After 1–2 years, you can explore more profitable niches, such as hazardous materials transport, liquid cargo hauling, or independent trucking.
