CDL Truck Driver
Move freight across America. Class A CDL Truck Drivers haul tractor-trailers regionally and nationally — the largest driving role with the strongest pay and the most endorsement options. CDL school runs 4-8 weeks and Pell-covered in many states.
CDL Truck Driver goes by many names
On KinTrades, all of these job titles route to the CDL Truck Driver trade — so search any of them and you'll find matching work.
Day to day on the job
CDL Class A drivers operate combination vehicles — tractor pulling a trailer over 26,001 lbs gross. Day-to-day depends on lane: regional drivers run 300-500 mile lanes and home most nights; over-the-road (OTR) drivers run cross-country lanes with multi-day trips; dedicated drivers run specific customer routes.
Specializations diverge by endorsement and freight type. HazMat haulers run tanker and hazardous materials — premium pay. Doubles/Triples drivers run multi-trailer rigs. Tanker drivers run liquid loads. Flatbed drivers haul exposed freight (steel, lumber, equipment) — premium pay for the strapping/tarping work.
Most CDL drivers work for trucking companies — large carriers (Schneider, Werner, Knight-Swift), regional operators, or as owner-operators (their own truck, leased to a carrier or running independent). The trade has reliable hiring driven by perpetual driver shortage.
How you move up as a CDL Driver
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulates the trade. ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) is required for all new CDL holders since 2022. CDL training programs at CCs and private schools run 4-8 weeks. BLS OES 53-3032, May 2024.
CDL School / Trainee — what this rung looks like
What CDL Truck Drivers earn in VA, DC, MD & NC
Pay data: BLS OEWS · May 2024 · VA · DC · MD · NC. Expanding nationally.
Core craft + supporting skills
Pulled from your taxonomy. Core skills (orange) are required for the CDL Truck Driver trade; supporting skills (gray) round out a well-rounded journeyworker.
Paths into the CDL Truck Driver trade
Community College CDL Programs
FastForward VA covers CDL tuition. Cape Fear CC, Wake Tech, PGCC, NoVA CC all run Pell-eligible CDL programs.
Major Carrier CDL Training
Schneider, Werner, Swift, CRST, and other large carriers run their own CDL schools — they cover tuition in exchange for a 1-year contract. Veterans receive priority placement.
FMCSA Registered Apprenticeship
DOL-Registered Apprenticeship programs through major carriers (Schneider, Werner) — pay-while-you-learn structure. Combines CDL + finishing.
Endorsements + certs that help
CDL Class A, H (Hazmat), N (Tanker), T (Doubles/Triples), P (Passenger), S (School Bus), TWIC for port work, PTDI driver-trainer certification, manufacturer specialty training (heavy haul, oversized, hazmat).
Common pathways into CDL Truck Driver work
KinTrades welcomes CDL Truck Driver workers from every walk of life. Whether you're a veteran transitioning out of service, a student planning your career, or someone returning to work — there's a clear path in.
Veterans
CDL is one of the strongest mil-to-civilian transitions in skilled trades. Army 88M Motor Transport Operator directly transfers — military CDL is recognized in most states for civilian licensing with the Military Skills Test Waiver.
Air Force 2T1X1 Vehicle Operations is a direct match. The GI Bill covers CDL school.
Major carriers actively recruit veteran drivers and most have dedicated veteran hiring programs.
Veterans on KinTradesHigh School Students
CDL Class A licensing requires age 21 for interstate driving (age 18 for intrastate); HS seniors can work toward CDL during their senior year for in-state work.
Pell-eligible CC CDL programs run 4-8 weeks.
FastForward VA covers VA student tuition.
Students on KinTradesSecond Chance
CDL drivers are subject to FMCSA-required background screening (DOT clearinghouse, MVR check) and DOT drug testing — these are non-negotiable. However, many recent driving violations and felony convictions don't automatically disqualify; carriers vary widely on what they'll accept.
Some carriers actively hire second-chance drivers as a workforce strategy.
Hazmat endorsement requires TSA background check.
Second-chance hiringIf CDL Truck Driver interests you, also look at
Common questions about becoming a CDL Truck Driver
What does a CDL Truck Driver do?
CDL Class A drivers operate combination vehicles — tractor pulling a trailer over 26,001 lbs gross. Day-to-day depends on lane: regional drivers run 300-500 mile lanes and home most nights; over-the-road (OTR) drivers run cross-country lanes with multi-day trips; dedicated drivers run specific customer routes.
What does a CDL Truck Driver make in Virginia, DC, Maryland, and North Carolina?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024, CDL Truck Drivers earn an annual median of $58K in Virginia (range $44K–$78K), $66K in DC ($52K–$88K), $62K in Maryland ($48K–$84K), and $52K in North Carolina ($40K–$72K).
How do you become a CDL Truck Driver?
Community College CDL Programs: FastForward VA covers CDL tuition. Cape Fear CC, Wake Tech, PGCC, NoVA CC all run Pell-eligible CDL programs.
How long is CDL Truck Driver apprenticeship in Virginia, DC, Maryland, or North Carolina?
4-8 weeks training, then 1-3 months supervised driving with a finishing trainer at most carriers. FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulates the trade. ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) is required for all new CDL holders since 2022. CDL training programs at CCs and private schools run 4-8 weeks.
Is CDL Truck Driver a good career path for someone with a record?
CDL drivers are subject to FMCSA-required background screening (DOT clearinghouse, MVR check) and DOT drug testing — these are non-negotiable. However, many recent driving violations and felony convictions don't automatically disqualify; carriers vary widely on what they'll accept. Some carriers actively hire second-chance drivers as a workforce strategy. Hazmat endorsement requires TSA background check.