One of the things you require in acquiring your commercial driver’s license is to know the best companies for recent CDL graduates, even before rounding up your program.
Are you a recent CDL graduate looking for the best cdl companies to apply for a job?
Look no further because we’ve listed the best companies for recent cdl graduates with their websites so that you can leverage and make your choices.
This article will enable you to know what a cdl is and its various types, how to become eligible for a cdl, and some essential tips you need to know about commercial driver’s licenses.
Ensure you stay till the end to get the correct information you need as a recent or aspiring cdl graduate.
Enjoy the ride!
Table of contents
What is a Commercial Driver’s License(cdl)?
According to Wikipedia, A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a driver’s license required in the United States to operate large and heavy vehicles (including trucks, buses, and trailers) or a car of any size that transports hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers (including the driver)
To obtain a CDL and get a job in the best companies for recent cdl graduates, you must pass a written and skills test and meet specific medical and physical requirements.
However, the CDL allows the holder to drive various commercial vehicles, including semi-trucks, buses, tanker trucks, and certain types of cars used in construction and agriculture.
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What Are The Various Types of cdl
There are several different types of CDLs that you can obtain, depending on the type of commercial vehicle you want to operate. Some of the most common types of CDLs are:
i. Class A CDL
This type of CDL allows a person to operate any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and any car designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
Class A CDL holders can also operate vehicles towing other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more.
ii. Class B CDL
This type of CDL allows a person to operate any vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and any car designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
However, Class B CDL holders are not allowed to operate vehicles towing other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more.
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iii. Class C CDL
This type of CDL allows a person to operate any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver but does not have a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
Class C CDL holders are also allowed to operate vehicles towing other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more as long as the combined GVWR of the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed is less than 26,001 pounds.
Furthermore, there are also several endorsements that a person can add to their CDL, which allow them to operate specific types of commercial vehicles or haul certain types of cargo.
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Some common endorsements include the tanker endorsement, which allows a person to transport liquids in tanks; the hazardous materials endorsement, which allows a person to transport of dangerous materials; and the passenger endorsement, which allows a person to transport passengers.
How To become eligible for a commercial drivers license
Here are the three primary phases of earning a Commercial driver’s license:
A. Obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
With a qualified CDL holder seated next to you, you can land your dream job in one of the best companies for recent cdl graduates. You are only allowed to practice driving on public highways with a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
However, getting your permit takes more than just passing the knowledge tests for the driving you wish to conduct. Your driving history is examined to confirm that you are qualified.
B. Complete the entry-level driver training.
Drivers awarded a CLP and applying for their first Class A, or Class B CDL must complete entry-level driver training with a recognized training provider before taking the test. Beyond the federal training requirements, some States might have different needs.
However, every recent cdl graduate should complete the entry-level driver training to get a job in the best company for recent CDL.
C. Obtain the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
To qualify for the CDL skills test, you must have the CLP for 14 days and have finished the relevant entry-level driver training.
You must pass the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the Road Test components of the Skills Test. You could even be permitted to use the “training assistance” provided by your state to help you remember the items on the vehicle inspection checklist. There is no assurance that you will succeed if you take the skills test.
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15 Best Companies For Recent CDL Graduates in 2023
Here is a summary list of the best companies for recent call graduates:
- GP Transco
- Barr Nunn
- Walmart
- Epes Transport
- Hogan Transportation
- Mercer Transportation
- Grand Island Express
- Artur Express Inc.
- Gypsum Express
- ATS
- Brady
- Freymiller Inc
- Western Express
- DOT Food Transportation
- Central Oregon Truck Company
1. GP Transco
GP Transco is recognized as one of the Best Companies for recent CDL graduates to start their career journey in 2023.
However, the medium-sized Illinois-based trucking company GP Transco, which was recently recognized a “Best Company for recent CDL graduates,” is a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace, currently ranks as the highest paying carrier on Truck Drivers Salary, with an annual pay of $90,000
If you are looking for the best company for recent CDL graduates, you can consider applying for a job at GP Transco.
Visit company website
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2. Barr Nunn
Being one of the best companies for recent CDL graduates, Barr Nunn has consistently been recognized for its local driving jobs and excellent perks, but it just revamped its pay plan to entice and keep the most significant truck drivers in the globe.
As an alternative to the conventional per-mile structure, they have introduced a new shift load pay option that gives drivers the option of a more stable and reliable income. Their annual pay ranges from $87,142.
Visit company website
3. Walmart
One of the trucking firms you can work for as a recent CDL graduate is Walmart’s private fleet. However, to be hired, you must have some experience.
What Walmart requires is as follows:
- At least three years of full-time experience driving a Class A tractor-trailer.
- Within 60 days of accepting a job offer, obtain an Interstate Class A CDL with a Hazmat endorsement.
- No significant traffic offenses while driving a commercial vehicle in the previous three years.
- No more than two moving offenses while operating a personal or commercial car within the last three years.
- No convictions for OUI, DUI, DWI, or drug or alcohol-impaired hazardous driving during the previous years.
These are only a handful of Walmart’s criteria for drivers. You shouldn’t have any trouble getting considered for a position if you have experience and adhere to the rules of the road. Meanwhile, their pay range is $87,013
Visit Company website
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4. Epes Transport
Epes Transport, one of the major regional carriers in the South and Southeast, has expanded over time through numerous fruitful mergers. In exchange for drivers willing to put in the time, they pay competitively.
This best company for recent CDL graduates provides a competitive benefits package that includes a matching 401(k), medical, dentistry, and vision insurance, possibilities for life and disability insurance, a spouse support program, and scholarships, among other things, and their annual salary range at $83,921
Epes is a beautiful area to break into the industry if you’re trying to start in the Carolinas. Owner-operators and corporate drivers are both hired by the carrier.
Visit company website
5. Hogan Transportation
Hogan is another best companies for recent CDL graduates, and Since 1918, Hogan Transportation has been in business. The history of the transportation company is typical of many others in the sector, with modest beginnings. Hogan started as a tiny business but has grown into a full-service enterprise.
Jobs at Hogan Trucking include:
- drivers with experience
- novice drivers
- Owner-operators
- car carriers
Hogan pays its drivers handsomely, and they can choose from jobs mostly from Texas to the east coast and in California and Washington. Hogan pays an annual salary of $83,876
Visit company website
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6. Mercer Transportation
Mercer Transportation has become one of the nation’s largest flatbed, heavy-specialized, dry van carriers.
Getting a job with Mercer as a recent CDL graduate is excellent because they pay an attractive salary annually, and Mercer services all of Canada and 49 states. Their annual salary ranges from $83,740
It would be best if you had the following criteria to qualify for a job with Mercer.
- age of at least twenty-five
- have a current CDL
- possess recent interstate trucking experience of at least one year, with six months of flatbed experience
- good driving history
- current lengthy form physical and medical card for the D.O.T.
- knowledge of maintaining a driver’s daily log
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7. Grand Island Express
With almost 145 trucks on the road, 14.75 million miles have already been covered. Drivers continue to rank the business as having the Best Fleet to Drive, and fleet growth was 15%. 9 years and counting, now.
You get compensated as a driver for stops and delays. There are profit-sharing and 401(k) schemes available, as well as no-touch freight and life insurance paid for by the corporation.
Driving for Grand Island Express might pay very well if you want to make money as a recent cdl graduate and don’t mind working 25 to 27 days per month.
Furthermore, this is another best companies for recent CDL graduates, and there is nearly always time for work but seldom time for family. You can be paid $83,000 annually.
Visit company website
8. Artur Express Inc.
Ranking as the best company for recent CDL graduates, since starting their operation in 1998, Artur Express, Inc. has expanded the business, with its headquarters in Hazelwood, Missouri, and secure yards all around the country, serving 48 states.
In addition to working with owner-operators, Artur Express also employs company drivers and offers a vehicle leasing program.
There are many different route alternatives available to company drivers. Your performance and path determine your pay scale, and you can earn a handsome annual salary of $82,955.
Visit company website
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9. Gypsum Express
Gypsum Express has become one of the largest flatbed carriers east of the Rockies. Drivers benefit from top pay for the sector and a solid work-life balance (guaranteed weekend home time), making it another best companies for recent CDL graduates.
Gypsum Express gives drivers a chance to rise to a trainer position later in their careers in addition to competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package; this is why we recommended it among the best company for recent CDL graduates.
Drivers applying to work for Gypsum Express must fulfill the following criteria:
- Possess a CDL A that is valid in your state.
- Have a minimum age of 21.
- ability to lift 80 pounds
- HazMat is a plus, but it’s not compulsory.
- TWIC is a benefit, but it’s not compulsory.
In Gypsum Express, you can get an annual salary payment of $82,244
Visit company website
10. ATS
Owner-operators and people looking to work as company drivers have various job options at ATS. Flatbeds, vans, heavy haul, and specialty haul are all available.
They provide specific training programs, and truckers can select the best division. As a recent CDL graduate, you can seize the opportunity and apply for a job in ATS because it is one of the best companies for recent CDL graduates
After 60 days of continuous full-time employment, ATS offers its employees top-notch medical insurance and other benefits. Many truckers sign up with ATS only for the company’s perks because of the cheap deductibles and reasonable weekly payments. Their annual salary ranges from $80,000
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11. Brady
Brady owns and operates more than 250 Peterbilt trucks and more than 300 trailers in the Rocky Mountain region. If you are looking for the best company as a recent CDL graduate, you can opt for a job in Brady.
Numerous job options, including those for owner-operators, are available at Brady. The business provides several services that either call for company drivers or owner-operators.
The oilfield transport sector can keep you close to home and provide handsome income with exclusive contracts.
Brady has a different method of paying employees, and they frequently do not pay by the mile or the hour.
Instead, Brady pays drivers a fraction of the goods they haul, which allows drivers to share in the profits from their trucks with a handsome annual salary of $79,906
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12. Freymiller Inc
Still looking at the best companies for recent CDL graduates, Trucking firm Freymiller Inc. It is another best companies for recent CDL graduates. It offers recent CDL graduates and other drivers fair pay and consistent home time, which they call the “Freymiller Advantage.” The fleet has excellent pay packages and incentive options.
When Freymiller first began business, they had a modest, small fleet. Exactly how many vehicles are currently in their fleet is unclear, although estimates place the number at 550.
However, they also employ independent contractors, giving drivers more options, and their pay ranges from $79,700
Visit company website
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13. Western Express
Western Express is listed among the best companies for recent CDL graduate because, With over $550 million in revenue in 2014, the company has expanded over the past decades to become a leader in its sector.
Furthermore, Western Express has eight facility locations around the United States and is based in Nashville, Tennessee; also the best company for recent CDL graduates.
You can work at western express as a recent CDL graduate and earn a reasonable amount of money, and their annual pay ranges from $79,628
Visit company website
14. DOT Foods Transportation
The largest food distributor in North America is Dot Transportation.
In the less-than-truckload (LTL) market, the business has worked with 1,100 manufacturers and served more than 4,700 clients. Dot Foods provides driving possibilities in all 50 states and around the U.S.
Only those who reside 100 miles or less from one of their locations will be hired as drivers. The good news is that they have terminals and local distribution hubs all over the US.
So if you’re looking for another best company for recent CDL graduates to work with, you can apply for a job in DOT. They also pay a good amount of salary ranging from $77,807
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15. Central Oregon Truck Company
Another best company for recent CDL graduates is the central Oregon truck company.
In the Pacific Northwest, the business operated local and regional flatbed freight. Today, Central Oregon Trucking Firm operates as a flatbed trucking company on erratic routes and consistently earns excellent CSA ratings.
Drivers can plan their home time with COTC up to a year in advance. Drivers receive five days every month with two rollover days.
As a result, their drivers can take time off anytime they need to. You can apply for a job as a recent CDL graduate. Their annual salary range at $77,502
Visit company website
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Other Tips Required To Get a CDL
A CDL requires multiple procedures to get. In addition to education and competence requirements, there are medical and residency requirements.
- The first step is obtaining a copy of your state’s Commercial Driver’s Licensing (CDL) Manual. The manual can be printed, downloaded from their website, and accessed in their field offices. The procedures for obtaining a CDL vary per state.
- Choosing what kind of car and driving you want your license for comes as the second step.
- There are three different CDL classes, each with specialized endorsements for tractor-trailers, tank trucks, and school buses. You must pass a skills test and, in some situations, a written test for each type of CDL and endorsement. Ensure that you pass each test to avoid having your license restricted.
- Before taking the written test for the hazardous materials endorsement or the CDL skills test, applicants for some CDLs and CDL endorsements must undergo entry-level driver training.
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How Do You Prosper In Your CDL Journey?
Below are essential things to do while on the journey of acquiring your cdl:
- Research is necessary: Research the top cdl companies before obtaining your CDL-A. As a recent CDL graduate, you should do your research while trying to obtain your cdl certificate.
- Knowledge is power: Knowing what it will be like before you start driving can be simple. It is ideal to check some cdl websites for more information.
- Plan: A strategy is beneficial before enrolling in CDL school. You can write down some of the top companies listed in this article that you would want to work with and do deep research with their website link attached.
- Get involved with a company that offers a driver training program to gain additional experience and better understand what it’s like to be a full-time truck driver.
Conclusion
Information is very vital for sound decision-making in any career.
Therefore with the information in this article, you should be able to make your pick as a recent cdl graduate or an aspirant on what a cdl is all about, the best companies for recent cdl graduates, and what to do to make the right decision in your commercial driver’s license journey.
FAQS
A Class A CDL allows you more opportunity and variety in your career and is the best choice if you are looking for a long-term career as a driver. If traveling the country appeals to you, Class A CDLs allow interstate travel.
The most profitable trucking jobs include;
1. Ice Road Drivers.
2. Oversized Load.
3. Specialty Vehicle Haulers.
4. Team Drivers.
5. Private Fleet.
6. Mining Industry Drivers.
7. Liquids / Tanker.
6. Hazmat Drivers.
1. Pam Transport.
2. TransAm.
3. Covenant Transport.
4. US Xpress Inc.
5. Swift Transportation.
6. KLLM Transport Services.
7. Maverick Transportation.
8. Stevens Transport.
Just like any career, truck driving can be stressful at times. But like with any career, identifying the primary stressors and finding ways to combat them can make the difference in either disliking your job or loving it.
Trucking is one of the highest-paying careers that doesn’t require a college degree. Additionally, the longer you stay with a company, the more you’ll be rewarded with bonuses and pay increases for safe driving records and performance. Another advantage of being a trucker is the opportunity to travel.
References
- truckdriversalary.com – Best Trucking Company To Work For.
- fmcsa.dot.gov – How To Get a CDL.
- blog.averittcareers.com – 10 Top Tips For Recent CDL Graduates.
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