So you’ve got your CDL and you need work now – not next month, not after a lengthy application process, but immediately. Good news: the trucking industry has a massive driver shortage, and companies are literally hiring drivers within hours of receiving applications.
But here’s what you need to know: not all “hiring immediately” jobs are created equal. Some companies will have you on the road in 48 hours with decent pay and benefits. Others use urgency as bait for terrible working conditions and poverty wages. Knowing the difference before you apply can save you months of frustration.
I’m going to walk you through exactly where CDL jobs are hiring immediately right now, what they actually pay, which companies treat drivers right, and the fastest path from application to your first paycheck.
The Reality of “Hiring Immediately” in 2026
Let’s start with what “immediately” actually means in the trucking industry right now.
Many carriers reach out to applicants within 48 hours, with some making contact in just minutes after application submission. Some drivers report submitting applications online and finding a carrier to drive for in less than a day.
The Immediate Hiring Timeline:
- Application to first contact: Minutes to 48 hours
- Phone interview to orientation scheduled: 1-3 days
- Orientation to first dispatch: 3-7 days
- Total timeline (application to on the road): 1-2 weeks typically
The reason for this speed? Indeed currently lists 137,205 CDL truck driver jobs available. Companies are desperate for qualified drivers, and they’ve streamlined hiring to compete for talent.
Where CDL Jobs Are Hiring Immediately Right Now
Major Job Boards Hiring Immediately:
CDLjobs.com CDLjobs.com partners with top-tier trucking companies including family-owned businesses and large national carriers, showcasing open CDL jobs from across all 50 states. Applications are forwarded promptly to trucking companies that align with driver criteria, with many applicants hearing back within 48 hours.
One driver reported: “I filled out y’alls application. Within 1 minute, I received my first offer!”
Indeed 137,205 CDL truck driver jobs currently available, with immediate opportunities for full-time local Class A CDL truck drivers.
ZipRecruiter Lists thousands of CDL driver positions with filters for “hiring immediately” and “start ASAP.” Many positions advertise “HIRING CLASS A & STRAIGHT TRUCK DRIVERS IMMEDIATELY – START IMMEDIATELY – HOME EVERY NIGHT”.
HiringDriversNow.com Specializes in matching drivers to companies hiring near them through a pre-qualifying form that instantly connects with multiple carriers.
Company Career Pages (Fastest Route):
Going direct to company websites often speeds up the process:
Pilot Flying J Seeking experienced CDL drivers in locations throughout the United States and Canada, with weekly pay and home daily routes.
Knight Transportation Offers competitive pay, career growth, and a supportive team environment for truck drivers.
XPO Logistics CDL-A less-than-truckload drivers run local and linehaul routes and are home at the end of every shift.
What These Immediate Jobs Actually Pay
Let’s talk real numbers because “competitive pay” means nothing without specifics.
Class A CDL – Entry to Mid-Level:
ZipRecruiter shows CDL driver wages ranging from $24-$53 per hour.
Weekly breakdowns:
- Local positions: $1,250-$1,600 per week
- Regional routes: $1,400-$1,850 per week
- OTR (Over-the-road): $1,500-$2,000 per week
Solo CDL-A truck drivers can earn $65,000-$70,000 annually with average weekly pay of $1,250-$1,340.
Specialized Positions (Higher Pay):
Flatbed Drivers: Flatbed CDL-A truck drivers average $85K annual earnings with starting pay of $0.61-$0.63 CPM based on experience.
Team Drivers: Team drivers average $1,300-$1,850 weekly with $8,000 sign-on bonuses ($4,000 per driver for true teams who have previously teamed together for 90 days).
Owner Operators: Owner operators and lease purchase drivers can average $200,000-$215,000 per year.
Regional/Dedicated: Experienced CDL-A truck driver recruiters can earn $1,500-$4,000+ per week potential working from home.
Sign-On Bonuses:
Many immediate-hire positions offer sign-on bonuses:
- $1,000 sign-on bonus paid with first check (Penske)
- $1,750 transition bonus paid in first 2 weeks
- $8,000 for true team drivers
Types of Immediate-Hire CDL Positions
Understanding what’s available helps you target your search effectively.
Local Driving (Home Daily)
Positions advertising “HIRING IMMEDIATELY – HOME EVERY NIGHT” with competitive pay and benefits.
Best for: Drivers who want work-life balance, consistent schedules, family time.
Typical schedule: 10-12 hour shifts, Monday-Friday or Tuesday-Saturday, home every night.
Pay: Hourly ($24-$35/hour) or weekly ($1,200-$1,600).
Regional Routes (Home Weekly)
Regional positions offer home weekly for 34-hour reset periods.
Best for: Drivers who want higher mileage pay while still getting home regularly.
Typical schedule: Out 5-6 days, home 1-2 days.
Pay: $1,400-$2,000 weekly.
OTR (Over-The-Road)
Long-haul trucking across multiple states, extended time away from home.
OTR drivers enjoy extended miles, extended home time, and premium pay – run long miles, earn big payoffs, and enjoy real rest (up to 20 days) when home.
Best for: Drivers who want maximum earning potential and don’t mind extended time on the road.
Typical schedule: Out 2-3 weeks, home 3-4 days.
Pay: $1,500-$2,500+ weekly.
Dedicated Routes
Dedicated Contract Services drivers enjoy consistent freight and deliveries for a single customer with PTO accruing from day one.
You’re running the same route repeatedly for one customer. Predictable, consistent, often good pay.
Best for: Drivers who like routine and consistency.
Specialized Freight:
Pilot Flying J driver teams haul gas, diesel, DEF, bio-diesel, renewable diesel, and forward-looking products like Hydrogen and CNG.
Specialized hauling (tanker, hazmat, refrigerated, flatbed, auto transport) often pays premiums and has immediate openings due to requiring additional endorsements.
The Application Process: Getting Hired in 48 Hours
Here’s the exact process for landing immediate-hire CDL jobs.
Step 1: Use Quick-Apply Platforms
Fill out a pre-qualifying form once and instantly get matched to companies hiring near you.
CDLjobs.com, HiringDriversNow.com, and similar aggregators forward your application to multiple carriers simultaneously.
Step 2: Have Your Documents Ready
Before applying anywhere, gather:
- CDL (Class A or B) – Current, valid
- Medical card – Current DOT physical
- Driving record (MVR) – Request from DMV
- Employment history – Last 3-10 years documented
- Endorsements – Hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples if you have them
Requirements typically include good driving record, ability to pass background check and drug test.
Step 3: Be Honest and Specific
Companies hiring immediately are expediting background checks and verification. Lying about accidents, violations, or employment gaps will be discovered and disqualify you.
Be specific about:
- Your preferred route type (local, regional, OTR)
- Home time requirements
- Geographic preferences
- Equipment experience (manual vs. automatic, trailer types)
Step 4: Answer Your Phone
Recruiters will call fast. Some carriers reach out within minutes of receiving applications. Missing calls delays everything.
Step 5: The Phone Interview
Expect questions about:
- CDL class and endorsements
- Years of experience
- Types of freight hauled
- Accidents and violations
- Why you’re job hunting
- When you can start
Be professional but honest. If you need two weeks to wrap up current employment, say so.
Step 6: Orientation Scheduling
Employment begins with orientation after matching with companies.
Orientation typically lasts 1-3 days and includes:
- Company policies and procedures
- Equipment training
- Drug screening
- Final paperwork
- Road test
Step 7: First Dispatch
After orientation, you’ll receive your first load assignment. Congratulations – you’re working.
Companies Known for Fast Hiring
Based on driver reports and hiring practices, these companies consistently hire quickly:
Covenant Transport Covenant offers industry’s best benefits with all truck driver jobs and accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
Carvana Hiring immediately for CDL A local drivers with average weekly pay of $1,400.
Penske Ready to fuel careers as CDL Class A truck drivers with $1,000 sign-on bonus paid with first check.
TCA (Transport Corporation of America) Hiring CDL-A truck drivers for dry van with elite fleet featuring top-of-the-line tandem-axle sleeper trucks.
Market Express Looking for regional Class A owner operators with no-touch freight.
XPO Logistics Offers tuition-free CDL training at driver schools where you can earn a paycheck while training.
Red Flags: When “Immediate” Means “Desperate”
Not every immediate-hire position is worth taking. Watch for these warning signs:
Red Flag #1: Unclear Pay Structure
If the recruiter can’t clearly explain how you’ll be paid (per mile, hourly, percentage), that’s a problem.
Red Flag #2: Equipment Issues
Ask about truck age and maintenance. Companies running ancient, poorly maintained trucks that hire “immediately” often can’t keep drivers because equipment breaks down constantly.
Pilot Flying J’s team drives trucks with an average age of two years, obtaining 250 new top-model trucks each year with best-in-class safety features – that’s the standard to look for.
Red Flag #3: No Mention of Home Time
If they’re vague about when you’ll get home, assume it’s worse than you’re hoping.
Red Flag #4: Pressure Tactics
“You need to decide right now or we’re giving it to someone else” is a manipulation tactic. Legitimate companies give you time to consider offers.
Red Flag #5: No Benefits
Established companies offer medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and company-matched 401k for full or part-time team members. If benefits aren’t mentioned, ask why.
Red Flag #6: Lease-Purchase Pressure
Some companies push lease-purchase or owner-operator programs on new hires. These can be predatory. Don’t sign up for truck payments until you fully understand the economics.
Requirements for Immediate Hire Positions
Minimum Requirements (Almost Universal):
Valid CDL Class A or B license, good driving record, ability to pass background check and drug test.
- Age: Minimum 21 years old (23 for interstate commerce in some cases)
- CDL: Valid Class A or Class B depending on position
- DOT Physical: Current medical card
- Clean Drug Test: Mandatory pre-employment screening
- Driving Record: Typically no DUI in past 5-7 years, limited accidents/violations
Experience Requirements:
12 months of tractor-trailer driving experience required for many positions, must be semi-recent.
- Entry-level: Some companies hire new CDL graduates
- Most positions: 6-12 months verified experience
- Premium positions: 2+ years experience
Experienced positions require at least 6 months tractor-trailer Class A 53′ experience within past year.
Endorsements:
While not always required, these endorsements open more immediate opportunities:
- H (Hazmat) – Significantly increases job options
- N (Tanker) – Required for fuel hauling
- T (Doubles/Triples) – Useful for LTL carriers
- P (Passenger) – For bus driving
- S (School Bus) – Specialized endorsement
For New CDL Graduates: Getting Hired Immediately
XPO offers tuition-free CDL training at driver schools where students earn a paycheck while training.
Companies Known for Hiring New Graduates:
Many large carriers hire recent CDL school graduates:
- Swift Transportation
- Schneider
- Werner Enterprises
- CR England
- Prime Inc.
- XPO Logistics
These companies provide paid training with experienced drivers before solo dispatch.
What to Expect as a New Graduate:
- Lower starting pay ($45,000-$55,000 annually)
- Training period with mentor (2-6 weeks)
- Mandatory contract (often 9-12 months)
- Gradual increase in pay and autonomy
Your Action Plan: Getting Hired This Week
Today:
- Update your MVR (motor vehicle record)
- Ensure CDL and medical card are current
- Compile employment history for past 10 years
- List all your endorsements and experience
Tomorrow:
- Apply to 5-10 companies on CDLjobs.com
- Apply directly to 3-5 specific companies you’ve researched
- Set your phone to loud and keep it charged
Days 2-3:
- Answer recruiter calls promptly
- Complete phone interviews
- Ask questions about pay, home time, equipment
Days 4-7:
- Choose best offer
- Schedule orientation
- Arrange travel to orientation if needed
- Give notice at current job if applicable
Week 2:
- Attend orientation
- Pass drug test and road test
- Receive first dispatch
- Start earning
The Bottom Line on Immediate CDL Hiring
With 137,205 CDL truck driver jobs currently available on Indeed alone, and carriers responding to applications within minutes in many cases, the opportunities for immediate employment are absolutely real.
Weekly pay ranging from $1,250-$4,000+ depending on route type and experience level, plus benefits, sign-on bonuses, and job security make CDL driving one of the few fields where you can genuinely start earning good money within 1-2 weeks of deciding to make a career change.
But “immediate” doesn’t mean “desperate.” Take time to research companies, understand pay structures, and find positions that match your lifestyle needs. The best immediate-hire opportunities are at established companies with good equipment, fair pay, and reasonable home time policies.
The demand for CDL drivers isn’t going away. E-commerce, supply chain needs, and an aging driver workforce mean companies will be competing for qualified drivers for years to come.
Your CDL is valuable. Don’t give your labor to the first company that calls. Find the immediate opportunity that pays well, treats drivers right, and sets you up for long-term success.
Start your applications today. You could literally be behind the wheel earning money by next week.
Currently driving CDL or just got hired through a fast process? Share your experience and tips in the comments below! Let’s help other drivers find good immediate opportunities!
