What does a CDL Driver do?

CDL Drivers provide critical transportation of goods and people for businesses and public agencies. They work in a variety of industries, including transportation, manufacturing, automotive, public works, construction and service. Across all industries, commercial drivers must maintain a high standard of care on the road and follow the regulations and rules that govern their license.

Commercially licensed drivers may work as owner-operators of large trucks, contracting with businesses to provide services. They may also work as employees of trucking companies or specific organizations that need regular delivery or transportation services.

CDL Driver skills and qualifications

Candidates likely to be successful in a CDL Driver role will have certain skills, licenses and other prerequisites to support their work in the role. Some skills and qualifications you may want to require in your job description include:

• The appropriate commercial driver’s license — a Class A, B or C — depending on the driving needs your organization has

• The appropriate commercial driver’s license endorsements, such as N if you require a driver to operate a tank vehicle, P if you require someone to operate a passenger-carrying vehicle or T if you require drivers to operate double or triple trailers

• Completion of a truck driving certification program

• Meeting minimum age qualifications, which many companies set at 18 or 21

• The ability to lift and carry a certain amount of weight in keeping with your loading and unloading requirements

• Strong navigation and problem-solving skills related to route management

CDL Driver experience requirements

Many businesses look for CDL Drivers with at least a few years of experience. You might want to ask for CDL experience in your niche, especially if you are hiring for a position that involves a specific endorsement or special skills, such as handling or transporting hazardous materials. 

In some cases, it may be enough to look for a candidate who has established driving and delivery experience. Entry-level CDL Drivers, for example, might be individuals who have just obtained their commercial driver’s licenses but have previously worked as couriers or food delivery drivers.

CDL Driver education and training requirements

Before someone can get their commercial driver’s license, they must pass a variety of tests. These include knowledge and skills tests that are more extensive than regular driving tests. At minimum, drivers must complete entry-level driver training before they can take these tests. In some states, training and education requirements may be more extensive. Typically, if an individual holds the requisite CDL license for your position, they have completed all the education and training requirements for that license. 

CDL Driver salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a commercial driver is $20.02 per hour. Of course, this can vary widely based on factors such as experience, location and company. You may also need to offer higher salaries to attract experienced, commercially licensed drivers for specific positions, particularly those that require greater risks or longer time away from home.

Job description samples for similar positions

If you’re looking for something other than CDL Driver job description information, other descriptions are available. Consider some of the options below.

• School bus driver

• Route driver

• Truck driver

• Local driver

CDL Driver job description FAQs

What is the difference between a CDL Driver and a delivery driver?

Some delivery driver positions may require a commercially licensed operator. This depends on the type of vehicle being used and the cargo being delivered. However, not all delivery drivers are CDL Drivers. Courier work, food delivery and local auto parts delivery are all examples of driving positions that don’t typically require a CDL.

What should you look for in a CDL Driver resume?

Consider your business needs and look for skills and experience that help indicate a candidate can support those. You should also look for the CDL Driver’s license and endorsement information, whether they completed CDL education courses, their years of experience and what value they’ve brought to previous organizations.

Who does a CDL Driver report to?

Depending on the organization of your company, CDL Drivers may report to delivery or fleet managers, general managers or operational directors. 

What qualities make a good CDL Driver?

Commercial drivers should have clean driving records and maintain safe operations on the road. You may also want to look for drivers who are detail-oriented, have critical thinking skills and are able to communicate in an effective and friendly way with dispatchers, customers and others.