Getting Hired After CDL School

Getting a CDL is the first step to a new career in trucking, but landing the right job is the goal. Dedicated job placement support is part of every student’s experience at TransTech. From day one, our team works with you to find a truck driving job that fits your schedule, goals, and home-time needs.

How TransTech Helps You Get a Truck Driving Job

Job placement support at TransTech starts before you ever set foot in a classroom. From the first admissions conversation, advisors work to understand which driving job fits your life. That focus continues through your CDL training and after graduation, for as long as you need it.

What our job placement support includes:

• Supportive Staff: One-on-one advising to identify the right type of driving job for your schedule and goals
• Recruiter Visits: Weekly on-campus visits from leading trucking companies at NC, SC, and GA campuses
• Carrier Presentations: Introduction to hiring contacts with pay and benefits presentations
• Ongoing Support: Help after graduation including if you want to change jobs or advance later

Our Employer Partners

TransTech is a preferred CDL training provider for some of the largest and most established trucking companies in the country. These carriers actively recruit graduates and visit campuses regularly.

Employer partners include:

• Schneider National | Dry van, tanker, intermodal | Regional and OTR
• TMC Transportation | Flatbed, specialized freight | OTR
• Stevens Transport | Refrigerated freight | OTR
• Werner Enterprises | Dry van, dedicated | Regional and OTR
• Swift Transportation | Dry van, dedicated, refrigerated | Regional and OTR

Partner carrier availability and active recruitment may vary by campus location. Contact the TransTech Admissions Team for current partner details at your campus.

In addition to these partners, TransTech works with regional and local carriers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia that consistently hire entry-level CDL drivers.

Learn More About Trucking Carriers We Work With

Schneider National →

 TMC Transportation →

Stevens Transport →

Other Trucking Carriers We Partner With

How Much Do Truck Drivers Make?

Truck driver salary varies by state, route type, experience, and the kind of freight hauled. The table below shows typical pay ranges for entry-level heavy and tractor-trailer drivers in each state where TransTech operates, based on market data from Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor. Drivers in regional or OTR roles can earn even more, with higher pay tied to mileage, endorsements, and experience.

Drivers in specialized roles or with consistent OTR miles can earn $85,000 or more annually.

What Types of Jobs Can CDL Graduates Get?

A CDL opens doors across a wide range of industries, far beyond long-haul trucking. Whether you want to travel the country or be home every night, there is a driving career that fits your life.

Common job types available to entry-level CDL graduates:

• Local driving: Home every night. Common in grocery, fuel delivery, and less-than-truckload (LTL) freight.
• Regional driving: Home weekly or more often. Covers a defined multi-state area.
• Dedicated driving: Consistent route and schedule, usually for a single customer or account.
• Over-the-road (OTR): Long-haul routes across the country. Higher pay and sign-on bonuses are common.
• Flatbed: Hauling open freight like lumber, steel, and construction materials. Often requires load securement skills.
• Refrigerated (Reefer): Temperature-controlled freight including food and pharmaceuticals.
• Tanker: Liquid or dry bulk cargo. A tanker endorsement is required. An endorsement is an add-on to a CDL that qualifies a driver to haul specific cargo types or tow specific vehicle types.
• Specialized hauling: Oversized or heavy loads that require additional permits and training.

What Is the Hiring Process for a TransTech Graduate?

After passing the CDL skills test, most graduates move through a straightforward hiring process. TransTech’s Job Placement team is with you at every step.

Typical steps from graduation to first paycheck:

1. Receive your CDL from the state DMV after passing the skills test.
2. Meet with the the team to review job options and employer matches.
3. Attend recruiter visits or connect directly with partners through TransTech.
4. Apply to multiple carriers .
5. Get hired.
6. Complete carrier onboarding, which typically includes an MVR check, drug screening, and DOT physical verification.
7. Begin orientation with your hired carrier. This isusually 1 to 2 weeks of paid training before starting a solo route.

Are You an Employer Looking to Hire TransTech Graduates?

We welcome partnerships with carriers and employers across the United States. Partner carriers gain direct access to a consistent pipeline of trained, ELDT-compliant CDL graduates who are ready to work.

Benefits of partnering with TransTech:

• On-campus recruiting visits at 13 locations across NC, SC, and GA
• Access to job fairs and student presentations
• Early connection with graduates before they enter the open market
• Candidates who have completed all FMCSA-required ELDT training

TransTech is a member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and certified through Roll-N-Ready, which verifies training quality and compliance standards for CDL schools nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does TransTech guarantee a job after graduation?

TransTech does not guarantee specific employment, but the Job Placement team works actively with every graduate to connect them with hiring carriers.

How soon after graduation can I expect to be hired?

Many graduates receive job offers within days of passing the CDL skills test. The timeline varies, but TransTech’s direct relationships with partner carriers help move the process faster than applying through job boards alone.

Do I need CDL endorsements to get hired?

Most entry-level positions require only a standard Class A or Class B CDL. Some roles, like tanker or hazmat hauling, require additional endorsements and those endorsements can also increase your earning potential.

What if I want a local truck driving job and not over-the-road?

Local positions are available, though OTR roles are typically the most accessible for drivers without prior experience. The Job Placement team asks about home-time preferences upfront and works to match you with the right carrier.

Does TransTech help graduates who want to change jobs later?

Yes. Career support does not end at graduation and graduates can contact the team at any time to switch carriers, change route types, or pursue specialized freight.

What is the job outlook for CDL truck drivers in NC, SC, and GA?

Demand for CDL drivers remains strong across the Southeast. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $54,320 for heavy truck drivers in 2023, and North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia are active freight corridors with consistent hiring by regional and national carriers.