No Experience / Student Intermodal / Drayage Jobs

No Experience / Student Intermodal / Drayage Driving

You are either fresh out of CDL school, currently in a training program, or considering a career change into trucking. Many mega-carriers offer paid training programs that require no prior experience. This is the starting point for most professional truck drivers.

Intermodal / Drayage is one of the segments that some carriers will train new drivers for. Intermodal drivers (also called drayage drivers) transport shipping containers between ports, rail yards, and warehouse facilities using specialized chassis trailers. The containers — typically 20-foot or 40-foot steel boxes — arrive on cargo ships or trains and need to be moved the 'last mile' to their final destination.

Companies Hiring

Tips for No Experience / Student Drivers

• 💡 Apply to carrier-sponsored CDL training programs from companies like CRST, Swift, or Werner — they cover tuition costs in exchange for a 1-year driving commitment.
• 💡 Get your CDL permit before applying to maximize your options. Study the CDL manual and practice at a local driving school if possible.
• 💡 Be prepared for 4-8 weeks of OTR training with a mentor driver before going solo. Use this time to learn real-world skills like backing, trip planning, and log management.
• 💡 Avoid lease-purchase agreements as a new driver — the financial terms heavily favor the carrier and many new drivers end up losing money.

Frequently Asked Questions