Entry Level Power Only Jobs

Entry Level Power Only Driving

You have completed your initial training period and have been driving solo for several months. You are building confidence in your skills and establishing your safety record. At this stage, more carriers are willing to hire you and pay rates start improving noticeably.

Power Only is one of the segments that some carriers will train new drivers for. Power only means you provide the tractor but not the trailer — you hook to company-owned or broker-owned trailers at the pickup location, deliver the load, and drop the trailer at the destination. This model is extremely popular with owner-operators and small fleet owners because it eliminates trailer ownership costs (purchase, maintenance, registration, inspections) while still allowing you to run under your own authority or lease onto a carrier.

Companies Hiring

Tips for Entry Level Drivers

• 💡 Start building relationships with dispatchers and load planners — drivers who communicate well and are flexible with loads get the best freight assignments.
• 💡 After 6 months of clean driving, update your resume and start exploring carriers that pay significantly more than training companies. You now have leverage.
• 💡 Consider getting your hazmat endorsement — it opens higher-paying loads and sets you apart from other entry-level drivers with only basic CDL-A credentials.
• 💡 Track your actual miles driven versus what you were promised during hiring. If the gap is large, it may be time to shop for a better freight-matching carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions