No Experience / Student Power Only Jobs

No Experience / Student Power Only 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.

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 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