OTR / Extended Away Jobs for No Experience / Student Drivers

OTR / Extended Away Trucking for No Experience / Student Drivers

Traditional over-the-road trucking keeps you out for 3-4 weeks at a time, covering thousands of miles coast to coast. This is the highest-paying schedule for company drivers because it maximizes productive miles. It is also the most demanding lifestyle, which is why turnover in OTR positions remains the highest in the industry.

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.

Companies Hiring

Tips

• 💡 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.

Frequently Asked Questions