The trucking job market is unusually transparent — almost every major carrier has an "apply now" page and a recruiter team that responds within 24 to 48 hours. The challenge isn't finding openings; it's finding the right opening for your situation.
Where to look
Major-carrier websites (Schneider, Werner, Swift, US Xpress, JB Hunt, Knight, Heartland, CRST, Stevens, Roehl, Maverick, Anderson, Crete, Marten); aggregators (TruckersReport job board, AllTruckJobs, CDLJobs.com, Indeed.com); local job boards for regional and dedicated work; carrier presence at major truck stops and CDL schools (recruiters often staff tables on weekends).
What to evaluate
Pay structure (per-mile rate, accessorial pay rates, sign-on bonus terms). Equipment age (newer trucks = better fuel economy, better maintenance, fewer breakdowns). Home time (real schedule, not the recruiter's optimistic version). Forced dispatch vs. opt-out lanes. APU and idle policies. Pet/passenger policies. Bonus structures (safety, fuel economy, longevity). Detention pay (hours waiting at shipper/receiver).
Red flags
"Sign-on bonus" that requires 12 to 24 months of perfect attendance to fully vest. Recruiter who can't tell you the typical weekly miles or weekly pay for the lane. Carrier safety rating below "Satisfactory" on the FMCSA SAFER website. High driver turnover (industry average is 90%+ for the largest dry-van carriers; under 60% is meaningfully better). Company refuses to share a pay confirmation in writing before you commit.
Background-check stage
Once you accept an offer, the carrier runs a DOT-mandated background check including: PSP (Pre-Employment Screening Program) report from the FMCSA; CDL driving record from the past 3 years in every state you held a license; previous-employer verification for the past 3 years (DOT-regulated employers must respond); drug/alcohol testing history via the FMCSA Clearinghouse; and pre-employment drug screen at orientation.
What to bring to orientation
Original CDL; original DOT medical card; SSN card; passport or birth certificate; bank account info for direct deposit; W-4; emergency contact info; current proof of insurance for any personal vehicle. If you're starting at a major carrier's training center, bring 7 to 14 days of clothing and basic toiletries — orientation typically lasts 3 to 7 days.