Get Paid to Train! Truck Driving Programs with Big Benefits
The U.S. is facing a serious shortage of truck drivers — with tens of thousands of open positions, companies are eager to hire and train new talent. You don’t need any previous experience. That’s right — whether you’re fresh out of high school, changing careers, or looking for a stable income, you can start from scratch.
Here’s the best part: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in 2024 is $57,440, or $27.62 per hour. Not bad for a job that doesn't require a college degree or prior experience!
💰 Earn While You Learn: Paid CDL Training Programs
Many companies across the U.S. offer paid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training programs — you’ll learn the skills, prepare for your license test, and get paid a weekly allowance while doing it.
Schneider： Schneider’s CDL Apprenticeship Training (CAT) is a paid five-week training program that includes a mix of classroom, yard and in-cab training to ensure that new drivers are fully prepared to obtain their CDL and start their driving careers.
Before training can begin, new drivers must complete a few onboarding tasks like:
• Obtaining a Class A CDL permit.
• Submitting a hair and urine drug screen.
• Completing a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical.
Requirement：In addition to the above tasks, some Schneider locations require candidates who take part in the CAT program to sign an agreement that they will train and work with Schneider for the next nine months.
Roehl Transport：
• Training: 3 weeks
• Roehl provides job security and a way to earn $70,000+.
• When you begin a company-sponsored CDL training program, you'll get paid while you train.
Requirement：You need to drive 120,000 miles (about 15 months) to get support for training expenses.
PAM Transport：
• Perks: Weekly stipend during training.The Select CDL Driving School offers a weekly $100 stipend for all new students. You'll get $100 each week for 3 weeks of school. That's $300 you can use to help with living expenses during school.
• Tuition reimbursement available after 6 months of employment.
• Limitations：To be eligible for the stipend, students must attend classes Monday through Friday every week, be punctual, and have no more than one excused absence during the three-week training period.
Requirements: PAM will support the tuition fees incurred for your training as long as you fulfill your commitment and work for PAM for 6 months after graduating from Select.
🛒Major Retailers Hiring Truck Drivers in 2025
Beyond trucking companies, some of the biggest retail chains in the U.S. are also hiring full-time drivers — often with better work-life balance and regional routes:
Costco Wholesale
Salary：$28.50 - $32.00 an hour
Required skills, abilities, and certifications:
• Class A Commercial Driver’s License.
• Satisfactory Physical Exam results required every 2 yrs.
• Successful comprehensive road test in Costco equipment.
• 2 years tractor-trailer combination driving experience.
• 3 years clean driving abstract.
• Knowledge of cargo loading and securing practices.
Benefits：
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
HEB (Texas)
Locations:Leander,Texas
PayMinimum:USD$20.00/Hr.
Requirement：
• Must have a valid U.S. driver - s license for 3+ years (CDL not required)
• Minimum age 21 (mandatory)
• No suspended or revoked driver - s licenses, permits, or privileges in any state/county (mandatory).
• No moving violations or preventable accidents in the past 3 (three) years
• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
• Ability to read and follow a road map
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Ability to meet company and regulatory driving record requirements
Kroger：
Locations:Clackamas, OR
Salary：$29.09 - $32.00 an hour
Benefits：
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Prescription drug insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
Requirement：
• Minimum 21 years of age.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Valid Commercial Class A CDL driver's license.
• Must meet all Federal Department of Transportation physical requirements of a Class A CDL driver.
• 1 year's active driving experience with one year's doubles experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
🧑🏫 Real Success Story: Hailey Munoz’s Journey
Hailey Munoz, a high school student from Laredo, Texas, joined a CDL training program through her local school district. She had no previous experience, but thanks to early exposure and hands-on training, she passed her CDL test and is now on her way to becoming a professional driver — and maybe even a diesel technician.
conclusion
Truck driving is more than just a job — it's a stable, well-paying career path with room to grow. With tens of thousands of openings across the U.S., many companies and major retailers are offering paid CDL training, competitive salaries, and full benefits. There’s no need for previous experience or a college degree — just the willingness to learn and the drive to succeed.