What Jobs Can You Get With a CDL? CDL Job Options

If you’ve earned your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), congratulations: you’ve just unlocked the door to a wide world of career opportunities.

A CDL isn’t just a license; it’s your hard-earned pass to a career filled with stability, growth, and a multitude of opportunities! Whether you’re fresh out of a CDL school or looking to make a change in the middle of your driving career, understanding your options is the key to long-term success.

Let’s dive into the variety of jobs you can do with a CDL:

What Kind of Variety Is There in CDL Jobs?

The CDL job market offers a lot more than just driving a big rig across the country (though that’s a great option, too!). Here’s a look at the different industries your CDL can open doors to:

• Trucking Jobs: This is what most people imagine when thinking of CDL opportunities. You’ll sit behind the wheel of a semi-truck, and depending on the company, you’ll be hauling all kinds of freight across the city, state, or country. These jobs provide one of the highest earning potentials, but you’ll often be required to stay out for days or weeks at a time.
• Local Delivery: These include jobs like delivering groceries, packages, or other consumer goods traveling short distances. Perfect for those who want to stay close to home and prefer operating smaller vehicles like vans.
• Passenger Vehicle Driving: Drive large shuttles or buses with passengers. You’ll stay closer to home, but your earning potential could be limited in comparison to OTR or regional truck driving.
• Non-Trucking Jobs: Believe it or not, a CDL can even open doors to non-driving roles like CDL Training Instructor, Road Trainer, or Yard Management.

The variety in CDL careers means you can find something that matches your lifestyle, earning goals, and career ambitions.

What Kind of Jobs Can I Get With a CDL?

No matter your interest or lifestyle, there’s a CDL job that fits it; it’s just about knowing where to look. Here’s a more detailed look at the specific jobs you might encounter when you’re looking for a trucking job.

• Flatbed Driver: Transport oversized or irregularly shaped freight. Requires securement and tarp training, but offers higher pay for the additional work.
• Dry Van Driver: Haul non-perishable goods in enclosed trailers. One of the most common and entry-level-friendly positions.
• Refrigerated (Reefer) Driver: Move temperature-sensitive cargo like produce, dairy, and meat. More responsibility, but consistent loads.
• Hazmat Driver: Transport hazardous materials. You will need a Hazardous Materials Endorsement to run this type of truck, but this field comes with premium pay.
• Tanker Driver: Hauling anything from gasoline to hazardous chemical compounds. This will require additional endorsements (such as Tankers and a HAZMAT), and it may require additional training based on the company.
• Heavy Haul/Oversize Load Driver: Loads that exceed standard DOT size and weight regulations. Often requires pilot cars and careful route planning, but can pay well for all the work that goes into it.
• Local Driver: Work for smaller, local companies or last-mile delivery services. You’ll be home daily and operate in a smaller area. These rolls can consist of anything from waste management, bus driving, road construction, or delivery driving for big-box stores. Pay can also be lower compared to traditional trucking roles.
• Team Driver: Drive with a partner to keep the wheels turning 24/7. Great for maximizing miles and income.
• Owner-Operator: Run your own show with your own truck. This is more of a ‘high-risk, high-reward’ position, as you’ll have the opportunity to set your own rates, but you’ll be paying for your own truck repairs.

Note that different CDL jobs may require different types of licenses, depending on the size of the vehicle, the freight you’ll be hauling, and the distance you’ll be driving. If you have a career in mind but not sure what kind of CDL you’ll need to qualify, check out our blog where we talk about the differences between Class A, Class B, and Class C CDLs.

Why Is Choosing the Right Career So Important?

•  Do you need to be home every night or are you okay with being on the road for long periods of time?
• Are you looking for maximum pay or home time flexibility?
• Do you want to learn a more specialized skill like flatbed or hazmat?
• Have you discussed the possibility of being away from your family? Are they okay with it?

Why Is Melton a Great Place to Work With a CDL?

At Melton Truck Lines, we specialize in flatbed trucking, and we’re proud to offer one of the most rewarding career paths for Class A CDL holders. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Top-Tier Pay: Our drivers earn industry-leading pay including tarp pay, performance bonuses, and offering additional pay opportunities around every corner.
• Great Training: If you’re new to flatbed, we offer an 8-day, hands-on securement training to get you up to speed and ready to hit the road.
• Excellent Equipment: You’ll be behind the wheel of a late-model, well-maintained truck- we take pride in our fleet from its first day on the road, to the very last.
• Unmatched Support: From assigned driver managers to our extended coverage team, you’ll always have the 24/7 backup you need to succeed on the road.
• Career Growth: Whether you want to become a Melton Ambassador, train the next generation of drivers as a trainer, or eventually transition to a role in pre-hire evaluation providing front-line training to new recruiters- Melton supports your path!

With so many career paths available, earning your CDL is just the beginning.

You’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to your future, so take the time to explore your options, align your job with your lifestyle and needs, and choose a company that values your hard work and dedication.

If you’re looking for a company that offers solid pay, quality equipment, great training, and a real team atmosphere, Melton Truck Lines is ready to welcome you aboard. Learn more about the CDL jobs we offer on our flatbed driving jobs page.