If you’re looking for over the road (OTR) truck driving jobs with no experience, you’re not alone. Thousands of new drivers enter the trucking industry every year, many starting with zero road experience. The good news? There are plenty of companies willing to hire and train you.
This article explores how to start your OTR trucking career, what to expect, and which companies offer the best opportunities for new drivers.
What Are Over the Road (OTR) Truck Driving Jobs?
Over the road (OTR) truck drivers haul freight long distances—often across multiple states or coast to coast. These jobs typically involve being away from home for a week or more, depending on the route and company.
Key Benefits:
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Higher pay potential than local jobs
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Consistent miles and job stability
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Opportunities to see new places
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Entry-level openings available
Can I Get an OTR Truck Driving Job with No Experience?
Yes! Many companies offer OTR truck driving jobs to individuals with no prior experience. Some even provide paid CDL training programs, helping you earn your license and start driving under their guidance.
You’ll usually start as a driver trainee or with a mentor who helps you gain real-world experience before you’re cleared to drive solo.
Top Companies That Hire New OTR Drivers
Here are a few trucking companies that are known for welcoming new drivers:
1. Prime Inc.
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Offers paid CDL training (Prime Student Driver program)
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Focus on refrigerated, flatbed, and tanker jobs
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High starting pay after training
2. CR England
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Paid CDL school and fast-track to solo OTR positions
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Offers team driving options
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Great for career starters
3. Roehl Transport
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Get paid while you train through their Get Your CDL Program
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Career path support and full benefits
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Strong safety culture
4. Swift Transportation
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One of the largest fleets in the U.S.
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Offers training for new drivers and mentors for the first 200–300 hours
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Multiple freight divisions including OTR
5. Knight Transportation
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Known for flexible scheduling and family-oriented culture
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Offers tuition reimbursement for CDL school grads
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Good long-term growth
What to Expect as a New OTR Truck Driver
When you start your career in OTR trucking, you’ll likely experience the following:
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Training period: A few weeks riding with an experienced driver
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Long hours: Expect to be on the road for extended periods
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Team driving: Many companies place new drivers in team roles to start
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Learning curve: Handling routes, logs, truck stops, and delivery timing
Despite the challenges, most new drivers find the job rewarding, especially when earning consistent pay and seeing new parts of the country.
Tips for Landing an OTR Job with No Experience
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Attend a Reputable CDL School: Some carriers offer paid training, while others require you to bring your CDL.
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Be Honest on Applications: Even with no experience, honesty about your background builds trust.
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Focus on Safety: Companies want reliable and safe drivers, not just fast ones.
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Get Endorsements: Adding Hazmat or Tanker endorsements can increase your value.
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Stay Open to Team Driving: It’s a great way to learn the ropes and boost your miles early on.
Average Pay for Entry-Level OTR Drivers
While experienced OTR drivers can earn over $80,000 per year, new drivers typically start around $45,000 to $55,000 annually, depending on the company, training program, and miles driven.
Many companies also offer:
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Performance bonuses
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Referral pay
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Tuition reimbursement
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Full medical benefits
Conclusion: OTR Jobs Are Within Reach—Even Without Experience
If you’re looking for over the road truck driving jobs with no experience, you’re entering at the right time. Trucking companies across the U.S. are in constant need of drivers and have built solid training programs to help newcomers succeed.
By choosing a company that values growth and provides strong mentorship, you can begin a fulfilling career that offers good pay, long-term stability, and freedom on the open road.
