15 Phoenix Companies Hiring CDL Drivers with No Experience (August 2025)

Fresh CDL and no experience? No problem. These Phoenix-area companies are actively recruiting newly-licensed drivers right now. We've verified each opportunity, including pay rates, training programs, and home time options.

Top 5: Best Overall for New Drivers

1. Knight Transportation (Phoenix HQ)

Starting Pay: $65,000-$75,000 first year
Training: 4-week paid orientation
Home Time: Regional - home weekly, OTR - home every 2 weeks
Equipment: 2022-2024 Freightliners, mostly automatic
Perks:

• Phoenix-based company (local pride)
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000
• Pet and rider policies
• Strong safety culture

Apply: knighttrans.com/careers or call 623-555-0100

2. Swift Transportation (Phoenix Terminal)

Starting Pay: $63,000-$70,000 first year
Training: 200 hours with mentor
Home Time: Multiple options from local to OTR
Equipment: Largest fleet variety, newer models
Perks:

• Huge Phoenix presence
• Clear path to dedicated accounts
• Owner-operator transition program
• Same-day orientation possible

Contact: Walk-in applications accepted at Phoenix terminal

3. Sysco Arizona (Multiple Locations)

Starting Pay: $75,000-$85,000 first year
Training: 6-week paid training
Home Time: HOME DAILY - Local delivery
Equipment: Day cabs, automatic and manual available
Requirements: Manual transmission preferred
Perks:

• Outstanding benefits day one
• Weekends off (mostly)
• Physical work but great pay
• Customer interaction

Note: Physical requirements - must handle food service delivery

4. FedEx Freight (Phoenix Service Center)

Starting Pay: $72,000-$80,000 first year
Training: Comprehensive dock-to-driver program
Home Time: City drivers home daily, road drivers 2-3 nights out
Equipment: New equipment, well-maintained
Perks:

• Industry-leading benefits
• Stable Fortune 500 company
• Clear advancement path
• Profit sharing

Hiring Process: Online application → Phone screen → In-person → Road test

5. ABF Freight (Phoenix Terminal)

Starting Pay: $70,000-$78,000 first year
Training: Union position with structured training
Home Time: P&D home daily, linehaul varies
Equipment: Excellent maintenance program
Perks:

• Teamsters union benefits
• Pension plan (rare today!)
• Seniority system
• Job security

Important: Union dues apply, but benefits often outweigh cost

Best Local/Home Daily Options

6. Republic Services (Waste Management)

Starting Pay: $68,000-$75,000
Schedule: 4-day work week common
Hours: Early morning start (3-5 AM)
Perks:

• Absolutely home daily
• Residential routes = tips
• Great benefits
• Stable industry

Reality Check: Yes, it's garbage, but the pay and schedule are excellent

7. Cemex (Phoenix Concrete)

Starting Pay: $70,000-$78,000
Requirements: MANUAL TRANSMISSION REQUIRED
Schedule: Seasonal overtime available
Perks:

• Construction industry wages
• Local only
• Mixer experience valuable long-term
• Overtime abundant in busy season

8. Shamrock Foods

Starting Pay: $65,000-$73,000
Schedule: 4-5 day weeks
Route Types: Restaurant and school delivery
Perks:

• Touch freight but good pay
• Regular customers
• Day cab comfort
• Holiday bonuses

Best Training Programs for New Grads

9. CRST (Team Driving)

Starting Pay: $75,000-$85,000 (team pay)
Training: Extensive team training program
Unique: Focus on team driving from day one
Perks:

• Higher miles = higher pay
• See the country
• Built-in companionship
• Faster experience building

Consider if: You're okay with team driving lifestyle

10. Prime Inc. (Springfield, MO based - hires from Phoenix)

Starting Pay: $70,000-$80,000
Training: Industry-leading training pay
Equipment: Choice of company or lease
Perks:

• Excellent equipment
• Strong training reputation
• Multiple divisions
• Pet policy

Note: Longer time away from home initially

Specialized Opportunities

11. Kenan Advantage (Fuel Hauling)

Starting Pay: $80,000-$95,000
Requirements: Hazmat endorsement (will help obtain)
Schedule: Various shifts available
Perks:

• Premium pay for hazmat
• Very stable industry
• Professional environment
• Quarterly safety bonuses

Training: Comprehensive hazmat and safety training provided

12. Central Transport (LTL)

Starting Pay: $65,000-$72,000
Type: Dock-to-driver program
Schedule: P&D and linehaul options
Perks:

• Start on dock if needed
• Learn the business
• Advancement opportunities
• Good work-life balance

Regional Carriers Hiring

13. Melton Truck Lines (Flatbed)

Starting Pay: $70,000-$85,000
Specialty: Flatbed training for new drivers
Home Time: Regional routes available
Perks:

• Flatbed pay premium
• Tarp pay extra
• Physical but rewarding
• Great driver community

Consider: Physical demands of flatbed work

14. USA Truck

Starting Pay: $65,000-$73,000
Routes: Southwest regional strong
Home Time: Various options
Perks:

• Growing company
• Modern equipment
• Good starter company
• Clear communication

15. Covenant Transport

Starting Pay: $63,000-$70,000
Training: Paid CDL training available
Options: Solo and team
Perks:

• Faith-based company (optional participation)
• Solid reputation
• Multiple divisions
• Expedited opportunities

What These Companies Look For

Minimum Requirements (Most Companies):

✅ Valid Class A CDL
✅ Clean MVR (no DUI past 5 years)
✅ Pass drug test
✅ DOT physical current
✅ Work authorization

Preferred But Not Required:

• Manual transmission capability (HUGE advantage)
• Hazmat endorsement
• Doubles/triples endorsement
• Military experience
• Previous work history stability

Red Flags to Watch For

Be Cautious If:

🚩 No actual pay numbers provided
🚩 "Up to" earnings seem unrealistic
🚩 Training contract exceeds 1 year
🚩 Equipment is very old
🚩 High driver turnover
🚩 No clear home time policy

How to Apply Successfully

1. Application Strategy:

• Apply to 5-7 companies simultaneously
• Keep spreadsheet of applications
• Follow up within 48 hours
• Be honest about experience level

2. Phone Interview Tips:

• Be available when they call
• Have CDL and medical card ready
• Know your work history dates
• Ask about realistic miles/week

3. Questions YOU Should Ask:

• "What's the average first-year earnings for your new drivers?"
• "How many miles do new drivers typically get?"
• "What's your rider and pet policy?"
• "How often is home time really honored?"
• "What percentage of drivers make it past one year?"

Salary Reality Check

First Year Earnings Breakdown:

OTR Companies:

• Base: $55,000-$65,000
• Reality: Often less due to learning curve
• Miles: 2,000-2,500/week once established

Regional Companies:

• Base: $60,000-$70,000
• Reality: More consistent than OTR
• Home: Weekly usually means 34-hour reset

Local Companies:

• Base: $65,000-$75,000
• Reality: Often includes overtime
• Trade-off: Physical work common

Specialized (Hazmat/Flatbed):

• Base: $75,000-$95,000
• Reality: Requires extra endorsements/skills
• Benefit: Less competition for positions

New Driver Success Timeline

Weeks 1-4: Orientation/Training

• Learning company policies
• Getting comfortable with equipment
• Building confidence
• Possibly with trainer

Months 2-3: Building Experience

• Increasing miles
• Learning routes
• Developing efficiency
• Still making rookie mistakes

Months 4-6: Finding Your Groove

• Consistent miles
• Better trip planning
• Fewer mistakes
• Considering next move

Month 6+: Experienced Driver

• Maximum miles available
• Eligible for better positions
• Can be selective
• Significantly more marketable

Best Path for Phoenix CDL Grads

Recommended Strategy:

1. Start Local If Possible

   • Sysco, Republic, or FedEx
   • Home daily builds life balance
   • Still gaining experience

2. If OTR Necessary:

   • Choose training-focused company
   • Plan for 6-12 months
   • Save aggressively
   • Return to local with experience

3. Fast Track to Higher Pay:

   • Get hazmat immediately
   • Consider flatbed for premium
   • Build clean safety record
   • Network with other drivers

Action Steps This Week

Monday:

• Update resume with CDL info
• Create Indeed/Monster profiles
• Research top 5 companies

Tuesday-Wednesday:

• Submit applications online
• Call recruiters directly
• Schedule interviews

Thursday-Friday:

• Attend interviews
• Compare offers
• Make decision

This Weekend:

• Prepare for orientation
• Shop for road supplies
• Celebrate new career!

Why Phoenix Is Perfect for New Drivers

Market Advantages:

• Major transportation hub
• Year-round driving weather
• Growing population = more freight
• Multiple terminal options
• Strong local and regional opportunities

Cost of Living Benefit:

• CDL wages go further in Phoenix
• No state income tax
• Affordable housing (relatively)
• Growing job market

The TDSA Advantage

Our Graduates Get Hired Because:

✅ Manual transmission training (no restrictions)
✅ 4:1 student ratio (better prepared)
✅ Local reputation (companies know us)
✅ Job placement assistance (connections matter)
✅ Third-party testing (credibility)

Ready to Join These Companies?

First, you need your CDL. At TDSA, we'll have you ready for these opportunities in just 3-4 weeks.

Get Started: 📞 Call: 623-207-1231 📍 Visit: 919 N Dysart Rd, Avondale 💼 Graduate: Job-ready with no restrictions 🚛 Drive: Start earning immediately

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This list is updated regularly based on current hiring needs and feedback from recent TDSA graduates. Companies and pay rates subject to change. Always verify current opportunities directly with employers.