CDL Truck Driver Jobs in Arlington, TX
Arlington sits at the crossroads of I-20, I-30, and SH 360, right in the heart of the DFW logistics corridor, which makes it one of the best places in Texas to drive for a living. CDL truck drivers here move freight for national carriers, foodservice distributors, and the Great Southwest Industrial District's warehouses. Pay varies by route type, but local and regional CDL-A drivers in the Arlington area commonly earn $60,000 to $85,000 a year, with over-the-road and specialized hauls reaching higher.
Current CDL truck driver Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring CDL Truck Drivers
CDL drivers are in constant demand across Arlington's freight terminals, distributors, and manufacturers:
- McLane Company - the foodservice distributor runs dedicated delivery routes with home-daily and regional options.
- Schneider - the national carrier hires local, regional, and OTR Class A drivers out of the DFW area.
- Saia LTL Freight - the LTL carrier staffs city P&D and linehaul drivers along the SH 360 corridor.
- AAA Cooper Transportation - the freight carrier runs dockworker-to-driver progression and dedicated routes.
- TransForce - the driver staffing firm places CDL-A drivers with DFW shippers on short- and long-term contracts.
- Reece Group - the plumbing and waterworks distributor hires delivery drivers to serve area jobsites.
CDL Truck Driver Salaries in Arlington
- Entry level: about $52,000 to $60,000 per year for new CDL-A drivers.
- Experienced local / regional: roughly $65,000 to $85,000 per year, often home daily or weekly.
- OTR / specialized: $85,000 to $100,000+ per year for over-the-road, dedicated, or hazmat hauls.
These are estimates that vary by route, endorsements, and experience. Drivers with hazmat, tanker, or doubles/triples endorsements typically earn more, and many Arlington carriers add sign-on bonuses, per-diem, and full benefits.
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Arlington
You need to be at least 21 to drive interstate, hold a Class A commercial driver's license, and pass a DOT physical and drug screen. CDL training is available through Tarrant County College and private truck-driving schools across DFW, and many carriers like Schneider offer paid CDL training or tuition reimbursement. Adding endorsements such as hazmat (H), tanker (N), and doubles/triples (T) opens higher-paying routes.
What the Job Involves
CDL truck drivers operate tractor-trailers to pick up and deliver freight safely and on schedule. Daily tasks include pre-trip and post-trip inspections, coupling and uncoupling trailers, securing loads, logging hours in an electronic logging device (ELD), and communicating with dispatch. Local drivers may handle multiple stops and dock work, while OTR drivers cover long distances with overnight runs.
Skills Employers Look For
- Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record
- Endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples) for higher pay
- Knowledge of DOT and hours-of-service rules
- Safe backing, docking, and load-securement skills
- ELD and route-navigation familiarity
- Reliability, time management, and communication
Career Path and Advancement
Many Arlington drivers start local or regional to be home more often, then move into dedicated accounts, specialized freight, or higher-paying OTR lanes. Experienced drivers can advance to driver trainer, dispatcher, safety coordinator, or fleet manager, and some become owner operators running their own authority. Building a clean safety record and adding endorsements are the fastest ways to raise pay in the DFW freight market.
Related Careers in Arlington
If driving a CDL truck interests you, these related Arlington roles are close matches:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CDL truck drivers make in Arlington?
New CDL-A drivers generally start around $52,000 to $60,000 per year, experienced local and regional drivers earn $65,000 to $85,000, and OTR or specialized drivers can top $100,000 with endorsements and dedicated freight.
How long does it take to get a CDL in Texas?
Most full-time CDL-A programs take about three to seven weeks. Some Arlington-area carriers offer paid CDL training, and Tarrant County College and private schools provide both accelerated and part-time options.
Can I be home daily as a truck driver in Arlington?
Yes. Local and dedicated routes with distributors like McLane and LTL carriers like Saia and AAA Cooper are home-daily, and many regional runs get you home on weekends, so you do not have to go over-the-road to earn a good living.
Do I need endorsements to drive in Arlington?
A basic Class A CDL is enough for many roles, but hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples endorsements open higher-paying routes. Employers often help cover the cost of adding endorsements after you are hired.
What disqualifies you from a CDL job?
Recent DUIs, a suspended license, failed DOT drug or alcohol screens, and certain serious moving violations can disqualify applicants. Carriers review your motor vehicle record and CDL history, so a clean record is your best asset.
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