How to Land an Amazon Truck Driver Job Without Experience
Just got your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or working on it but struggling to get hired because of no experience? Don’t stress! While it can be challenging for new drivers to break into the industry, the current truck driver shortage has opened up a lot of opportunities for beginners. With the booming U.S. transportation industry, many big companies now offer free CDL training programs, helping you earn your license and land a job.
Now’s the time to jump in with Amazon’s CDL Driver Academy, where you’ll get the training you need to start driving, all while partnering with Amazon Freight Partners.
Why Choose Free CDL-A Training and Certification?
There are currently over a million unfilled truck driver jobs in the United States. These jobs are essential to keeping the economy running and moving freight every day. Recent supply chain delays demonstrate how important trucking is. Earning a CDL license can open doors to a variety of jobs—from local routes to cross-country freight.
Amazon CDL Driver Academy
Amazon’s free training program is taught by experienced truck driving instructors, many of whom have safely driven over a million miles themselves. You’ll earn while you learn at an Amazon Freight Partner training school, setting yourself up for a successful career in truck driving.
Pay Details
Training Pay: You’ll earn $14/hour during the six-week program (8 hours a day, 5 days a week).
After Graduation: Your hourly rate jumps to $24/hour!
Additional Perks
Earn More: $24/hour starting pay, with potential overtime and performance bonuses.
Steady Work: Commit to at least 3 shifts per week (13 hours per shift) year-round, with opportunities for extra shifts and overtime.
Great Benefits: A W2 job with paid time off, health and dental insurance, and 401(k) plans.
How to Apply and Get Started
Applying to the Amazon CDL Driver Academy is the first step toward becoming a professional truck driver. Here’s how to do it:
1. Make Sure You Qualify
Before applying, confirm you meet these basic requirements:
Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
Health: Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, including vision and hearing tests.
Language: Speak, read, and write English fluently.
Driving Record: Meet DOT motor vehicle record (MVR) standards with no major violations.
Tech Skills: Be willing to use handheld tech and smartphone apps like GPS.
Bonus points if you have a year or more of experience using tech or apps. But don’t worry—lack of experience won’t stop you from getting accepted.
2. Submit Your Application
Online Application: Visit the Amazon CDL Driver Academy website and click the “Apply” button. Fill out the online form with accurate details.
Upload Required Documents: Provide your driver’s license, Social Security number, and a clean MVR.
Motivation Statement: You might be asked to write a short statement about why you want to be a truck driver and your career goals.
3. Complete an Interview
Once you’ve applied, you’ll be invited to an interview (either online or in person) to assess your skills and interest in the CDL program. Questions might include:
Why are you interested in truck driving?
Do you have any driving or technical experience?
What are your career goals?
4. Get Accepted and Enroll
If you pass the interview, you’ll receive an acceptance letter and be placed in one of two training tracks:
Full CDL-A Training Program: For those new to CDL, this program lasts 6 weeks.
Refresher Program: For those with a CDL-A license but limited experience, this program lasts 2 weeks.
Some programs may require a small deposit, but many are completely free. After acceptance, you’ll receive your schedule and training location details.
5. Start Training
Classroom Learning: Spend the first 5 days learning the basics, including traffic laws, safety, and truck mechanics.
Hands-On Training: From Week 2, you’ll start driving with instructor supervision. You’ll learn essential skills like highway driving, parking, and handling tricky road conditions.
Final Training: For the refresher program, you’ll log an additional 60 hours of driving to build confidence and experience.
6. Pass Your CDL-A Exam
At the end of the program, you’ll take the CDL-A certification exam (both written and practical). Once you pass, you’ll officially be a licensed CDL-A driver!
7. Start Driving with Amazon Freight Partners
With your CDL-A in hand, you’ll be directly referred to an Amazon Freight Partner for employment. Here’s what happens next:
Sign Your Contract: Before starting, you’ll sign a work agreement outlining your pay, hours, and benefits.
On-the-Job Training: You’ll get additional training to learn Amazon Freight Partner’s specific processes and standards.
Hit the Road: Start working your 3 required shifts per week, with plenty of chances to pick up extra hours and earn more.
Why Amazon CDL Driver Academy?
Amazon CDL Driver Academy doesn’t just offer new drivers a chance to break into the industry—it gives you the skills, experience, and certification needed to succeed. After completing the program, you’ll have the opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading logistics companies, enjoy competitive pay, and build a stable, high-paying career.
Ready to start your journey? Apply today and take advantage of this free CDL training program. It’s your chance to gain professional skills without spending a dime and secure a bright future in trucking!