If you’re considering earning your Class A CDL, you’re looking at the pathway to a stable, flexible, and rewarding career. The transportation industry is one of the most essential in the country, and the demand for licensed truck drivers continues to grow. With a Class A CDL, your options go far beyond driving a semi-truck across the country. From regional delivery jobs to equipment operation and even leadership roles, there are countless CDL careers available that fit a variety of lifestyles, schedules, and long-term goals.
What is a Class A CDL?
A Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) qualifies drivers to operate vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds. This license is the most versatile of all, allowing drivers to haul everything from dry freight to tankers, oversized loads, and heavy machinery, with the correct endorsements. To earn your Class A license, you’ll need to complete classroom and hands-on training, pass a written exam, and demonstrate your driving skills during a state-certified road test. At DriveCo CDL Learning Center, students can complete this process and start applying for truck driving jobs in as little as four weeks.
Class A Opportunities
After Class A CDL training, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue many types of truck driving jobs. Each role varies in schedule, physical labor, and pay. Here are some of the most common CDL A careers:
Types of Driving Routes:
- Over-the-Road (OTR): Long-haul routes that span across multiple states or regions, keeping drivers on the road for several weeks at a time – great for those who enjoy travel and higher pay opportunities.
- Regional Trucking: Covers a specific geographic area, often allowing drivers to be home weekly – a balanced option between OTR and local routes.
- Local Delivery: These drivers stay within one area or city, delivering goods locally and typically returning home every day – ideal for those who want a consistent schedule and more time at home.
Types of Freight and Equipment:
- Regular Cargo: This is standard freight transported in enclosed trailers – the most common and widely available type of truck driving job.
- Flatbed Trucking: Drivers haul oversized or irregular loads that must be secured and often loaded manually. It requires physical labor but usually comes with higher pay.
- Tanker Hauling: This involves transporting liquids such as fuel, chemicals, or food-grade liquids. A tanker endorsement is required, and salaries are higher due to the added responsibility.
- Heavy Equipment Hauling: Common in construction and infrastructure, these jobs involve transporting machinery like bulldozers and excavators. This may include working in tough environments or hauling equipment across multiple states.
With a Class A CDL, you’re not limited to one type of truck driving job. You can tailor your career to match your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you want to travel the country or stay close to home, there’s a role for you.
Class B and Other Opportunities
One major advantage of having a Class A CDL is that it also qualifies you for many Class B CDL jobs, which typically involve operating single vehicles under 26,001 pounds (with no towed unit over 10,000 pounds). These roles often require less travel and are ideal for those seeking more routine schedules or people-facing roles.
Here are some types of Class B related roles you can pursue:
- Bus Driving: Operate school buses, public transit vehicles, charter buses, or shuttle services. These roles offer set routes, shorter driving times, and opportunities to interact with the community.
- Engineering & Construction Equipment Operator: Run heavy machinery like cranes, steamrollers, skid steers, and pump trucks. Often tied to public construction or infrastructure projects, this work is hands-on and can be seasonal depending on location.
- Delivery Driver: Deliver items such as furniture, medical equipment, or bulk goods locally or regionally. Spend less time on the road than long-haul jobs and have more consistent schedules.
- Tractor Trailer Technician: While not a driving role, having a CDL is extremely helpful when maintaining or test-driving commercial vehicles.
- Terminal or Transportation Manager: Use your experience to manage drivers, routes, and logistics operations. A CDL isn’t always required, but it helps you better understand the industry.
- CDL Instructor: Help train new drivers by teaching courses, supervising road training, and sharing your real-world experience. It’s a great path for those who want to give back to the profession.
DriveCo’s Employer Partners
One of the benefits of completing Indiana CDL training with DriveCo is our commitment to your career after graduation. We work closely with a network of employer partners who are actively hiring new CDL graduates for a wide range of CDL A careers, from local delivery companies to nationwide carriers. Our strong community partnerships mean we understand what employers need and help ensure our students are career-ready. Plus, our dedicated job placement assistance team is here to support your job search, offering personalized career guidance to help match you with the right opportunity. Our graduates’ success stories are a true testament to our commitment through every step of your career.
Begin Your Trucking Carer with DriveCo
Whether you’re drawn to life on the road, want a steady local driving job, or are looking for a switch to transportation logistics, a Class A CDL gives you the freedom and flexibility to choose your path. With the growing demand for qualified drivers, there’s never been a better time to enter the industry. At DriveCo, we’re here to help you gain the skills, training, and connections you need to succeed. Explore tuition assistance options, class schedules, and begin preparing for your next career journey in the trucking industry.
