A beginner truck driver resume is your ticket to landing your first job in the industry.

Whether you’ve recently earned your CDL or are transitioning from another field, having a well-structured document can help you stand out. Since many companies are open to hiring entry-level specialists, focusing on relevant skills, certifications, and training is key.

This guide will walk you through the essential sections of a truck driver resume, what recruiters look for, and how to make your resume as good as possible.

Beginner truck driver resume examples

New CDL truck driver resume sample

Beginner CDL truck driver resume template

CDL Truck Driver Resume
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Resume for truck driver with no experience | Plain text

John Reynolds
Dallas, TX | (123) 456-7890 | john.reynolds@email.com | LinkedIn: /in/johnreynolds

Summary

Dedicated and safety-conscious CDL holder with strong knowledge of DOT regulations and hands-on training in vehicle operation. Eager to start a career as a professional truck driver, ensuring timely and secure deliveries. Committed to following safety procedures and maintaining high efficiency on the road.

Skills

  • CDL Class A with clean driving record
  • Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
  • GPS navigation and route planning
  • Defensive driving techniques
  • Logbook and ELD usage
  • Time management and organization
  • Strong work ethic and adaptability

Education

CDL Training Program

RoadMasters Truck Driving School, Dallas, TX | 2025

Experience

Apprentice Driver (Training Program)

Swift Transportation, Dallas, TX | Jan – May 2025

  • Completed 120 hours of supervised driving with an experienced mentor, covering both city and highway routes.
  • Conducted pre-trip and post-trip inspections, ensuring compliance with DOT safety regulations.
  • Assisted in managing trip logs using ELD software to track driving hours and maintain compliance.
  • Gained experience in basic vehicle maintenance, including checking fluid levels and inspecting tires.

Warehouse Associate

Lone Star Freight Logistics, Fort Worth, TX | May 2022 – Dec 2024

  • Handled inventory management, assisting in loading and unloading cargo for regional shipments.
  • Used forklifts and pallet jacks to transport materials safely and efficiently within the warehouse.
  • Worked closely with drivers to ensure timely departures by organizing freight in proper load order.
  • Maintained accurate records of incoming and outgoing shipments to track deliveries and stock levels.

Certifications

  • CDL Class A (Texas) – Issued Feb 2025
  • DOT Medical Certification – Issued Jan 2024

Additional Information

  • Willing to relocate for job opportunities
  • Flexible with scheduling, including nights and weekends

Volunteer Experience

  • Assisted at local CDL training workshops, helping new students with pre-trip inspection practice.
  • Participated in a community food drive, transporting and distributing goods to shelters.

Strong sides of this truck driver resume example:

  • Clearly highlights hands-on training through an apprenticeship program, showing practical exposure.
  • Includes a volunteer experience section, adding credibility and industry involvement.
  • Well-structured with concise bullet points, making it easy for recruiters to scan quickly.
How to properly format a truck driver resume?
  • Choose a clean, classic font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Keep text size between 10–12 points for readability.
  • Limit resume length to one page, ensuring only relevant information is included.
  • Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides for a well-balanced layout.
  • Use single or 1.15 line spacing for better organization.
  • Clearly label resume sections (e.g., "Skills," "Experience," "Education") for quick navigation.
  • Save as a PDF to preserve the look across different devices.
  • Refrain from excessive colors, decorative fonts, or images.

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Beginner local truck driver resume example

Sample beginner local truck driver resume

Michael Carter
Chicago, IL | (312) 987-6543 | michael.carter@email.com | LinkedIn: /in/michaelcarter

Summary

Hardworking and dependable CDL Class B driver with a strong work ethic and knowledge of Chicago’s transportation routes. Seeking a local truck driving position to gain hands-on experience while ensuring prompt and safe deliveries. Dedicated to customer service and efficient operations.

Skills

  • CDL Class B with a clean MVR
  • Safe vehicle operation in urban areas
  • Route planning and navigation
  • Customer service and communication
  • Basic vehicle maintenance
  • Loading and unloading procedures
  • Time management and reliability

Education

CDL Training Program

Chicago Professional Driving School, Chicago, IL | 2025

Experience

Delivery Assistant

Windy City Logistics, Chicago, IL | Jan – May 2025

  • Assisted drivers in completing daily delivery routes throughout the Chicago metro area.
  • Loaded and unloaded packages, ensuring items were secured properly for transportation.
  • Communicated with customers upon arrival to confirm deliveries and obtain signatures.
  • Helped navigate traffic and plan alternate routes to avoid delays during peak hours.

Warehouse Associate

Midwest Distribution Center, Chicago, IL | May 2022 – Dec 2024

  • Coordinated with truck drivers to prepare shipments for loading and unloading.
  • Maintained warehouse organization by sorting and labeling incoming freight.
  • Operated forklifts and pallet jacks safely, adhering to OSHA regulations.
  • Assisted in performing routine inventory checks to ensure stock accuracy.

Certifications

  • CDL Class B (Illinois) – Issued March 2025
  • Forklift Operator Certification – Issued Jan 2023

Additional Information

  • Comfortable with early morning and late-night shifts
  • Familiar with Chicago metro area and surrounding highways

Languages

  • English – Fluent
  • Spanish – Conversational

Why this example of a truck driver resume will impress recruiters:

  • Emphasizes familiarity with local routes and customer service, which are key for local driving jobs.
  • Features a language section, making it more appealing for diverse work environments.
  • Showcases transferable skills from warehouse and delivery assistant roles, strengthening the qualifications.
Should I choose a beginner truck driver resume objective or summary?

Resume summary

  • Best for applicants with some job history (even in related fields).
  • It provides a brief overview of your skills and qualifications.

Beginner truck driver resume summary sample:

CDL-certified truck driver with strong knowledge of DOT regulations and experience operating heavy vehicles. Skilled in route planning, safety compliance, and basic vehicle maintenance. Eager to join [Company Name] to ensure efficient and timely deliveries.

Resume objective

  • Ideal for those without experience or switching industries.
  • It focuses on career goals and enthusiasm for the role.

Beginner truck driver resume objective example:

Dedicated and safety-conscious driver with a newly obtained CDL and strong work ethic. Seeking an entry-level truck driving position to develop hands-on experience while ensuring efficient and safe transportation.

How to showcase your truck driver resume skills?

Since many trucking companies hire entry-level specialists, your skills section proves you have the necessary abilities to succeed.

  • Hard skills refer to technical competencies learned through training or certification.
  • Soft skills are personal traits and behaviors that improve work performance. They develop through work ethic, personal experience, and interactions with colleagues or trainers.

Truck driver hard skills:

  • CDL Class A or B
  • Vehicle inspection and maintenance
  • Defensive driving techniques
  • GPS and route planning
  • Logbook and ELD usage
  • Loading and unloading procedures
  • Hazardous materials handling (if certified)
  • Knowledge of DOT regulations
  • Time management for deliveries
  • Basic mechanical troubleshooting
  • Safe cargo securing
  • Night and long-haul driving
  • Fuel efficiency techniques
  • Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
  • Traffic law compliance

Soft skills for truck drivers:

  • Strong work ethic
  • Reliability and punctuality
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving
  • Adaptability
  • Communication skills
  • Patience on long routes
  • Ability to work independently
  • Customer service
  • Time management
  • Stress management
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • Situational awareness
  • Teamwork (if working with co-drivers)
  • Responsibility for cargo and vehicle safety

Beginner OTR truck driver resume template

Beginner OTR truck driver resume sample

OTR Truck Driver Resume
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Resume for beginner OTR truck driver | Text version

David Mitchell
Phoenix, AZ | (602) 555-1234 | david.mitchell@email.com | LinkedIn: /in/davidmitchell

Summary

Motivated and disciplined CDL Class A driver eager to begin an over-the-road (OTR) trucking career. Strong understanding of DOT safety regulations, long-haul trip planning, and cargo handling. Passionate about providing reliable transportation services across state lines.

Skills

  • CDL Class A with clean driving record
  • Long-haul route planning and navigation
  • Basic truck maintenance and safety checks
  • Logbook and electronic logging device (ELD) compliance
  • Cargo handling and securing loads
  • Fuel efficiency and time management
  • Adaptability to different road and weather conditions

Education

CDL Training Program

Southwest Trucking Academy, Phoenix, AZ | 2025

Experience

Driver Trainee

Knight Transportation, Phoenix, AZ | Jan – May 2025

  • Completed supervised long-haul training, covering multiple state routes and various road conditions.
  • Learned proper cargo handling techniques, including securing loads for interstate travel.
  • Maintained accurate driving logs and ensured compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations.
  • Assisted with vehicle inspections before and after trips, checking brakes, tires, and fluid levels.

Dock Worker

Desert Freight Systems, Tucson, AZ | June 2022 – Dec 2024

  • Loaded and unloaded freight for distribution, ensuring accuracy in shipment details.
  • Collaborated with drivers to prepare cargo for long-haul transportation.
  • Inspected shipments for damages and reported any discrepancies to supervisors.
  • Organized warehouse inventory and assisted with record-keeping for inbound and outbound freight.

Certifications

  • CDL Class A (Arizona) – Issued March 2025
  • Tanker Endorsement (T) – Issued April 2025
  • DOT Medical Certification – Issued Feb 2024

Additional Information

  • Willing to travel nationwide with flexible scheduling
  • Strong ability to stay focused and alert on long-haul trips

Equipment Proficiency

  • Experienced in using GPS fleet tracking systems for efficient route planning
  • Basic knowledge of diesel engine mechanics for minor roadside troubleshooting
  • Comfortable with both manual and automatic transmission trucks
  • Familiar with refrigerated trailer operation and temperature control monitoring

This sample truck driver resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Highlights long-haul experience through a structured training program, making it relevant for OTR jobs.
  • Includes an equipment proficiency section, demonstrating technical knowledge beyond driving.
  • Lists endorsements, such as the Tanker Endorsement, which can expand job opportunities.
What academic credentials should I add to my truck driver resume?

Even though trucking is a skill-based profession, the education section helps showcase your qualifications.

  • High school diploma or GED (if applicable).
  • Truck driving school or CDL training program (write school name, location, and year completed).
  • Certifications (e.g., Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples endorsements).
  • Relevant workshops or courses related to driving, logistics, or vehicle maintenance.
How to organize the experience section in an entry-level truck driver resume?
  • List jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
  • Include job title, company name, location, and employment dates.
  • Use bullet points to describe responsibilities and achievements.
  • If you lack experience, add CDL training details, internships or apprenticeships, and volunteer driving (e.g., community transport services).

Conclusion

Starting a career may seem challenging, but a strong truck driver resume can open doors to great opportunities.

By emphasizing your CDL training, relevant skills, and any hands-on experience, you’ll increase your chances of getting hired by a reputable company.

Keep your document clear, professional, and tailored to each job application. With the right approach, you’ll be on the road to success in no time.

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