Month: November 2019

Updated Jan. 2025

If you’re a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) holder, you’ve probably spent time behind the wheel of big rigs, hauling goods across long distances. While trucking is a major career option for CDL holders, it’s not the only one. Many people with a CDL decide to switch things up and explore non-trucking jobs for CDL holders. These alternative careers can offer better work-life balance, different types of work environments, and even opportunities to use your skills in new ways. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best non-trucking jobs for CDL holders that you might want to consider.

Driver Instructor or Trainer

If you’ve got experience as a truck driver, why not share your knowledge with others? One of the most rewarding non-trucking jobs for CDL holders is becoming a driver instructor or trainer. In this role, you’ll teach new drivers the skills they need to pass their CDL test and succeed in the trucking industry. It’s a great option for those who enjoy teaching and have a passion for the industry. Many trucking schools and companies are always looking for experienced drivers to help train the next generation.

Logistics Coordinator

Logistics coordinators help companies plan and manage the transportation of goods. While this job involves some of the same concepts as driving a truck, you’ll be working more with scheduling, planning, and coordinating deliveries rather than actually driving. As someone with a Class A CDL, you already understand the challenges of logistics—like dealing with traffic, timing, and routes—so this role is a natural fit for many CDL holders. Logistics coordinators work in offices, warehouses, or dispatch centers, and the job can offer regular hours and a comfortable work environment compared to long-haul trucking.

Dispatching

Dispatchers play a crucial role in the trucking industry by communicating with drivers, planning routes, and ensuring that shipments are delivered on time. For CDL holders, this can be one of the most rewarding non-trucking jobs for CDL holders, as it allows you to stay connected to the industry without the need to drive. Your knowledge of the roads and trucking regulations makes you fully equipped for this role, as you’ll be able to understand what drivers need and how to optimize their routes. Dispatching is often done from an office, and many companies offer flexible hours or the option to work remotely.

Safety Compliance Officer

Truck drivers are held to strict safety standards, and so are the companies they work for. As a safety compliance officer, you would be responsible for ensuring that drivers and companies follow federal and state regulations. You might conduct inspections, review safety records, or help businesses maintain safety standards. This job requires a strong understanding of regulations and a keen eye for detail—qualities that many CDL holders already possess. It’s a great way to stay in the transportation industry without being on the road all the time.

Heavy Equipment Operator

If you enjoy working with large machines but want to get off the road, becoming a heavy equipment operator could be a perfect fit. Heavy equipment operators drive and operate machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators at construction sites, quarries, and mining operations. Many employers seek individuals with a CDL because they understand how to operate large vehicles safely and are familiar with safety regulations. This job often involves working outdoors and on construction sites, which can be a great change of pace if you’re looking to try something new.

Expanding Your Career Horizons

A Class A CDL opens the door to many different career opportunities beyond just trucking. Whether you’re interested in teaching, logistics, or working with heavy machinery, there are plenty of non-trucking jobs for CDL holders that can give you a change of pace while still utilizing your expertise.

Take the first step by earning your Class A CDL at a reputable trucking school like CDS Tractor Trailer Training! Our job placement services will assist you in finding a best-fit career for you, and check out our options for financial assistance before beginning training!

Give us a call at 540-361-6661 to learn how you can begin CDL training and launch a successful trucking career!

(Updated March 21, 2024)

Many veterans return to civilian life and wonder what their next step will be. How will they earn an income and continue supporting their families? To many veterans, this is a genuine and worrisome thought. However, many military veterans are discovering a new career in trucking is something they can become very passionate about.

Why the Trucking Industry:

After retiring from the military, many veterans will have experience driving heavy military machinery. This can translate beautifully onto the open road when they become a truck driver. All 50 states and Washington, DC, have passed the Military Skills Test Waiver. The Military Skills Test Waiver allows a soldier who has at least two (2) years of experience driving heavy military equipment and has done so within the last year (12 months) to be exempt from the road test portion of their CDL education. This makes transitioning into a new career even faster for veterans coming home and looking for a job transition. Veterans can also use their GI Bill® to help pay for some or all of their CDL training at CDS Tractor Trailer Training.

Using Your Military Skills:

Many of the skills you learned in the military transfer to the trucking industry. To be successful as a truck driver, you must be self-motivated and disciplined, follow regulations on rest and driving time, and be on schedule. You must also be reliable and punctual so your carrier knows you will deliver the load on time every time, or communicate if something prevents you from doing so.

A Career that will Support You:

After completing your service to our country, you can rely on the trucking industry for a secure job in an in-demand field. Entry-level trucking jobs often start at $40,000+ annually, and some management positions can reach $80,000+. You will also get paid vacation time, full health care benefits, and a retirement package. Many companies also offer additional monetary incentives for reaching certain industry goals or performance standards.

Now that you are done serving our country, we hope that you will consider a job in the trucking industry. A secure job that will give you peace of mind and the ability to support your family is what you deserve! Now is your time to travel the country you fought so hard to protect.

For more information about why you should consider a career in trucking as a veteran, contact CDS Tractor Trailer Training. CDS provides both Class A CDL training and Class B CDL Training in four convenient locations throughout Virginia.