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What Every Driver Should Know About Non-CDL vs. CDL Jobs

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Are you looking to drive professionally? The type of driver’s license you hold can make all the difference. 

 

In the U.S., you’ll need either a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) or a non-CDL license, depending on the type of vehicle you plan to operate. Understanding the distinctions between these two licenses can help you choose the one that best fits your personal and professional goals. 

 

Keep reading to find out the key differences between CDL and non-CDL licenses, which jobs require which kind of license, and the benefits and challenges of each.  

 

What’s a CDL? 

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required for any driver operating large commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more. A CDL is also required for drivers who transport hazardous materials, carry over 15 passengers, or operate vehicles with a tanker or double/triple trailer.  

 

To obtain a CDL, drivers must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely handle these larger and more complex vehicles. CDL holders must meet specific federal and state requirements, including:  

 

  • Must pass written and skills-based CDL tests  
  • Age restrictions: 18 years old for intrastate driving, 21 years for interstate 
  • Some jobs require specific endorsements, including hazmat, tankers, or doubles/triples 

 

What are CDL Jobs? 

Having a CDL opens drivers up to a whole world of career opportunities. CDL holders generally earn more than non-CDL drivers due to a higher level of responsibility and the requirement to have more specialized skills.  

 

There is also a consistently high demand for CDL drivers, especially with the ongoing truck driver shortage. This demand creates job security and a variety of career options for CDL holders, allowing them to choose from numerous industries and driving positions. Some common career paths for CDL drivers include: 

 

  • Long-haul trucking (OTR) 
  • Tanker driving (liquid transport) 
  • Hazardous material transport 
  • Passenger transport such as driving buses or shuttles  

 

However, there are certain challenges and drawbacks to acquiring a CDL and holding a CDL job that every driver should be aware of.  

 

Obtaining a CDL requires extensive training, passing tests, and paying driving school fees. These fees can range from $1,000 to $8,000, though some companies may offer sponsored programs or tuition reimbursement. 

 

CDL drivers are also subject to federal regulations, including mandatory FMCSA rest periods and regular drug/alcohol testing. Many CDL jobs, especially OTR, involve being on the road for extended periods and require physical strength, dexterity, and stamina.  

 

What are Non-CDL Jobs? 

For those not looking to operate large commercial vehicles, a non-CDL license offers plenty of driving opportunities as well.  

 

Non-CDL jobs typically involve operating smaller vehicles, such as delivery vans, box trucks, or light-duty service vehicles, and don’t require the same level of certification or responsibility as a CDL. These positions can be ideal for drivers who prefer local routes, more predictable schedules, and less stringent requirements, while still offering steady employment in a variety of industries. 

 

These jobs have far fewer necessary qualifications, usually only requiring: 

 

  • A standard US driver’s license  
  • Some jobs may require light certifications or training, such as a forklift certification 
  • Less strict medical requirements. 
  • Age requirement is typically 18, with fewer restrictions on interstate driving 

 

Non-CDL jobs tend to have more regular hours, making it easier to maintain a predictable schedule and better work-life balance. Job training is also minimal, often just requiring basic company-specific instruction for certain roles such as handling packages or operating company vehicles.  

 

Some examples of non-CDL jobs include:  

 

  • Local delivery drivers such as UPS, Amazon, or FedEx 
  • Warehouse-to-store transportation 
  • Utility service vehicles 
  • Moving companies (small box trucks) 
  • Food and beverage delivery 
  • Courier services 

 

Just like CDL jobs, it is essential to also consider the drawbacks and challenges. Due to the lower level of responsibility and simpler vehicle operation, non-CDL drivers typically earn less than their CDL counterparts.  

 

Career growth can also be limited, as advancement opportunities are fewer without a CDL. Many non-CDL positions, especially in delivery or gig work, are part-time and may not offer benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. Additionally, non-CDL jobs can be less stable and more vulnerable to market fluctuations, resulting in less job security. 

 

 

 

Looking to learn more about other sectors of the transportation industry? Be sure to check out the rest of our Employer Blog posts and connect with us on social media for more industry updates and advice.  

 

3 Things to Know for a Non-CDL Driver Job

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non-cdl driver job
Do you need a commercial driver’s license to be a professional truck driver? Not necessarily. There are quite a few ways to get a non-CDL driver job. As delivery services become increasingly popular, driving jobs are in high demand, and a CDL isn’t always required. A non-CDL driving job is a great way to see if professional driving is for you. It’s also typically very quick to start, so if you want to jump right into driving, a non-CDL driver job could be the perfect fit. 

What Jobs Don’t Require a CDL?

Many professional trucking jobs require a CDL, but not all of them. Many delivery jobs with companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx do not require a CDL. Similarly, some box truck, reefer, and hotshot jobs do not require a commercial driver’s license.

Each company has different qualifications, so read the job description carefully for each non-CDL driver job.

If you’re new to trucking, you might be wondering whether you should get a CDL or apply for non-CDL jobs. Ultimately, that depends on what you want out of a trucking career. If you want to see the country and anticipate spending many years in the industry, a CDL will allow you to get a wider variety of jobs. On the other hand, if you want to jump in quickly and prefer to stay closer to home, a CDL may not be necessary. Non-CDL jobs are in demand and often keep you in a smaller range. Here are the pros and cons to consider before you take a non-CDL driver job.

1. The Pros

Fed Ex VanA non-CDL driver job can be a great choice because they are much faster and cheaper to start than earning a CDL license. For many delivery, box truck, and hotshot jobs, you will be able to start very quickly. If a CDL is not required, the only training you will need is typically provided with your new position. Similarly, there’s no large upfront cost for CDL training, so non-CDL jobs are a good choice if you want to get to a paycheck as quickly as possible. This also makes non-CDL driver jobs a particularly good fit for people between jobs. You can start right away with very little initial cost. 

Another huge perk of non-CDL driving jobs is that they are often local work. Many positions keep drivers in a relatively close geographic area. This means that drivers get to go home daily, which can be particularly good for drivers who want to spend more time with their families. Not all non-CDL driving jobs are local, so make sure to read the fine print before you take the job so you know exactly what to expect.

2. The Cons

There’s a lot to love about the “quick to start and quick to earn” nature of non-CDL driver jobs. That said, they are not for everyone. There are a few drawbacks that are worth considering before you jump right in.

DHL Van

First, some non-CDL driver jobs are contract work. When that’s the case, the pay may be lower, hours and workload may be inconsistent, and employees are often guaranteed fewer company protections. For people who live for the hustle, contract work can be a great way to earn extra cash. It’s not for everyone though. In addition, not all non-CDL driver jobs have a clear path for professional development. In other words, some of these jobs are great if you need a short-term job for a little while, but growth opportunities may be limited. 

The final factor to consider when looking at trucking jobs is vehicle use. Non-CDL drivers who use their personal vehicles for work should factor that into the total cost of the job. There will be some natural wear and tear on your vehicle because of the added use.  Typically the driver is responsible for any gas and maintenance costs, even when the cost is a result of increased work use.

3. How to Start

If you are ready to get started in trucking with a non-CDL driver job, the first thing to do is get a sense of jobs in your area. Based on the jobs you see, decide if there is a specific job or company that interests you. Then, read the job descriptions closely and clarify whether there is any additional training required. Look for jobs that are a good fit for your skills and lifestyle preferences, and you are ready to get started!

truck driver at loading dock

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