Starting a trucking career at a young age can feel challenging, especially with strict age and insurance requirements in the industry. Many new drivers actively search for trucking companies that hire 21 year olds because they want a stable, well-paying career without waiting years for eligibility. This guide breaks down which companies hire at 21, why age matters, and how to maximize your chances of getting hired quickly.
Trucking Companies That Hire 21 Year Olds (Quick Overview)
Yes—many trucking companies do hire 21-year-old drivers, especially for interstate CDL positions, which legally require drivers to be at least 21. These companies typically offer entry-level or training programs designed specifically for new drivers with little or no experience.
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Most 21-year-old drivers start in:
- OTR (Over-the-Road) trucking
- Regional routes
- Dedicated beginner accounts
Why Age Matters in the Trucking Industry
Age requirements are influenced by federal law, insurance policies, and risk management, not just company preference.
Key legal factors
- Interstate CDL driving requires drivers to be 21 or older
- Intrastate driving may allow 18–20 in some states
- Insurance companies often set minimum age thresholds
Because of this, turning 21 is a major milestone for starting a national trucking career.
Can You Get a CDL at 21?
Yes. At 21, you can:
- Hold a Class A CDL
- Drive across state lines
- Apply to major national carriers
- Qualify for long-haul routes
This makes you eligible for far more job opportunities than younger drivers.
Top Trucking Companies That Hire 21 Year Olds
Below are well-known US carriers that regularly hire drivers starting at age 21, including recent CDL graduates.
1. Swift Transportation
Swift is one of the largest trucking companies in North America and a popular starting point.
Why Swift hires 21-year-olds
- Strong new driver training programs
- Nationwide routes
- High freight volume
What to expect
- Paid CDL training options
- Mentorship with experienced drivers
- OTR or regional routes
2. Schneider National
Schneider is known for safety and structured onboarding.
Key highlights
- Entry-level friendly
- Excellent safety reputation
- Clear career paths
Schneider often hires 21-year-olds with little to no experience and provides strong support.
3. CR England
CR England actively recruits new drivers and young CDL holders.
Best for
- Brand-new CDL graduates
- Drivers needing training refreshers
- Team driving opportunities
They are one of the most accessible options for 21-year-old drivers.
4. Prime Inc.
Prime Inc. offers extensive training but has higher standards.
What makes Prime different
- Longer training period
- Emphasis on safety and fuel efficiency
- Competitive long-term pay growth
Prime hires 21-year-olds but expects commitment and professionalism.
5. Roehl Transport
Roehl is highly regarded for its driver training programs.
Benefits
- Paid CDL training
- Safety-first culture
- Predictable freight
Many 21-year-old drivers begin their careers with Roehl and stay long-term.
6. Werner Enterprises
Werner offers opportunities across multiple divisions.
Why Werner is attractive
- Nationwide operations
- Dedicated and regional options
- Consistent freight
They commonly hire drivers at 21 with minimal experience.
Do All Trucking Companies Hire at 21?
No. Some companies set higher minimum ages due to:
- Insurance costs
- Cargo type
- Specialized hauling (hazmat, oversized loads)
That’s why targeting companies known for hiring younger drivers is essential.
What Types of Trucking Jobs Are Available at 21?
Most 21-year-old drivers start in roles that balance training with freight demand.
Common entry-level roles
- OTR dry van
- Regional routes
- Dedicated beginner accounts
- Team driving
Specialized hauling usually comes later.
Pay Expectations for 21-Year-Old Truck Drivers
Pay varies by company, route, and experience.
Typical earnings
- First year average: $45,000–$60,000
- Weekly pay: $900–$1,300
- Mileage-based pay is common
With clean records and experience, income can increase significantly after year one.
Insurance and Safety Considerations
Insurance companies often consider younger drivers higher risk.
What companies look for
- Clean driving record
- No DUI or reckless driving
- Willingness to follow safety protocols
- Completion of company training
Good habits early can dramatically improve your career trajectory.
How to Get Hired by Trucking Companies at 21 (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Get Your CDL
Choose a reputable CDL school or company-sponsored training.
Step 2: Maintain a Clean Record
Avoid traffic violations, especially before applying.
Step 3: Apply to Entry-Level-Friendly Companies
Focus on carriers known for hiring new drivers.
Step 4: Be Flexible
OTR routes increase your chances of being hired.
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews
Show professionalism, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
CDL Training Programs for 21-Year-Olds
Many companies offer:
- Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Contract-based employment (6–12 months)
These programs lower entry barriers but require commitment.
Pros and Cons of Starting Trucking at 21
Advantages
| Pros |
|---|
| Early career start |
| Faster income growth |
| High job demand |
| Minimal college debt |
| Nationwide opportunities |
Disadvantages
| Cons |
|---|
| Long time away from home |
| Steep learning curve |
| Entry-level pay initially |
| Physical and mental demands |
Understanding both sides helps set realistic expectations.
Is Trucking a Good Career Choice at 21?
For many, yes.
Trucking offers:
- Stable demand
- Competitive pay without a degree
- Clear advancement paths
- Opportunities to specialize later
Drivers who start young often earn six figures later in their careers with experience.
Career Growth After Age 21
After 1–2 years of experience, drivers can move into:
- Dedicated accounts
- Regional routes with home time
- Owner-operator roles
- Specialized hauling (flatbed, tanker, hazmat)
Starting early gives you a long runway for growth.
What Disqualifies a 21-Year-Old Driver?
Common disqualifiers include:
- DUI or drug-related offenses
- Poor driving record
- Failed drug tests
- Incomplete CDL requirements
Avoiding these pitfalls is critical.
Why Companies Invest in Young Drivers
Trucking companies hire younger drivers to:
- Address driver shortages
- Build long-term loyalty
- Train drivers to company standards
- Reduce turnover long-term
This creates opportunities for motivated 21-year-olds.
Industry Outlook for Young Truck Drivers
The US trucking industry faces ongoing labor shortages.
According to industry data summarized on Wikipedia’s trucking overview, demand for qualified drivers continues to grow, creating long-term opportunities for young professionals:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truck_driver
Common Mistakes Young Drivers Should Avoid
- ❌ Jumping companies too quickly
- ❌ Ignoring safety rules
- ❌ Choosing pay over training quality
- ❌ Failing to read contracts
- ❌ Poor communication with dispatch
Early mistakes can slow career progress.
FAQ: Trucking Companies That Hire 21 Year Olds
Q1: Can I drive interstate at 21?
Yes. Federal law allows interstate CDL driving at age 21.
Q2: Do trucking companies hire 21-year-olds with no experience?
Yes, many offer entry-level training programs.
Q3: What is the best company for new drivers at 21?
Swift, Schneider, Roehl, and CR England are popular choices.
Q4: Is trucking safe for young drivers?
Yes, with proper training and adherence to safety standards.
Q5: Can I earn good money starting at 21?
Yes. Many drivers earn solid incomes in their first year and increase quickly.
Conclusion
Finding trucking companies that hire 21 year olds is absolutely possible—and often easier than many expect. With the right CDL training, a clean driving record, and realistic expectations, 21-year-old drivers can launch stable, high-demand careers in trucking.
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