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Finding qualified CDL drivers in today’s market is tough. With the demand for drivers growing and a driver shortage, trucking companies need to up their game by creating job ads that grab attention and get qualified drivers to apply.
A good job ad can be the secret to getting the right CDL drivers. Here’s how to write one that stands out in the crowded job market and brings in top CDL talent.
Know Your Audience: What CDL Drivers Want
Before you start writing your job ad, you need to know what CDL drivers want. While pay is important, there’s more to it than that.
What CDL Drivers Value:
Competitive pay and benefits: CDL drivers want to know they’re getting paid fairly for their work. Mention your competitive wages and any additional benefits you offer, such as health insurance or 401k.
Work-life balance: Many drivers are looking for jobs that let them be home more. Regional routes, flexible schedules or guaranteed home time can be big selling points.
Job security: Truck drivers want to work for companies with a future. If you offer long-term contracts or steady work, make sure to mention that in your ad.
Company culture and respect: Drivers want to feel respected and valued in their job. Mention any programs you have in place to support your drivers, such as wellness programs, support teams or family-friendly policies.
Write a Job Title That Grabs Attention
The first thing applicants see is the job title so make sure it’s catchy and informative. A clear title increases the chances of qualified CDL drivers clicking on your ad.
Good Job Titles:
Be specific: Use words like "CDL Driver" or "Truck Driver" and mention the type of license required (e.g. CDL Class A, CDL Class B).
Highlight benefits: If you’re offering a sign-on bonus, guaranteed home time or great pay mention it in the job title. For example, "CDL Class A Truck Driver – $5,000 Sign-On" or "CDL Driver – Home Every Weekend".
Keep it short and sweet: Don’t use long or complicated job titles that will confuse applicants.
Example Job Titles:
CDL Class A Driver – $80,000/Year + Weekly Home Time
CDL Truck Driver – Home Daily + $2,500 Sign-On
CDL Class A Driver for Regional Routes – Earn Up to $1,500/Week
Hook Drivers with a Strong Headline
The headline of your job ad is key. This is where you need to grab the attention of your audience and make them want to read more. Make your headline punchy, clear and driver-centric.
How to
Lead with your best benefits: Drivers are looking for what’s in it for them. Start with your biggest draw, whether it’s top pay, consistent home time or great benefits.
Show what sets you apart: If you have something that other companies don’t, such as a better safety record or driver support program, mention it first.
Talk to the driver: Use “you” language to make the ad feel personal and targeted to the reader. For example, “Are you looking for a steady driving job that gets you home every weekend?”
Example Headline:
“XYZ Trucking knows your time is valuable. That’s why we pay CDL Class A drivers top pay, get you home every weekend and offer a $5,000 sign-on bonus. Join our team and drive for a company that puts drivers first.”
Include a Job Description
Now that you’ve hooked the driver with your headline it’s time to give them more information about the job. The job description should outline what the job entails and what’s expected of the driver.
What to include in the Job Description:
Route types: Are you hiring for local, regional or OTR? Include this so drivers know what type of work they’ll be doing.
Hours and schedules: Mention the work hours, shifts and any flexibility in scheduling. If you offer home daily or weekly home time, state this clearly.
Pay: Be transparent. List the base pay, per mile rate and any additional bonuses (e.g. safety bonuses, performance incentives).
Job duties: Briefly outline what the driver will be doing, including loading/unloading, vehicle maintenance and safety checks.
Qualifications: List the required qualifications, including CDL type, experience and any endorsements (e.g. Hazmat, Tanker).
Example Job Description:
“We’re looking for CDL Class A drivers to join our regional team. Drivers will run regional routes, delivering on time in the Midwest. This job offers weekly home time and a competitive pay package with drivers earning up to $1,500/week. Safely operate company trucks, maintain logs and follow safety procedures.”
Benefits
The benefits section of your job ad is where you can brag about your company. CDL drivers aren’t just looking for good pay—they want to know what else comes with the job. Clearly list all benefits and emphasize the ones that make your company stand out.
Benefits to include:
Sign-on bonuses: If you offer a sign-on bonus, make sure to mention it.
Health and retirement benefits: List healthcare, dental, vision, 401(k) matching and other insurance options.
Paid time off (PTO): List vacation time, sick leave and paid holidays.
Performance incentives: If you have performance bonuses, safety bonuses or retention bonuses, include them.
Work-life balance: If you offer guaranteed home time or flexible schedules, drivers need to know.
Example Benefits:
“What We Offer:
$5,000 sign-on bonus for qualified CDL Class A drivers
Top pay up to $80,000/yr
Health, dental and vision
401(k) company match
Weekly home time and flexibility”
Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays”
Use a Call-to-Action (CTA)
The call-to-action is the final part of your job ad where you tell potential applicants what to do next. Be clear, concise and easy to follow.
Tips for a good CTA:
Be direct: Tell drivers exactly what you want them to do. For example, “Apply today” or “Call us now to learn more.”
Create urgency: Use “limited positions available” or “apply today to secure your spot” to get drivers to act fast.
Make it easy: Make the application process simple. Include a link to your application page or a phone number for drivers to apply by phone.
Example CTA:
“Ready to join our team? Apply today and drive for a company that puts drivers first. Call (555) 123-4567 or click below to apply.”
Win at CDL Drivers with your Job Ad
In a driver-short market, a good job ad is key to getting noticed and attracting top talent. By knowing what CDL drivers want, writing clearly and promoting what sets your company apart, you’ll fill those open jobs fast.
By following these steps, your job ads will not only capture the attention of qualified drivers but also motivate them to take action and apply.
