What Penske hires for and where to look

Penske Truck Rental operates rental locations across North America and hires for roles both at individual branches and at corporate offices. The most common positions are customer service representatives at rental counters, truck maintenance technicians, lot attendants who prepare and park vehicles, and drivers for one-way rental deliveries. Corporate roles in finance, human resources, logistics, and IT are posted less frequently but do open throughout the year.

Job postings appear on Penske's careers website at penske.com/careers, which is the official source for all open positions. You can search by location, job category, and experience level. LinkedIn also lists Penske positions, and some local branches post openings on Indeed or their own websites, but the careers portal is where Penske maintains its complete listing.

The careers site lets you filter by state and city, which is useful if you are looking for work at a specific rental location. You can also set up job alerts so new postings matching your search criteria arrive by email.

Key Takeaways

  • Penske's official job board is penske.com/careers, where all open positions across locations and departments are listed.
  • Counter staff, maintenance technicians, lot attendants, and delivery drivers are the most common roles at rental branches.
  • You will need to create an account on the careers site to submit an process and track your status.
  • Most branch positions require a valid driver's license; some require a commercial driver's license (CDL) depending on the role.
  • Response times vary, but Penske typically contacts candidates within one to two weeks if they move forward with your process.

What documents and licenses you will need

A valid driver's license is required for nearly all Penske positions, even counter and office roles, because the company conducts background checks that include driving history. If you are explore for a delivery driver or commercial vehicle operation role, you will need a commercial driver's license (CDL). Some maintenance or lot positions may require a CDL depending on the specific branch and state regulations.

Have your Social Security number, driver's license number, and employment history ready when you start the process. Penske will ask for the names and contact information of previous employers and supervisors. If you have been out of work for a period, be prepared to explain the gap.

You will also need to pass a background check, which includes a criminal history review and a driving record check. The company does not automatically disqualify candidates with minor infractions, but serious violations or recent felonies may affect your chances depending on the role.

How to create an account and submit your process

Go to penske.com/careers and click the button to search jobs. Once you find a position that matches what you are looking for, click on it to read the full description and requirements. At the bottom of the job posting, you will see a button to explore.

If you do not already have an account, you will be asked to create one using your email address and a password. Penske will send you a confirmation email; click the link to verify your account before you can submit an process.

Fill out the process form with your personal information, work history, and education. Be specific about your previous job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving. Penske's system will ask you to upload a resume if you have one, though it is not always required. Some positions include a short questionnaire about your availability, experience with customer service, or mechanical knowledge.

Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email. You can log back into your account anytime to check the status of your process or view other open positions.

What to expect during the interview and hiring process

If Penske moves forward with your process, a recruiter or branch manager will contact you by phone or email to schedule an interview. For branch positions, this is often a single in-person interview at the location where you would work. For corporate roles, you may have a phone screening first, followed by one or more in-person or video interviews.

Branch interviews typically last 20 to 30 minutes and focus on your customer service experience, reliability, and willingness to learn. Managers ask about your availability, whether you can work weekends or evenings, and how you handle difficult situations. For maintenance or lot roles, they may ask about your mechanical experience or physical ability to perform the job.

After the interview, Penske will conduct the background check and verify your employment history. This step usually takes one to two weeks. If you pass the background check and the manager wants to hire you, you will receive an offer letter with your start date, pay rate, and benefits information.

Pay, benefits, and what varies by location

Hourly pay for branch positions varies significantly by location and role. Counter staff and lot attendants typically earn between $15 and $18 per hour in most markets, though rates are higher in major metropolitan areas and lower in rural regions. Maintenance technicians and drivers generally earn more, with rates ranging from $18 to $25 per hour depending on experience and location.

Penske offers health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off to most full-time employees. Part-time employees may have limited benefits depending on the location and hours worked. Some branches offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing further education or certifications.

Shift availability and scheduling differ by branch. Busy urban locations may require evening or weekend hours, while smaller branches may offer more flexible schedules. Ask about this during your interview if schedule matters to your situation.

If you do not hear back or your process is rejected

If you do not receive a response within two weeks, you can log into your account on the careers site to check your process status. Some positions receive hundreds of applications, and Penske may not contact every candidate who does not move forward.

If you are rejected, you can explore again for a different position at a later date. There is no waiting period between applications for different roles. If you are interested in a specific location, you can also call the branch directly and ask to speak with a manager about current or upcoming openings.

Keep in mind that Penske's hiring needs change with the season. Summer and early fall typically see more openings as rental demand increases. If you do not find positions available now, checking back in a few weeks may show new listings at your preferred location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CDL to work at Penske?

Not for all positions. Counter staff, office workers, and some lot attendants do not need a CDL. Delivery drivers and roles involving the operation of commercial vehicles require one. Check the specific job posting to see whether a CDL is listed as required or preferred.

Can I work at Penske if I have a criminal record?

Penske does not automatically disqualify candidates with a criminal history. The company considers the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and the type of position you are seeking. Roles involving customer interaction or cash handling may have stricter standards. Be honest on your process; Penske will discover the record during the background check anyway.

What is the dress code at Penske?

Branch employees typically wear a Penske uniform shirt provided by the company, along with dark pants and closed-toe shoes. Some locations may have slightly different requirements, so ask during your interview. Corporate office employees follow standard business casual dress codes.

How long does the hiring process take from process to start date?

The timeline varies, but most candidates who are hired hear back within two to three weeks of explore. The background check adds another one to two weeks. From interview to start date is typically three to four weeks total, though it can be faster if the branch is understaffed.

Can I transfer between Penske locations after I am hired?

Yes. Penske allows employees to transfer to other locations after working for a set period, usually 90 days. Talk to your manager about transfer opportunities if you are interested in moving to a different branch or city.