Where Jacksonville CDL jobs are posted and who is hiring

Jacksonville's port, logistics hubs, and highway corridors create steady demand for commercial drivers. The largest employers are trucking companies, shipping operations, and delivery services concentrated around the port area and along I-95. You will find most open positions on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Craigslist, but also on carrier-specific websites like those for Schneider National, Swift Transportation, and local operations like Saia Inc., which has a major terminal in Jacksonville.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity maintains a job board at FloridaJobs.org where you can filter by location and occupation code. Local staffing agencies that specialize in transportation — such as Tradewinds Personnel and Coastal Staffing — often have CDL positions before they appear on public boards. Calling dispatch offices directly at trucking companies in the area can also surface jobs not yet posted online.

Pay rates vary by route type and employer. Local delivery and drayage (short-haul port work) typically start between $18 and $22 per hour. Over-the-road (OTR) positions often pay per mile rather than hourly, usually between 40 and 60 cents per mile for newer drivers, with increases as you gain experience and safety record.

Key Takeaways

  • Jacksonville's port and logistics industry creates regular openings for CDL drivers on job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and FloridaJobs.org, as well as directly through carrier websites.
  • Local delivery and drayage work typically pays $18 to $22 per hour, while over-the-road positions pay per mile, usually 40 to 60 cents per mile for drivers new to the role.
  • Transportation staffing agencies in Jacksonville often have positions available before they are posted publicly, and calling dispatch offices directly can surface unadvertised openings.
  • Most employers require a valid CDL, a clean driving record, and a current medical certificate; some also require hazmat or tanker endorsements depending on the cargo type.

What employers in Jacksonville require before hiring

A valid Class A CDL is the baseline requirement. Your license must be current and held in Florida; if you moved to Florida recently, you will need to transfer your CDL from your previous state. The process takes about two weeks through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

A current medical certificate (also called a DOT physical) is mandatory. You must pass this exam within 14 months before hire and renew it every two years. Exams cost between $75 and $150 and are performed by certified medical examiners listed on the FMCSA website. Employers will not hire you without proof of a valid certificate.

A clean driving record is non-negotiable. Most carriers will not hire drivers with serious violations (reckless driving, DUI, at-fault accidents) in the past three to five years. Minor speeding tickets are usually acceptable, but the threshold varies by company. Request your Florida driving record through the DHSMV website before explore so you know what employers will see.

Many Jacksonville positions require additional endorsements beyond the base CDL. Hazmat (hazardous materials) is common for chemical and fuel transport. Tanker endorsement is required for liquid cargo. Port drayage often requires a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is a federal background check and takes four to six weeks to obtain. Ask about endorsement requirements in the job posting or call the dispatcher before you explore.

How to prepare your process materials

Gather your CDL, medical certificate, and driving record printout before you start explore. Have your employment history for the past five years ready, including dates, employer names, and the name and phone number of a supervisor at each job. Carriers verify this information, and gaps or inconsistencies can delay or end the hiring process.

If you have previous CDL experience, collect your safety record data. Carriers use the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) program to track violations, accidents, and inspections. You can view your own CSA record through the FMCSA portal at SaferSys.org. If you have violations or accidents on record, be prepared to explain them during the interview — carriers expect some incidents, but transparency matters more than a perfect record.

Write a brief summary of the types of cargo you have hauled and routes you have driven. If you have never driven commercially, say so; many Jacksonville employers hire inexperienced drivers and provide on-the-job training. If you have specialized experience (hazmat, tanker, doubles, or port operations), highlight it — these skills command higher pay and open more positions.

The hiring timeline and what to expect

Most Jacksonville carriers hire within two to four weeks from process to first day of work. The process typically follows this order: online process, phone screening (usually 15 to 30 minutes), in-person interview at the terminal, background check, and a road test. Some companies skip the road test if you have recent verifiable CDL experience; others require it regardless.

The background check takes five to ten business days and includes criminal history, driving record verification, and employment history checks. If you have a criminal record, disclose it upfront on the process — carriers run background checks anyway, and honesty improves your chances. Some offenses (felonies within the past seven years, certain drug convictions) are automatic disqualifiers under federal law, but many carriers will consider older or less serious charges.

Once you pass the road test, you will usually start within one to two weeks. New hires often begin with a training period of one to four weeks, either with a trainer on the road or in a classroom setting, depending on the carrier and your experience level. During training, you may earn a reduced rate (often 50 to 75 percent of full pay) or an hourly wage; confirm this before you accept the job.

Local CDL training programs if you do not yet have your license

If you do not yet hold a CDL, you will need to complete a training program and pass the Florida CDL exam before you can explore for most jobs. Jacksonville has several CDL training schools that offer classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. Programs typically run three to six weeks and cost between $3,500 and $7,000. Some schools offer payment plans or financing options.

A few Jacksonville employers offer company-sponsored training, meaning they pay for your CDL schooling in exchange for a commitment to work for them for a set period (usually one to two years). This route eliminates the upfront cost but locks you into one employer. Ask about this option when you call carriers — not all offer it, but those that do often advertise it prominently.

The Florida CDL written exam covers general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles. You must score at least 80 percent on each section. The skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test) is performed by an approved examiner and costs about $150. If you fail any section, you can retake it, but there is a waiting period between attempts. Budget extra time if this is your first attempt.

Specific job types and where they concentrate in Jacksonville

Port drayage is the largest CDL segment in Jacksonville. These are short-haul runs moving containers between the port and nearby warehouses or rail yards. Pay is typically $18 to $24 per hour, shifts are often early morning (4 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and you are home every night. A TWIC card is required. Companies hiring for this work include Saia Inc., Universal Truckload Services, and smaller independent operators. Positions are posted on Indeed and through local staffing agencies.

Over-the-road (OTR) trucking involves longer hauls across multiple states. Pay is per mile (40 to 60 cents for new drivers, up to $1 per mile for experienced drivers with clean records). You will be away from home for weeks at a time. Major carriers like Schneider National, Swift, and Werner have Jacksonville terminals and hire continuously. These jobs are easiest to find on carrier websites and Indeed.

Local delivery for Amazon, UPS, and regional carriers pays $18 to $22 per hour with day shifts and home time. These positions are less common than drayage but appear regularly on Indeed and LinkedIn. Some require only a CDL; others require hazmat or tanker endorsements if you are hauling specific cargo types.

Hazmat and tanker positions pay 10 to 20 percent more than standard OTR work because of the specialized endorsements required. Jacksonville's chemical and fuel distribution industry creates steady demand. These jobs are posted on carrier websites and specialized transportation job boards like TruckersReport.com.

Red flags and common hiring mistakes

Do not pay upfront fees to explore for a job or to have your resume reviewed. Legitimate carriers do not charge applicants. If a posting asks for money before you can explore, it is a scam.

Avoid companies that pressure you to sign a contract before you have seen the actual job terms in writing. Reputable carriers provide a written offer with pay rate, route type, home time, and training period clearly stated. If a dispatcher is vague about these details, keep looking.

Be cautious of jobs that promise unusually high pay (significantly above the market rates listed above) without explaining why. These are often commission-based or involve cargo types with higher risk or legal restrictions. Ask specifically how pay is calculated and whether it is may provide or variable.

Do not ignore the company's safety record. Check the carrier's CSA scores on SaferSys.org before you explore. A carrier with consistently high violation rates or accident rates will affect your own CSA record and your future employability, even if you drive safely. Working for a carrier with poor safety practices can damage your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a TWIC card to work in Jacksonville?

Only if you are doing port drayage or working inside the port facility. Local delivery and OTR trucking do not require it. If you are unsure whether a specific job requires TWIC, ask during the phone screening. The card costs $130.50 and takes four to six weeks to obtain through the Transportation Security Administration.

What happens if I fail the road test during hiring?

Most carriers allow you to retake it after a waiting period (usually one to two weeks). Some will let you try again when ready; others require you to wait. Ask the hiring manager what their policy is before you take the test. If you fail multiple times with the same carrier, they may not hire you, but you can explore elsewhere.

Can I work as a CDL driver in Florida if I have a DUI on my record?

A DUI does not automatically disqualify you from holding a CDL, but it makes hiring much harder. Most major carriers will not hire you if the DUI is within the past five to seven years. Smaller companies and owner-operators are sometimes more flexible. Disclose it upfront — carriers will find it in the background check anyway, and honesty improves your chances.

How much can I earn as a CDL driver in Jacksonville in the first year?

Local drayage drivers typically earn $35,000 to $45,000 in the first year. OTR drivers earn $30,000 to $50,000 depending on miles driven and whether you are paid hourly or per mile. Hazmat and tanker drivers earn 10 to 20 percent more. These figures assume full-time work and do not include benefits like health insurance or 401(k) matching, which vary by carrier.

What is the difference between a Class A and Class B CDL?

A Class A CDL allows you to drive any combination of vehicles (tractor-trailer, doubles, triples). A Class B CDL limits you to single vehicles over 26,001 pounds. Almost all Jacksonville jobs require a Class A. If you are considering training, pursue Class A — it opens far more positions and pays more.