What Love's CDL jobs are and where they fit in the trucking industry

Love's Travel Stops operates over 600 locations across North America and is one of the largest employers of commercial drivers in the country. They hire drivers for two main roles: long-haul positions that cover regional and cross-country routes, and local delivery positions based at individual Love's locations. Both require a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the appropriate endorsements for the cargo you'll haul.

Love's is not a freight company — they're a travel center chain. This means their hiring needs differ from traditional trucking firms. They need drivers to move fuel, food, merchandise, and other supplies between their distribution centers and individual truck stops. Some positions involve hauling fuel in tanker trailers, which requires a tanker endorsement. Others focus on general freight or merchandise delivery.

The company has a formal driver recruitment program and posts openings on their careers website. They also work with trucking schools and CDL training programs, sometimes offering tuition reimbursement or signing bonuses to new drivers who commit to working for them after licensing.

Key Takeaways

  • Love's hires both long-haul and local delivery drivers, with tanker positions available for drivers who hold a tanker endorsement on their CDL.
  • You must have a valid CDL before explore; Love's does not sponsor CDL training, though some locations may offer tuition information after hire.
  • The hiring process includes a background check, medical certification (DOT physical), and a driving test in a Love's vehicle.
  • Pay and benefits vary by location and route type, so comparing offers from different Love's distribution centers is worth your time.
  • Love's driver jobs are posted on their careers website and through trucking schools, not through general job boards.

CDL requirements and endorsements Love's looks for

To drive for Love's, you need a valid CDL in the class that matches the vehicle you'll operate. Most positions require a Class A CDL, which allows you to drive combination vehicles (tractor-trailer rigs) with a gross vehicle weight rating over 26,001 pounds. Some local delivery roles may accept a Class B CDL if the vehicle weight is lower, but this is less common.

Endorsements matter significantly at Love's. If you're hired for a tanker position — hauling fuel or other liquids — you must have a tanker (T) endorsement on your CDL. This requires passing an additional written test covering the physics of liquid cargo and safe handling procedures. Hazmat endorsement (H) is sometimes required depending on the cargo, and you'll need a background check to obtain it. Some positions may require a passenger endorsement (P), though this is rare at Love's.

Your CDL must be valid and in good standing. Any suspensions, revocations, or serious violations will disqualify you. Love's also checks your driving record for the past three to five years, looking at moving violations, accidents, and any commercial violations.

The hiring process and what to expect

Love's hiring starts with an online process through their careers portal. You'll enter your CDL number, driving history, and work experience. The company verifies your license status when ready — if your CDL is suspended or expired, your process will be rejected at this stage.

If you pass the initial screen, you'll be contacted for a phone or in-person interview. Love's typically asks about your driving experience, why you're interested in the role, and your availability. They may also ask about your experience with specific cargo types (fuel, refrigerated goods, etc.) if you're explore for a specialized position.

Next comes a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. Love's requires all drivers to pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner. This checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall fitness to drive. You'll also undergo a background check covering criminal history, driving records, and previous employment. This typically takes one to two weeks.

The final step is a road test in a Love's vehicle. You'll demonstrate your ability to operate the specific truck or tanker you'd be driving, including pre-trip inspection, backing, and highway driving. This usually takes two to three hours and is conducted by a Love's training driver or manager.

Pay, benefits, and what the work schedule looks like

Love's driver pay varies significantly by location, route type, and experience level. Long-haul drivers typically earn more than local delivery drivers, and tanker positions often pay more than general freight. The company uses a combination of hourly pay and mileage-based compensation depending on the position. Signing bonuses for new drivers range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars at some locations, though this varies.

Benefits usually include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a 401(k) retirement plan, and paid time off. Some locations offer tuition reimbursement if you're pursuing additional training or certifications. Love's also offers discounts at their travel centers, which can add up if you're on the road frequently.

Work schedules depend on the position. Long-haul drivers typically work four to six days per week, with routes lasting several days to a week. Local delivery drivers usually work five days per week with consistent start and end times, though some positions involve early mornings or evening shifts. Home time varies — long-haul drivers may be out for a week or more, while local drivers return home daily.

How to find Love's CDL job openings

Love's posts driver openings on their official careers website (loves.com/careers). You can filter by location, job type (long-haul, local, tanker), and experience level. The site also lists specific distribution centers and their current hiring needs.

Trucking schools and CDL training programs often have partnerships with Love's. If you're enrolled in or recently completed a CDL program, ask your instructor or career services office whether Love's is recruiting. Some schools have direct relationships and can refer you directly to a hiring manager.

Job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter also list Love's positions, but explore through the official careers website is faster because your information goes directly into their system. Third-party boards sometimes have outdated postings or duplicate listings.

Common reasons drivers are rejected and how to avoid them

The most common rejection reason is a suspended or invalid CDL. If your license has any active suspension or has expired, you cannot be hired. Check your CDL status through your state's DMV before explore.

Serious moving violations or at-fault accidents in the past three to five years will disqualify many applicants. Love's is particularly strict about DUIs, reckless driving, and multiple speeding violations. A single violation doesn't automatically disqualify you, but the company weighs your overall record.

Failing the DOT physical is another common reason. High blood pressure, vision problems, or sleep apnea can result in a failed medical exam. If you know you have a condition that might affect your medical clearance, address it before explore — some conditions can be managed with treatment.

Poor performance on the road test also leads to rejection. Love's expects safe driving, smooth operation of the vehicle, and proper pre-trip inspection. If you're not confident in your driving skills, additional practice or a refresher course before testing is worth the investment.

Differences between Love's driver jobs and other trucking companies

Love's is a supply-chain and logistics employer, not a freight broker or carrier. This means you're moving Love's own products between their facilities, not hauling freight for external customers. The work is more predictable — routes are established, and you're not waiting for loads to be assigned.

Many trucking companies hire owner-operators (drivers who own their own trucks). Love's primarily hires company drivers who operate Love's vehicles. This means you don't bear the cost of truck maintenance, fuel, or insurance — Love's does.

Love's has a large network of locations, which can be an advantage if you want to transfer between regions or take a local position after long-haul driving. Smaller trucking companies may not offer this flexibility.

Pay structures also differ. Some trucking companies pay purely by the mile, while Love's often uses a hybrid model combining hourly pay with mileage bonuses. This can be more stable if you're stuck in traffic or waiting for cargo, since you're still earning hourly wages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to get hired at Love's?

No, Love's hires both experienced drivers and those with minimal commercial driving history. However, you must already have a valid CDL — they do not sponsor CDL training. Some locations offer tuition reimbursement after you're hired, but this varies by distribution center.

What happens if I fail the road test?

Most companies, including Love's, allow you to retake the test after a waiting period. Ask the hiring manager about their specific policy. If you fail, consider getting additional training or practice before retesting.

Can I transfer between Love's locations?

Yes, Love's has a large network and typically allows drivers to transfer after working at one location for a set period (usually six months to a year). This is one advantage of working for a large company with multiple distribution centers.

What endorsements do I absolutely need?

A Class A CDL is required for most positions. Tanker (T) and hazmat (H) endorsements are only needed if you're hired for those specific roles. You don't need them to explore, but having them makes you competitive for higher-paying positions.

How long does the hiring process take?

From process to job offer typically takes two to four weeks. The background check and DOT physical are the longest parts. Some locations may move faster if they're actively hiring.