
For ages, foreigners have been working in the truck-driving sector in the United States. Truck driving jobs are a very popular profession for foreigners. Every year, thousands of driver jobs are created in the truck-driving sector in the United States. Every year, there is a severe crisis in the driving sector. And in order to fill this severe crisis, skilled and hardworking drivers from different countries come to work as truck drivers every year. That is why every year many people try to get hired as truck drivers in the United States through various means. Many of them search on Google or the Internet for “truck driver jobs in usa for foreigners.”
In this article, we will discuss how to get a truck driver job in the USA as a foreigner, what visa is required, what the salary is, and how to apply.
Why is the demand for truck drivers so high in the United States?
There are about 50 states in the United States. Various products and goods are supplied from one state to another. Each state in the United States is very developed in terms of commerce. Many factories and commercial establishments have been established in each state. As a result, various products are brought from one store to another state. That is why a large number of truck drivers are needed every year.
The main reasons are:
- The demand for online shopping (eCommerce) has increased
- A large number of older and experienced drivers retire every year
- Lack of sufficient CDL license holders in the country
- A large number of commercial establishments have been established in each state, which has resulted in the need for a large number of drivers.
Truck Driver Job Qualifications for Foreigners (USA)
If you want to employ yourself as a skilled driver in the United States, you must meet the following qualifications. If you do not have these qualifications, you will need to obtain them and apply later.
Required Qualifications:
- Age: At least 21 years
- Language: Basic proficiency in English
- Must have (or be willing to obtain) a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Clean driving record
- Pass a medical examination
What visa allows you to work as a truck driver in the United States?
Foreign truck drivers are typically granted the H-2B worker visa. This is a temporary (non-agricultural) work visa that is approved for a specific period of time.
H-2B Visa – Overview:
- Term: 6 months to 1 year (renewable)
- Sponsor company required
- Can only be applied for through government-approved employers
Which companies hire foreign truck drivers?
Below are some well-known US companies that sometimes sponsor visas for foreign drivers:
Company Name | Job Type | Visa Sponsor |
Sysco | Long-haul Truck Driver | Yes (H-2B) |
C.R. England | OTR Truck Driver | Yes |
Schneider | CDL Driver | Yes |
Werner Enterprises | Commercial Driver | Yes |
JB Hunt | Freight Driver | Yes |
Tips: You can search for H-2B truck driver visa positions by visiting seasonaljobs.dol.gov and myvisajobs.com.
What is the salary of truck drivers in the United States
The salary depends entirely on the driver’s skills, qualifications, experience, and good company. Even so, I have presented a table showing how new drivers and experienced drivers get paid.
Experience | Average Yearly Income |
New Driver | $40,000 – $55,000 |
Experienced Driver | $60,000 – $80,000 |
Over-The-Road (OTR) | $75,000 – $100,000+ |
Many companies offer additional bonuses and overtime payments.
How to apply?
Step 1: Create a professional CV
Highlight your license, experience, and language skills.
Step 2: Apply on the hiring company’s website
Apply through the official website of the H-2B sponsoring companies or trusted recruiters. Applying without a trusted source is likely to lead to fraud.
Step 3: Get training related to driving license (if not available)
Achieve the necessary qualifications to get a driving license.
Step 4: Be prepared for the interview and medical examination
Important Tips:
- Getting CDL training in the USA increases your chances of getting a job
- Although some trucking companies do not directly sponsor visas, you can get the necessary training through them
- You need to know traffic laws and safety rules well
Final Verdict
Many people have become very rich financially by working in the truck driving sector in the United States. “Truck driver jobs in usa for foreigners” is a good option because by being employed as a driver in the United States, not only can you earn a good income, but you also get a golden opportunity to build a permanent career.
I have also seen many people who go to the United States for studies, but along with their studies, they earn a good amount of money by being employed as truck drivers. With that income, they cover their own education expenses, living and food expenses, as well as sending money to their family.
If you have a dream to establish yourself as a truck driver in the United States as a foreign citizen, then you will definitely succeed if you have the right qualifications, license, and mental preparation.
And in my article, I have mentioned some qualifications; you must achieve those qualifications. Then you have to discuss the right medium and move forward.