CDL A Driver Trainee OTR Paid Training

If you recently graduated from CDL school and you're based in Lafayette, LA, American Driver has an opening in our OTR fleet that's built for drivers who are just getting started.

You won't be thrown into the deep end. The first 4–6 weeks are paid training with a dedicated mentor — focused on building the skills you need to run solo safely and efficiently. Once you're on your own, the miles and the paycheck are consistent.

Typical week after training:

• 2,200–2,500 miles
• No-touch dry van freight
• Roughly 60% drop and hook
• Mix of day and night dispatch
• Home every two weeks on a set schedule

Compensation:

• Starting at $0.56 CPM, up to $0.65 CPM with experience
• Most drivers earn $1,200–$1,500 weekly
• Additional pay for stops, layovers, and breakdowns
• Six-month pay review
• $300 orientation pay
• Paid every week by direct deposit

Equipment:

• Late-model Freightliner and Kenworth (2022–2025)
• APUs on all assigned trucks

Benefits package:

• Health, dental, and vision — starts after 30 days
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Pet and rider policy available 

Minimum requirements:

• Class A CDL, age 21 or older
• Minimum 120 hours of verified instruction from an accredited commercial driving school required
• Recent CDL school graduates encouraged to apply
• No serious violations in the past 3 years
• No DUI within 5 years
• Hair follicle and urine drug screening required

Apply now. EOE