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Driver Trainee Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

As a Driver Trainee, you will learn the essential functions of the Driver job including the accurate and timely distribution of products to various customer locations. The Driver Trainee gains ...

Most Driver Trainees have daily routes and are home nightly. * Paid vacation and holidays. * RELOCATION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE. * Ongoing job skills and leadership development training. * Career growth ...

Safety-Kleen in Davenport, IA is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B Trainee). This role will train to drive a Class B box truck to provide onsite service for parts ...

Safety-Kleen in Davenport, IA is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B Trainee). This role will train to drive a Class B box truck to provide onsite service for parts ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Davenport, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

Safety-Kleen in Davenport, IA is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B Trainee). This role will train to drive a Class B box truck to provide onsite service for parts ...

Safety-Kleen in Davenport, IA is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B Trainee). This role will train to drive a Class B box truck to provide onsite service for parts ...

Safety-Kleen in Des Moines, IA is seeking a CDL B Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee. This role will train to drive a Class B box truck to provide onsite service for parts washer machines, pick ...

Safety-Kleen in Des Moines, IA is seeking a CDL B Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee. This role will train to drive a Class B box truck to provide onsite service for parts washer machines, pick ...

Safety-Kleen in Des Moines, IA is seeking a CDL B Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee. This role will train to drive a Class B box truck to provide onsite service for parts washer machines, pick ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

Safety-Kleen in Des Moines, IA is seeking a CDL B Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee. This role will train to drive a Class B box truck to provide onsite service for parts washer machines, pick ...

CDL Driver Trainee

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$22 - $30.10/hr

Delivery Driver Schedule: 1st Shift, within standard Mon-Fri work week. Depending on location, employees may work 4 or 5 day schedule. HOME DAILY! Position Description: Drivers are responsible for ...

Delivery Driver Schedule: 1st Shift, within standard Mon-Fri work week. Depending on location, employees may work 4 or 5 day schedule. HOME DAILY! Position Description: Drivers are responsible for ...

Comply with all Federal Department of Transportation regulations related to vehicle operations and Class A Commercial Iowa Driver's License (CDL) * Maintain and safely operate all assigned equipment ...

Route Sales and Service Driver

Davenport, IA · On-site

$15.65 - $36.35/hr

Safety-Kleen in LOCATION is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B Trainee) . This role will train to drive a Class B box truck to provide onsite service for parts washer ...

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Showing results 1-20

Driver Trainee information

See Iowa salary details

$23.5K

$46.9K

$62.5K

How much do driver trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for driver trainee in Iowa is $46,919.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,600.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Driver Trainee vs Driver?

AspectDriver TraineeDriver
Required CredentialsDriver's license, possibly a commercial licenseValid driver's license, commercial license if applicable
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, company vehicles, on-the-job trainingRegular routes, delivery or transportation settings
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position in transportation, logistics, or delivery companiesFull-time professional role in similar industries

Driver Trainee is an entry-level position where individuals learn driving skills and gain necessary certifications. Once training is complete, they typically advance to a Driver role, which involves operating vehicles regularly in transportation or delivery services. The main difference lies in experience level and job responsibilities, with Driver Trainee focusing on learning and development.

What types of training and support can I expect as a Driver Trainee?

As a Driver Trainee, you will typically participate in a structured training program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-road experience under the supervision of experienced drivers or instructors. You'll learn about vehicle safety, regulatory compliance, route navigation, and proper loading/unloading procedures. Most employers provide mentorship and regular feedback during training, ensuring you build confidence and develop safe driving habits before transitioning to independent routes. This supportive environment helps you gradually assume more responsibility while preparing for any required licensing exams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Driver Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Driver Trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle inspection procedures, and, eventually, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are often required. Strong attention to safety, good communication, and a willingness to learn help trainees adapt quickly and work well with supervisors and customers. These skills and qualifications ensure safe driving practices, regulatory compliance, and readiness for advancement to full professional driving roles.

What Is a Driver Trainee?

A driver trainee works with an employer to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to haul freight and operate tractor trailers. It usually involves the training you need to get a commercial driver's license (CDL). The process varies with the company, but it typically includes a combination of classroom time, safety coursework, and on-the-job route driving. Depending on the materials you carry, your duties may also involve earning additional license endorsements, such as hazardous material (HAZMAT). Your responsibilities may also be to load and unload trucks. You also have to record your work hours as per state and federal regulations.

What are Driver Trainees?

Driver Trainees are individuals who are in the process of learning how to operate commercial vehicles, such as trucks or buses, under the supervision of experienced drivers or instructors. They typically participate in training programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on driving experience. The goal is to help trainees gain the skills and qualifications necessary to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and become professional drivers. Driver Trainees often work closely with mentors to ensure they understand safety regulations, vehicle operation, and company policies.
What are the most commonly searched types of Driver jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Driver jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Driver Trainee jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Driver Trainee job openings:
Driver Trainee- Ankeny, Iowa

Driver Trainee- Ankeny, Iowa

McLane Company

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


McLane rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 48 rated food wholesalers


Job description

Take your career further with McLane!  

Our drivers work hard to move, supply, and provide for America's favorite brands. Being reliable and dedicated to safety has defined our success as an industry leader for 130 years. Join McLane and discover the driving difference-we provide you with industry-leading pay, strong and secure client relationships, and get you home safely and more often. That's why our drivers build long-lasting careers with us.   

As a Driver Trainee, you will learn the essential functions of the Driver job including the accurate and timely distribution of products to various customer locations. The Driver Trainee gains exposure to warehouse and other operational functions as part of the developmental process of becoming a McLane Driver.   

Benefits you can count on:

  • Fully Paid CDL schooling at McLane Division in Northfield, MN
  • Hotel will be paid for by McLane. Sunday Night to Thursday.
  • Paid to attend school @ $23.75 per hour.
  • School runs on a 4 week program.
  • 40 hrs per week, Monday - Thursday *NO WEEKENDS*.
  • $85k-$90k per year once CDL is obtained.
  • Paid benefits on Day 1.
  • Required to obtain written CDLA permit prior to start of school.
  • Once school is done, you will be based out of Ankeny for On-the-Job Training with seasoned drivers.
  • Paid holidays, earn vacation time, and sick leave accrual from day one.
  • 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan after 90 days.
  • Additional benefits: pet insurance, maternity/paternity leave, employee assistance programs, discount programs, tuition reimbursement program, and more!

What you'll do as a Driver Trainee:  

  • Maneuver tractor into position to attach trailer and handle lines to secure.
  • Operates truck in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies.
  • Inspect tractor-trailer equipment for defects pre/post trip and submit DOT inspection report indicating condition.
  • Operates Driver Delivery Handheld (DDH), document delivery receipts/product temperatures and exceptions. Inspects trailer to ensure product is secure for undamaged transport of product.
  • Rides and trains with Driver Trainer of tractor-trailer to various destinations, gaining knowledge of commercial driving regulations and observing the Driver's skill in starting engine properly, approaching intersections, making turns, backing, parking, and maneuvering vehicle on the road and on customer premises.
  • Maintain driver log (Manual or PeopleNet) according to DOT regulations, documenting delivery receipt, product temperatures and exceptions.
  • Assists the Driver in unloading trailer and delivering product into customer premises.
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications you'll bring as a Driver Trainee Teammate:  

  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.
  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Meet eligibility requirements in the McLane Transfer and Promotion Policy.
  • Complete training and receive Class A CDL in 6 months or less.
  • Ability and willingness to select/load/unload and/or deliver ALL products that may be ordered by McLane customers.
  • Stand, walk, sit, climb, reach, bend, squat, and stoop to accomplish the essential job functions.
  • Read and comprehend labels, instructions, and bills of lading.
  • Perform mathematical calculations to verify quantities of product.
  • Communicate with customers, management, and other teammates.
  • Safely drive a tractor-trailer, use a 2-wheeled dolly, ramp, and on board PeopleNet devices. 
  • This position requires the ability to read, write, and understand English at a level sufficient to perform job-related tasks effectively and safely. This includes understanding work instructions, safety protocols, and communications essential to the role. The requirement is directly related to the nature of the job and ensures compliance with workplace safety and operational standards.
     

Fit the following? We want you here!  

  • Safety-focused  
  • Reliable  
  • Adaptable
  • Dedicated  

Moving America forward - together.       

We've been forging our path as a leader in the distribution industry since 1894. Building an expansive nationwide network of team members for 130 years has allowed us to stay agile for our clients across the restaurant, retail, and e-commerce industries. We look to the future and are ready to continue making industry-defining moves by embracing the newest technology into our practices, continuing team member training, and emphasizing our people-centered culture.  

Candidates may be subject to a background check and drug screen, in accordance with applicable laws.  

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 

For our complete EEO and Pay Transparency statement, please visit https://www.mclaneco.com/legal/employment/


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