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Entry Level Class 1 Driver Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Driver-Class A CDL Delivery

Hughson, CA

A minimum of 1 year of delivery driving experience. 2 years of CDL driving experience are strongly preferred. * Valid driver's license * Class A CDL license * Pass MVR report * Obtain a DOT medical ...

C.R. England

Truck Driver - CDL A

Turlock, CA

$1.5K - $1.6K/wk

Valid CDL-A plus 3+ months of Class A CDL experience required * This lane is not suitable for ... Weekly and yearly pay estimates are based on 1+ years of experience. For Pay Disclaimer visit ...

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All JobsClass 1 Driver JobsEntry Level Class 1 Driver JobsEntry Level Class 1 Driver Jobs in Merced, CA

Entry Level Class 1 Driver information

See Merced, CA salary details

$15

$18

$20

How much do entry level class 1 driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level class 1 driver in Merced, CA is $18.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level Class 1 driver?

An Entry Level Class 1 Driver is a professional who has recently obtained a Class 1 commercial driver's license (CDL), allowing them to operate large vehicles such as tractor-trailers and semi-trucks. These drivers typically have limited driving experience and may be new to the industry. Their main responsibilities include safely transporting goods over long distances, performing basic vehicle inspections, and adhering to all traffic and safety regulations. Entry-level drivers often receive on-the-job training and may work under the supervision of more experienced drivers initially.

What can I expect during my first few months as an entry level Class 1 driver?

As an Entry Level Class 1 Driver, your initial months typically involve on-the-job training, familiarizing yourself with company routes, safety protocols, and vehicle operations. You may be paired with experienced drivers or mentors to help navigate challenging situations such as adverse weather or tight delivery schedules. It's common to start with shorter or local routes before progressing to longer hauls as you gain confidence. You'll also be expected to complete regular vehicle inspections and maintain accurate logs, which are essential for compliance and safety. Building good communication with dispatchers and other team members will help ensure a smooth workflow and support your professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Class 1 driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Class 1 Driver, you need a valid Class 1 commercial driver's license (CDL), a good driving record, and basic knowledge of vehicle safety and regulations. Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS navigation systems, and routine vehicle inspection protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, time management, and reliability are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, timely deliveries and compliance with transportation laws, which are critical for success in commercial driving.

What is the difference between Entry Level Class 1 Driver vs Class 1 Driver?

AspectEntry Level Class 1 DriverClass 1 Driver
Required CredentialsBasic commercial driver's license (CDL) with Class 1 endorsementFull Class 1 CDL with experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level routes, local deliveries, supervisedLong-haul, cross-country, more autonomous
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level positions in transportation companiesExperienced drivers in freight and logistics

The main difference is experience and scope. Entry Level Class 1 Drivers hold the necessary license but are new to the industry, often working under supervision. Class 1 Drivers are experienced, handle more complex routes, and operate independently. Both roles require a CDL Class 1 license, but the level of experience and job responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Class 1 Driver jobs in Merced, CA?

The most popular types of Class 1 Driver jobs in Merced, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Class 1 Driver jobs in Merced, CA?

For Entry Level Class 1 Driver jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Class 1 Driver jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Class 1 Driver jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Entry Level Class 1 Driver jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Entry Level Class 1 Driver job openings:

Entry Level Class 1 Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Class 1 Driver job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,016 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Class A CDL Company Driver - 1-5mo EXP Required - OTR - Dry Van - $1.65k per week

U.S. Xpress - OTR

Dos Palos, CA • On-site

$300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

U.S. Xpress rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 365 rated logistics

Job description

  • Solo OTR Drivers: 2,000+ Miles Per Week On Average
  • Top 20% of our OTR Drivers earn $1,650 Weekly
  • 12 days out / 2 days home
  • No Touch Freight
  • Newer Equipment

Team Drivers:

  • $10,000 Sign On Bonus/split with an average of 5,500 miles per week!
  • $0.72 - $0.80 CPM Split Starting Pay
  • Our teams average $260,000 annually. Top Teams earn $300,000+ annually!

Don’t have a team partner? We will help you find the right partner with our Team Match program. Or make your own team. Now's the time to bring on a family member or friend to be your teammate on the road. Ask about our sponsorship program.

Benefits:
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance with prescription benefits for employees and dependents
  • Paid vacation after 1 year
  • 401(k) Match
  • Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
  • Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness Coverage
  • Health Care & Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Stock Purchase Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Pet Insurance
  • Paid Orientation
  • Newer equipment averaging 18 Months
  • Convenient Home-Base Terminals
  • 52 - 56 CPM based on experience and location
  • Consistent Miles & Freight with this truck driving job
Qualifications:
  • Must have Class A License (CDL A) & 21 years or older.
  • Must have 6 months of verifiable experience.
  • Drivers can earn trip pay based on a calculation of dispatched miles that ranges from 52 - 56 CPM depending on route and experience.
  • No more than 1 CMV on-road preventable accident in the last 2 years. No major CMV preventable accidents in the last 5 years.
  • No more than 2 moving violations in the last 2 years.
  • Must be able to pass a DOT physical and drug test. No drug related conviction within the past 5 years, or 10 years if the offense occurred while holding a CDL. No positive/refused tests in the past 10 years with CDL-A/CLP.
  • SAP drivers are not eligible for hire.

What U.S. Xpress employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

U.S. Xpress logo

About U.S. Xpress

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Who We Are: Relentlessly Delivering Big Ideas. U.S. Xpress is one of the nation's largest asset-based trucking companies. But the most valuable asset we offer isn't tractors, trailers, or even our exclusive, cutting-edge technology. It's the collective brainpower of thousands of visionaries and problem-solvers. Together, we are revolutionizing the transportation industry by providing innovative, custom solutions. And, here, we believe in the sanctity of a promise-both to our customers, and our people. When we focus our varied talents on reshaping the future of transportation, that's what we call the POWER OF U.S.

Industry

Couriers and messengers services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chattanooga, TN, US

View All U.S. Xpress Jobs