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Create ResumeA CDL driver cover letter should clearly show your license class, driving experience, safety record, and ability to handle routes and equipment. Whether you’re entry-level or experienced, hiring managers want proof you can operate safely, follow DOT regulations, and deliver on time. The strongest cover letters focus on real driving responsibilities, endorsements, and reliability—not generic statements.
This guide gives you CDL driver cover letter examples, templates, and job-specific breakdowns for Class A, Class B, OTR, local, tanker, hazmat, and flatbed roles—so you can tailor your application to match exactly what employers want.
Before writing, understand this: recruiters don’t read cover letters for personality—they scan for risk, compliance, and reliability.
Your cover letter must quickly answer:
What CDL class do you hold?
How much driving experience do you have?
What type of routes have you handled?
What equipment have you operated?
Is your safety record clean?
CDL class and endorsements (Class A, B, Hazmat, Tanker, etc.)
Use this structure for any CDL driver role:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I hold a valid [CDL Class] license with [endorsements if applicable] and have [X years] of experience operating [equipment type, e.g., tractor-trailers, straight trucks].
In my previous role at [Company], I handled [route type: local, regional, OTR] deliveries, consistently maintaining a clean safety record and on-time performance. I am experienced with DOT regulations, HOS compliance, ELD logging, and vehicle inspections.
I take pride in safe driving, reliable delivery, and maintaining professional communication with dispatch and customers. I am confident I can contribute to your team’s safety and operational efficiency.
I am available to start immediately and flexible with scheduling needs. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the CDL Driver position at your company. I hold a Class A CDL with a clean driving record and over 5 years of experience operating tractor-trailers on regional and long-haul routes.
In my previous role, I was responsible for timely freight delivery, pre-trip and post-trip inspections, and maintaining accurate ELD logs in compliance with DOT and HOS regulations. I consistently met delivery deadlines while maintaining a strong safety record.
I am dependable, detail-oriented, and committed to safe and efficient transportation operations. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Clean MVR and safe driving history
DOT compliance and HOS knowledge
Experience with inspections and ELD logs
On-time delivery performance
Reliability and schedule flexibility
Professional attitude and customer interaction
If these are missing, your application is weak—no matter how well-written it is.
If you’re entry-level, you must shift focus from experience to training, safety mindset, and reliability.
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the CDL Driver position at your company. I recently obtained my Class A CDL and completed formal training in vehicle operation, safety procedures, and DOT compliance.
During my CDL training, I gained hands-on experience with pre-trip inspections, basic route planning, and safe operation of commercial vehicles. I understand the importance of HOS regulations, ELD usage, and maintaining accurate delivery documentation.
I am eager to begin my career, learn from experienced drivers, and contribute to safe and reliable transportation operations. I am dependable, safety-focused, and ready to work flexible schedules.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Employers hire entry-level drivers based on:
Safety mindset
Willingness to learn
Clean driving record
Professional attitude
Not experience.
Focus: tractor-trailer, long-haul, freight delivery
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Class A CDL Driver position. I have over 6 years of experience operating tractor-trailers across regional and OTR routes with a clean safety record.
My experience includes freight delivery, load securement, trip planning, and strict compliance with DOT and HOS regulations. I am proficient with ELD systems and consistently complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety.
I am reliable, safety-focused, and committed to on-time delivery performance. I would be a strong addition to your driving team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Focus: local delivery, straight trucks, customer service
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Class B CDL Driver position. I have 3 years of experience operating straight trucks on local delivery routes.
My responsibilities have included route planning, customer deliveries, vehicle inspections, and maintaining delivery documentation. I have a strong focus on customer service and professionalism during all interactions.
I maintain a clean driving record and take pride in safe, reliable performance. I am confident I can contribute to your team’s daily operations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Focus: long-haul, independence, reliability
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the OTR CDL Driver position. I have 7 years of experience driving long-haul routes across multiple states, delivering freight safely and on schedule.
I am experienced in trip planning, HOS compliance, ELD logging, and maintaining communication with dispatch. I consistently meet delivery deadlines while maintaining a clean safety record.
I am dependable, comfortable with extended time on the road, and committed to safe and efficient operations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Focus: daily routes, punctuality, customer interaction
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Local CDL Driver position. I have 4 years of experience completing daily delivery routes with a focus on punctuality and customer satisfaction.
I am skilled in route navigation, delivery coordination, and maintaining accurate paperwork. I consistently perform inspections and follow DOT safety guidelines.
I am reliable, organized, and committed to providing excellent service on every route.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Focus: liquid cargo, safety procedures
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Tanker CDL Driver position. I hold a Class A CDL with a tanker endorsement and have 5 years of experience transporting liquid cargo.
I am trained in safe loading and unloading procedures, spill prevention, and DOT compliance. I maintain strict attention to safety protocols and vehicle inspections.
I am committed to safe operations and reliable delivery performance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Focus: compliance, safety regulations, risk management
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Hazmat CDL Driver position. I hold a valid hazmat endorsement and have experience transporting regulated materials in compliance with federal and state regulations.
I am knowledgeable in hazardous material handling, safety procedures, and documentation requirements. I maintain a clean safety record and prioritize risk management in every delivery.
I am dependable, detail-oriented, and committed to safe transportation practices.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Focus: load securement, tarping, physical work
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Flatbed CDL Driver position. I have 4 years of experience transporting oversized and secured loads using flatbed trailers.
My experience includes load securement using chains and straps, tarping, and ensuring cargo protection during transit. I follow all safety procedures and DOT regulations.
I am physically capable, safety-focused, and committed to delivering cargo securely and on time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
“I am a hardworking driver looking for an opportunity to grow.”
“I hold a Class A CDL with 5 years of tractor-trailer experience, a clean MVR, and a strong record of on-time deliveries.”
Not mentioning CDL class
No safety or compliance details
Being too generic
Ignoring route or equipment type
No proof of reliability
Hiring managers reject vague drivers fast.
If the job mentions:
“OTR routes” → highlight long-haul experience
“Local deliveries” → emphasize punctuality and customer service
“Flatbed” → focus on securement and tarping
“Hazmat” → emphasize compliance and safety
CDL class
Route type
Equipment
Safety record
Availability
This alignment is what gets interviews.
Make sure your CDL cover letter includes:
CDL license class and endorsements
Years of driving experience
Route type (local, OTR, regional)
Equipment handled
Safety record or clean MVR
DOT and HOS compliance knowledge
Reliability and availability
If even one is missing, fix it.
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