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Create ResumeIf your CDL truck driver resume isn’t getting callbacks, it’s usually not your experience—it’s how you present it. The most common CDL resume mistakes include failing to list your CDL class, missing endorsements, using vague job descriptions, and not showing measurable performance like miles driven or safety records. Recruiters and ATS systems need clear, specific, and compliant details to move you forward.
This guide breaks down exactly what errors hurt your chances—and how to fix them so your resume gets noticed and leads to interviews.
Before fixing mistakes, understand how hiring actually works in trucking.
Recruiters and safety managers scan resumes for:
CDL class and endorsements
DOT compliance and medical status
Safety record and violations
Type of driving experience (local, regional, OTR, etc.)
Equipment and freight handled
Reliability and delivery performance
If any of these are unclear or missing, your resume gets skipped—even if you’re qualified.
If a recruiter can’t instantly see your CDL class, they move on. It’s one of the first filters used in hiring.
“Valid driver’s license”
“CDL Class A License (No Restrictions)”
Always list your CDL prominently near the top:
CDL Class A, B, or C
Any restrictions (if applicable)
State of issuance
This should appear in your header or qualifications section.
Endorsements directly impact what jobs you qualify for. Missing them makes recruiters assume you don’t have them.
Hazmat (H)
Tanker (N)
Doubles/Triples (T)
Passenger (P)
DOT Medical Card status
Add a dedicated compliance section:
Certifications & Compliance
CDL Class A (TX)
Hazmat & Tanker Endorsements
DOT Medical Card (Valid through 2026)
This builds instant trust and speeds up screening.
“Drove truck” tells recruiters nothing. They need specifics to match you with routes, equipment, and freight.
“Responsible for driving truck and making deliveries”
“Operated Class A tractor trailer delivering refrigerated goods across 5-state regional routes (1,800+ miles/week)”
Every bullet should answer:
What did you drive?
What did you haul?
Where did you go?
How often or how far?
Specifics turn a generic driver into a qualified candidate.
Trucking companies hire based on safety and reliability—not just experience.
Accident-free record
On-time delivery rate
Miles driven
Inspection success rate
Violation history
“Maintained safety standards”
“Maintained 100% accident-free driving record over 250,000+ miles with zero DOT violations”
Add measurable proof wherever possible:
“Completed 98% on-time deliveries”
“Passed all DOT inspections without violations”
“Averaged 2,500 miles/week safely”
Numbers instantly increase credibility.
Modern trucking is compliance-driven. If you don’t mention these, recruiters assume you lack knowledge.
ELD (Electronic Logging Devices)
HOS (Hours of Service)
Pre-trip/post-trip inspections
DOT compliance
FMCSA regulations
Include compliance in your experience bullets:
“Maintained accurate logs using ELD in compliance with HOS regulations”
“Performed daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections per DOT standards”
This signals professionalism and reduces hiring risk.
Different trucking jobs require different experience. A flatbed driver is not the same as a reefer or tanker driver.
Recruiters won’t assume your experience—they need to see it clearly.
Always include:
Trailer type (flatbed, dry van, reefer, tanker)
Freight type (food, construction materials, hazardous, retail goods)
“Transported refrigerated food products using 53’ reefer trailers across regional routes”
This helps recruiters match you to the right job faster.
Trucking roles vary widely:
Local vs OTR
Dedicated vs flexible routes
LTL vs full truckload
Linehaul vs last-mile delivery
If your resume doesn’t match the job type, you won’t get selected.
Customize your resume for each job:
Highlight local delivery experience for local roles
Emphasize long-haul mileage for OTR jobs
Showcase route consistency for dedicated positions
Tailoring = higher relevance = more interviews.
Many trucking companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Complex formatting causes parsing errors.
Tables and columns
Graphics and icons
Fancy fonts
Unreadable layouts
Use a clean, simple format:
Standard headings (Experience, Skills, Certifications)
Bullet points for clarity
Plain fonts like Arial or Calibri
No graphics or columns
Your resume should be easy for both software and humans to read.
Even in trucking, attention to detail matters. Errors signal carelessness—especially in a safety-critical job.
Misspelled company names
Poor grammar
Inconsistent formatting
Run spell check
Read your resume out loud
Use tools like Grammarly
Have someone review it
A clean resume shows professionalism.
Recruiters filter candidates based on route type experience.
If you don’t specify your route experience, you risk being overlooked.
Clearly state your driving type:
Local delivery (home daily)
Regional routes (multi-state)
OTR (long-haul, cross-country)
Dedicated routes
LTL or linehaul
“Completed OTR deliveries across 48 states, averaging 2,800 miles/week”
This immediately aligns you with the right job.
Include:
CDL class
Endorsements
Years of experience
Route type
Each bullet should include:
Equipment
Freight
Route
Metrics
Show:
ELD usage
HOS compliance
Inspection history
Use numbers wherever possible:
Miles driven
Delivery success rate
Safety record
Use keywords from the job posting to pass ATS filters.
“Drove truck and delivered goods. Responsible for safety and compliance.”
“Operated Class A tractor trailer transporting dry van freight across regional routes (1,500–2,000 miles/week), maintaining 100% on-time delivery rate and zero DOT violations. Managed ELD logs and complied with HOS regulations while performing daily inspections.”
Specific equipment
Defined route
Measurable performance
Compliance included
This is what recruiters want.
From a hiring perspective, the strongest resumes consistently show:
Clear licensing and endorsements
Proven safety record
Reliable delivery performance
Experience with specific equipment and freight
Compliance with DOT and FMCSA standards
Drivers who include these elements move faster through the hiring process and receive more offers.
Before submitting your CDL resume, confirm:
CDL class is clearly listed
Endorsements and DOT card are included
Experience bullets are specific and measurable
Safety record is highlighted
Compliance keywords are present
Trailer and freight types are listed
Resume matches the job type
Formatting is clean and ATS-friendly
No spelling or grammar errors
If all boxes are checked, your resume is ready to compete.
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