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Create ResumeA Class A CDL driver resume passes ATS when it includes the right keywords, uses a simple format, and aligns closely with the job description. Trucking companies use applicant tracking systems to scan for CDL class, endorsements, equipment, safety compliance, and freight experience. If your resume lacks these, it gets filtered out before a recruiter sees it.
This guide shows exactly how to optimize your Class A CDL resume for ATS, improve your ATS score, and rank higher in trucking job applications.
ATS software scans resumes for specific trucking-related terms before ranking candidates. The goal is simple: match your resume language to what employers search.
Here’s what ATS systems prioritize:
CDL classification such as Class A CDL or CDL A
Endorsements like Hazmat or Tanker
Equipment experience such as tractor-trailer or 53-foot trailer
Safety compliance terms including DOT and FMCSA
Route type such as OTR, regional, or local
Freight type like dry van, reefer, or flatbed
Measurable results such as miles driven or on-time delivery rate
If these are missing or unclear, your resume will not pass the initial screening.
To pass ATS, you must use both core and expanded keywords naturally throughout your resume.
These are non-negotiable:
Class A CDL
CDL A
Tractor-trailer
Commercial motor vehicle
DOT compliance
FMCSA regulations
ELD
ATS doesn’t just scan job titles. It looks for operational skills that match the role.
Include these in your skills and experience sections:
Tractor-trailer operation
Defensive driving
Vehicle inspection
Cargo securement
Load balancing
Weight compliance
Trip planning
ELD documentation
Hours of Service
Pre-trip inspection
Post-trip inspection
DVIR
Freight delivery
Route planning
Safe driving
On-time delivery
These help you rank higher:
OTR driver
Regional driver
Local CDL driver
Dedicated driver
Linehaul driver
LTL driver
FTL driver
Dry van driver
Reefer driver
Flatbed driver
Tanker driver
Hazmat driver
Team driver
Intermodal driver
Yard driver
Drop and hook
Live load and unload
No-touch freight
HOS compliance
Backing and docking
Coupling and uncoupling
Customer delivery service
Dispatch communication
Fuel efficiency
Accident prevention
Recruiters often filter by equipment experience. Missing this is a common reason resumes fail ATS.
Include relevant equipment:
Sleeper cab
Day cab
53-foot trailer
Dry van trailer
Reefer trailer
Flatbed trailer
Step deck trailer
Tanker trailer
Intermodal chassis
Liftgate
Pallet jack
Load bars
Straps, chains, binders, tarps
ELD systems
Qualcomm or Omnitracs
Samsara
Motive or KeepTruckin
GPS navigation
Dash cams
Reefer temperature controls
Electronic BOL or POD apps
Your experience must show action and results.
Use strong verbs:
Operated
Delivered
Hauled
Transported
Inspected
Secured
Verified
Documented
Navigated
Communicated
Coordinated
Maintained
These signal real-world execution to ATS and recruiters.
Your resume should reflect the exact type of driving job you're targeting.
Long-haul trucking
Multi-state routes
Sleeper truck
High-mileage freight
Local delivery
Multi-stop routes
Dock deliveries
Home daily
Load securement
Tarps
Chains and binders
Oversized loads
Steel or lumber transport
Tanker endorsement
Hazmat endorsement
Liquid freight
Placards
Safety-sensitive cargo
Refrigerated freight
Temperature-controlled loads
Food logistics
Reefer unit monitoring
Even with perfect keywords, bad formatting can cause ATS failure.
Use this structure:
Summary
Licenses and Endorsements
Skills
Experience
Certifications
Use reverse chronological format
Keep it 1 to 2 pages
Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri
Avoid tables, graphics, or icons
Save as .docx or ATS-friendly PDF
ATS systems parse simple layouts best. Complex formatting can hide your keywords from the system.
Copy relevant keywords directly from the job posting.
If the job says “CDL A Driver,” your resume should too.
Include:
CDL class
Endorsements
Route type
Years of experience
Place keywords in:
Summary
Skills
Experience
ATS ranks resumes higher when they include metrics.
Examples:
120,000+ miles driven annually
99 percent on-time delivery rate
Zero accidents over 3 years
To outperform other drivers, go beyond basic optimization.
Include multiple versions:
Class A CDL
CDL A driver
Truck driver
Tractor-trailer driver
Example:
“Regional dry van driver handling no-touch freight”
Commercial driver
Professional driver
Transportation driver
One resume does not fit all jobs. Adjust keywords per job listing.
Avoid these critical errors:
Missing “Class A CDL” or “CDL A”
Not listing endorsements
No mention of trailer or freight type
Using images or graphics
Writing vague duties without results
Using non-standard job titles
“Responsible for driving trucks and delivering goods”
“Operated Class A CDL tractor-trailer delivering dry van freight across regional routes with 98 percent on-time performance and full DOT compliance”
The second version contains keywords, metrics, and clarity.
From a hiring perspective, these factors immediately increase interview chances:
Clear CDL classification and endorsements at the top
Specific trailer and freight experience
Proven safety record
Measurable performance metrics
Matching job title and keywords
Recruiters often search databases using filters. If your resume doesn’t match those filters exactly, it won’t even appear.
Use this as a model:
“Class A CDL driver with 5+ years of experience operating tractor-trailers across regional and OTR routes. Proven track record of 100,000+ annual miles, 99 percent on-time delivery, and full DOT and FMCSA compliance. Experienced in dry van and reefer freight with strong safety record and ELD documentation expertise.”
This works because it includes:
Keywords
Metrics
Equipment
Compliance
Experience
Before submitting your resume, confirm:
Includes Class A CDL and CDL A keywords
Lists endorsements clearly
Mentions equipment and trailer types
Matches job description keywords
Includes measurable results
Uses simple ATS-friendly format
Covers route and freight type
If all boxes are checked, your resume is optimized to pass ATS and reach recruiters.
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