June 25, 2026

How to Improve Truck Driver Applicant Quality using CDL Classification Categories

By Doina Sofroni

Lead Generation 14 min read

Understand the differences between Class A & Class B Drivers

Hiring better truck drivers starts with understanding the difference between Class A and Class B CDL holders. Each license type attracts drivers with different experience levels, career goals, income expectations, and work preferences. For trucking companies, logistics providers, and freight carriers, tailoring recruiting messages by CDL classification can significantly improve applicant quality and reduce unqualified applications.

Why CDL Classification Matters in Driver Recruiting

Understanding what these drivers want helps carriers create more effective recruiting campaigns. Many drivers search for the company they’ll work for usiing terms like:

Best trucking companies for Class A drivers
Local Class B driving jobs
Home daily CDL jobs
OTR trucking companies hiring
Highest paying CDL jobs
Dedicated freight trucking jobs
Local truck driving jobs near me
Regional trucking jobs

What Is a Class A CDL?

A Class A CDL allows drivers to operate tractor-trailers and combination vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more when the trailer exceeds 10,000 pounds.

Common Class A Driving Jobs

OTR truck driver
Regional truck driver
Dedicated route driver
Linehaul driver
Flatbed driver
Reefer driver
Tanker driver
Owner-operator
Intermodal driver

What Class A Drivers Typically Look For

Because Class A drivers can operate the widest variety of commercial vehicles, they typically have more employment options and higher earning potential, Class A drivers often search for:

Highest paying trucking companies
Dedicated freight opportunities
Consistent miles
New equipment
Sign-on bonuses
Fuel surcharge programs
Owner-operator opportunities
Home time options

What Is a Class B CDL?

A Class B CDL allows drivers to operate single-unit commercial vehicles weighing 26,001 pounds or more, provided the trailer weighs less than 10,000 pounds.

Common Class B Driving Jobs

Box truck driver
Dump truck driver
Garbage truck driver
Concrete mixer driver
Transit bus driver
School bus driver
Local delivery driver

What Class B Drivers Typically Look For

Many Class B drivers value work-life balance over maximizing annual mileage or long-haul earnings; and, as a result, often prioritize:

Home daily jobs
Predictable schedules
Local routes
Hourly pay
Consistent workweeks
Benefits packages

Key Differences Between the Vehicles types that Class A Drivers and Class B Drivers are permitted to operate

Class A CDL can operate:

Semi-trucks
Tractor-trailers
Tankers
Flatbeds
Refrigerated trailers
Double and triple trailers (with endorsements)

Class B CDL can operate:

Straight trucks
Box trucks
Dump trucks
Cement mixers
School buses
Transit buses
Garbage trucks

CDL Endorsements That Improve Driver Value

Endorsements help drivers qualify for higher-paying positions and specialized freight opportunities.

COMMON ENDORSEMENTS

(H) HAZMAT Allows transportation of hazardous materials.

(N) TANKER: Allows operation of liquid and bulk transport vehicles.

(P) PASSENTER: Required for passenger transportation vehicles.

(S) SCHOOL BUS: Required for school bus operations.

(T) DOUBLES / TRIPLES: Available to Class A drivers operating multiple trailer combinations.

Recruiting Strategies by CDL Type

Recruiting Class A Drivers

Focus messaging on:

Pay per mile
Sign-on bonuses
Dedicated freight
Equipment quality
Home time programs
Safety bonuses
Owner-operator programs

Keyword searches:

OTR trucking companies hiring
Best trucking companies to work for
Highest paying CDL jobs
Dedicated trucking jobs
Regional trucking jobs

Recruiting Class B Drivers

Focus messaging on:

Home daily for family time
Local routes
Stable hourly wages
Benefits
Consistent schedules
Minimal overnight travel
Serve Community as bus driver

Keywords searches:

Class B CDL jobs hiring
Local CDL jobs near me
Home daily truck driving jobs
Box truck driver jobs
Dump truck jobs

Which CDL Classification Produces Better Applicants?

Neither CDL classification is inherently better. The best applicant depends on the position being filled.

FEATURES	CLASS A CDL	CLASS B CDL
Job Opportunities	Long-haul trucking, OTR, line haul, semi-truck, tractor-trailer operator.	Local delivery, buses, construction vehicles, box trucks.
Earning Potential	Higher, especially for long-haul and interstate jobs.	Moderate; typically less than Class A.
Lifestyle	Extended time away from home; long-distance travel.	More predictable schedule; usually home daily.
Career Advancement	Greater opportunities; gateway to long-term trucking careers.	Good starting point; more limited long-term options.
Vehicle Type	Combination trucks: tractor-trailers, tankers, flatbeds, double/triple trailers (with endorsements); can also drive Class B & C vehicles.	Single-unit vehicles only: buses, straight trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, cement mixers; cannot tow trailers over 10,000 lbs.
Weight Limits	GVWR ≥ 26,001 lbs; trailer > 10,000 lbs.	GVWR ≥ 26,001 lbs; trailer ≤ 10,000 lbs.
Training Requirements	Extensive classroom + hands-on driving; more intensive skills test.	Shorter classroom + behind-the-wheel training; simpler skills test.
Cost & Duration	Higher cost ($3,000–$10,000); longer time to complete.	Lower cost; shorter training period.
Endorsements	HAZMAT (H), Tanker (N), Passenger (P), Doubles/Triples (T); can drive Class B & C vehicles.	HAZMAT (H), Tanker (N), Passenger (P), School Bus (S); single-unit focus.
Ideal For	Drivers seeking high pay, long-haul routes, and versatility.	Drivers seeking local routes, predictable hours, and lower training costs.
Job Market Demand	Generally in higher demand, often securing positions with better job security and higher pay.	Generally in lower demand while these roles may offer fewer openings and lower salary potential.

Table Credit: (Truckopedia.com)

Improving quality and efficiency in Recruiting CDL Drivers

If you’re in charge of hiring at a trucking company, freight carrier, or logistics provider your recruiting campaigns should be aligned to the specific CDL classification required for each separate role.

Remember, as a rule of thumb, Class A Drivers generally prioritize earnings, equipment, freight consistency, and advancement opportunities; whereas Class B Drivers are more likely to value local routes, predictable schedules, and work-life balance.

Ideal Class A Candidates

Best suited for:

Long-haul freight
Dedicated trucking routes
Intermodal transportation
Regional freight operations
Specialized hauling

Ideal Class B Candidates

Best suited for:

Local delivery operations
Construction transportation
Municipal services
Passenger transportation
Last-mile logistics

Improve CDL Driver Recruiting Quality & Efficiency

Speed Matters

Truck drivers are often evaluating multiple job offers at once. If your hiring process moves too slowly, qualified candidates will accept positions elsewhere. Fast response times, streamlined onboarding, and efficient screening processes are critical to recruiting success.

Drivers Want Honest Communication

Truck driving is a people-driven industry. Candidates appreciate recruiters who are transparent about pay, home time, equipment, routes, and expectations. Building trust early in the process improves both hiring and retention.

Lifestyle Plays a Major Role

Unlike many professions, trucking affects where drivers sleep, how often they see family, and their overall quality of life. Home time, scheduling flexibility, route structure, and benefits often influence decisions as much as compensation.

Regulatory Compliance Adds Complexity

Hiring commercial drivers involves more than reviewing experience. Recruiters must verify CDL credentials, DOT medical qualifications, driving records, safety history, and other compliance requirements before a driver can be hired.

Competition for Drivers Is Intense

The trucking industry continues to face a shortage of qualified drivers, creating fierce competition among carriers. Companies that clearly communicate their advantages and move quickly through the hiring process typically attract stronger applicants.

Retention Is Part of Recruitment

Successful driver recruiting doesn’t end when a candidate is hired. Compensation, equipment quality, dispatch support, company culture, and respect on the job all influence whether drivers stay long-term or begin looking for another opportunity.

Retention Is Part of Recruitment

Reputation Drives Future Hiring

Trucking is a relationship-based industry where drivers frequently share experiences with other drivers. Positive reviews, employee referrals, and a strong company reputation can become some of the most effective recruiting tools available.

Equipment Quality Influences Decisions

Drivers spend countless hours behind the wheel, making equipment quality a major factor in job selection. Well-maintained trucks, modern technology, safety features, and reliable equipment can significantly improve recruiting results and driver satisfaction.

Different CDL Drivers Have Different Priorities

Class A and Class B drivers often evaluate opportunities differently. While many Class A drivers focus on earnings, miles, freight consistency, and advancement opportunities, Class B drivers frequently prioritize local routes, predictable schedules, and work-life balance. Recruiting messages should reflect these differences.

Recruiting Is Increasingly Digital

Today’s drivers often begin their job search online. They compare companies through search engines, social media, online reviews, job boards, and company websites before ever speaking with a recruiter. Companies with a strong digital presence and clear employer branding often generate higher-quality applicants than those relying solely on traditional recruiting methods.