How to Find Local CDL Jobs in Pensacola, FL

If you are a Florida resident and recent CDL grad or are thinking about getting your license, you may be wondering how to find local CDL jobs in Pensacola, FL. When it comes to trucking jobs, it can take some time to find the right job to suit your lifestyle, and it isn’t always easy. You may need to stay in the area for your family, for your health, or just because you prefer the Florida terrain. There are many reasons drivers choose to stay local for jobs, so we’re here to help you find quality local CDL jobs in Pensacola, FL.

What is Local Driving?

Local truck drivers are transportation professionals who ship goods around specified routes within a designated area. They usually drive similar rounds each day with regular drop-off points. Often, these drivers are employed by a specific company and create solid connections with local staff and dispatchers. These relationships can be extremely beneficial, especially to new drivers first starting.  

Unlike regional and Over-the-Road (OTC) drivers, most local drivers go home at the end of each day. They rarely do overnight trips, which is especially appealing to drivers who have obligations outside of work. 

Is Local Driving Right for You?

Local driving can be a great choice for those with families with children since these drivers do not need to spend weeks driving across the country. Though these jobs pay a little less than regional or OTC jobs, many find the trade-off of sleeping in their own beds each night is worth it.

Local driving can be a great choice for beginning drivers who want to gain experience before going into a specialty or applying to higher-paying gigs. Local driving is considered more difficult for several reasons: more time spent loading/unloading, less time on long highways, and navigating smaller, twisted local roads, just to name a few. Gaining experience on these roads can help truckers become more alert drivers and polish their technical and customer service skills.  

Where to Find Local CDL Jobs in Pensacola, FL

Local and national carriers alike have outposts in Pensacola, so here are a few if you want to throw your trucker hat in the ring. 

May Trucking Company

May Trucking Company has been operating on America’s roads for over 75 years, and they pride themselves on employing talented drivers and embracing the latest trucking technology and equipment. Their Dry Freight Division operates in 11 western states, and Refrigerated Divisions operate longer routes throughout the contiguous 48 states. Drivers choose their division, so any driver stationed at their Pensacola Operating center can find a job that best fits their lifestyle. Benefits include medical, dental, life, and prescription insurance plans 60 days after hire. Also, 401K participation is offered with a company match after 6 months. They also have passenger and pet policies, so you won’t have to be on the road alone.

Saia LTL Freight Pensacola

Saia LTL Freight was founded in 1924 in Houma, Louisiana by Louis Saia, Sr. The first Saia truck was his car with the rear seats removed, and today Saia is a billion-dollar carrier offering nationwide coverage through a network of 175 terminals. The company does over 30,000 daily shipments and boasts an employee tenure average of 8 years. The American Trucking Associations Safety Management Council recognized Saia for its outstanding safety record, and Saia offers employees generous benefits including paid vacations, holiday pay, health insurance, and 401K plans. If you want a reliable carrier, their Pensacola Terminal could be your base for a rewarding career. 

Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc

Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc. is an industry leader in the southeastern United States for the transport of petroleum and other liquid and dry bulk commodities. Since their founding in 1962, they’ve grown to operate 21 terminals in as well as numerous truck domicile locations. Drive one of their 400 tractors and 500 trailers out of their Pensacola terminal to be a part of one of the biggest tankard operations in the South. Employees get access to full benefits after 30 days of employment, and this carrier offers free life insurance policies, legal plans, disability, paid time off, health, dental, and vision coverage, and a 401(k) Plan with 50% Company Match.

Kenan Transport

Kenan Transport is a highway subsidiary of the Kenan Advantage Group (KAG) located in Pensacola. KAG aims to revolutionize transportation and logistics within the liquid bulk industry through its national scale, advanced technology, and uncompromising commitment to be the Employer of Choice. KAG offers employment opportunities in Pensacola, as well as throughout Florida and the rest of the Southeast. Home Daily Positions are available, as well as fully comprehensive insurance plans 401(k), and paid training on product handling

CWR Contracting, Inc.

CWR Contracting, Inc. was founded in 1976 and is known as a premier highway contractor in Florida specializing in asphalt paving. Truck drivers are in high demand in the construction business to transport heavy materials for highway and road construction, residential and commercial site work, and other renovation types. They need the skill of a CDL licensed professional to ensure total project safety and customer satisfaction. CWR offers vast health insurance benefits, as well as 401k retirement eligibility after a year. They also offer employee assistance, Verizon Wireless discounts, direct deposit, and family and medical leave. 

TDI Can Help you Find Local CDL Jobs in Pensacola, FL

If you’re a Florida local hoping to get your commercial driver’s license, Truck Driver Institute can help. Our three-week program gives you all the information you need to pass your Class A CDL test, which allows you to drive the fullest range of vehicles. Our Pensacola Driving School is one of the best schools in the state to earn your CDL, and our job placement services are the best place to go if you want to stay in the area. Our specialists can help you find the carrier who best fits your lifestyle, and over 80% of graduating classes are taken on by a carrier immediately following graduation. Our career placement services are available to all graduates, so if for any reason you need a new carrier, you can come right back to us. Contact us today for more information about our Pensacola location, or any of our other 11 locations across the United States.