Are you looking for part-time CDL jobs? Are you finding a way to increase your income while enjoying a flexible schedule? Part-time CDL jobs might be just what you need! Many companies are offering CDL holders some pretty cool opportunities that include better work-life balance. We will show the top 10 most popular part-time CDL jobs, their benefits, and answer some commonly asked questions so you will know how to find the perfect part-time gig that supports your lifestyle, such as local delivery routes to more specialized driving roles. Scrolling down now!
Top 10 of the most popular part-time CDL jobs
Part-time jobs with a CDL vary and range from interest to schedules. The following are ten of the most favored positions that offer flexible hours, competitive pay, and valuable experience within the transportation industry.
1. Delivery driver
Job description
As a part-time CDL delivery driver, the principal responsibility lies in the safe and efficient transportation of goods over short or regional routes. Specific activities and responsibilities are listed below:
- Use proper safety procedures to drive a truck to a customer location or company location.
- Collect on deliveries, obtaining receipts or signatures for goods delivered and issuing receipts for payments collected when required. Maintain records of deliveries, including dates, times, routes and any problems incurred during deliveries.
- Comply with company policies, federal, state and DOT regulations.
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on assigned vehicles to ensure that the vehicle is in good working condition. Assist with loading or unloading cargo as required, ensuring all items are properly secured.
- Other duties and projects may be assigned by the supervisor to support efficient operation and delivery.
Requirements
- CDL license: A valid Commercial Driver’s License, typically Class A or Class B, depending on the vehicle operated.
- Experience: Previous truck driving experience is preferred; at least one year of experience, but some entry-level positions with training are also available.
- Qualifications: Clean driving record, knowledge of DOT, knowledge of route planning, basic mechanical skills to maintain the vehicle, and physical fitness to load/unload cargo from time to time.
Benefits
- Flexible part-time hours that accommodate work/life balance.
- Competitive wages, including overtime and possibly bonus pay.
- Opportunities to gain driving experience and apply for full-time jobs.
- Paid training and depending on the company and location, employee benefits for part-time employees.
Salary/Hour
Part-time CDL Delivery Drivers can make an average of anywhere from $30-$40 per hour in the United States based on employer, location, and experience.
2. Truck driver
Job description
The position of part-time CDL truck driver requires the responsibilities are as follows:
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspection of equipment; report any defects, malfunctions, or maintenance and repair needs.
- Review delivery assignments before leaving to attain knowledge of the route to be taken, following commercial driving regulations.
- The tractor-trailer is to be driven for the delivery and transportation of products or materials, ensuring that safety is maintained in processes involving loading and unloading.
- Keep an accurate driver logbook, record vehicle weight at weigh stations, and comply with all other regulatory requirements.
- The physical care of assigned vehicles; report to work at assigned time.
Requirements
- CDL license: Valid Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License depending on the vehicle being driven.
- Experience: Many of the employers prefer 1 year experience, though some entry-level positions start with training.
- Qualifications: Clean driving record, knowledge of federal and state driving regulations, basic vehicle maintenance skills, and the physical ability to handle loading/unloading if required.
Benefits
- Flexible shifts with the option to pick partial hours.
- Competitive compensation with options for bonus or overtime pay is available in many positions.
- Lower level of stress associated with full-time, over-the-road routes.
- A number of possibilities exist for job growth, which includes full-time positions and specialized driver opportunities.
Salary
Part-time CDL Truck Drivers countrywide get paid anywhere from $20 to $30 per hour, which might vary based on location, experience, and employer.
3. School bus driver
Job description
- The School Bus Driver’s position involves safely driving students from and to school, field trips, or other school-sponsored activities while following assigned routes and schedules.
- Ensuring the safety of all passengers by adhering to traffic laws and school district rules regarding student transportation.
- Assist students during boarding and exiting, especially young children or children with special needs.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the bus is in proper working condition.
- Keep the bus clean and orderly, take disciplinary action when necessary to address problems with student behavior, and report concerns to school officials.
Requirements
- CDL license: A valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License with a passenger (P) endorsement and school bus (S) endorsement is required.
- Experience: Previous experience driving a bus or working with children is preferred but often not required; many schools will provide training.
- Qualifications: Clean driving record, excellent communication skills, ability to work with children, and physical capability to assist in emergencies or vehicle evacuations if needed.
Benefits
- Partial, flexible hours-usually morning and afternoon shifts-allow balancing work schedules.
- School holidays and summers off-extended time off during the year.
- Possibilities for extra shifts may include driving for extracurricular activities or sporting events.
- Extra benefits: health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Salary
Typically, in the United States, one could expect an hourly rate of $20-$30 per hour for part-time CDL School Bus Drivers, depending on location and experience, not to mention the school district.
4. Shuttle driver
Job description
- Transport passengers between designated locations in a safe and timely manner, such as airports, hotels, or corporate facilities.
- Use designated routes to ensure timely pick-up and drop-off of passengers.
- When required, assist passengers in loading and unloading luggage or equipment.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the vehicle to ensure it is in safe operating condition.
- Maintain a clean and presentable shuttle to provide comfort and safety to passengers.
Requirements
- CDL License: This is typically a Class B or C Commercial Driver’s License with a passenger endorsement.
- Experience: Previous shuttle driving or commercial driving experience is preferred but not always required for entry-level positions.
- Qualifications: Clean driving record, good communication skills, ability to work a flexible shift, and physically able to assist passengers with luggage.
Benefits
- Flexible part-time schedules.
- Local, low-stress driving environment opportunities
- The possibility of receiving tips in addition to overtime pay over the hourly wage
- Health benefits, retirement plans, and time off may be provided for part-time drivers by certain employers
Salary
The hourly salary range for a part-time CDL Shuttle Driver in the United States is typically between $15 and $22, depending on location, experience, and employer.
5. Yard driver
Job description
- Move trailers and containers within a warehouse or distribution center yard for positioning for loading and unloading in a timely manner.
- Inspect the vehicle before operation to make sure the yard truck is in safe working condition.
- Safety move trailers from dock areas to parking spots and vice versa to manage the yard space and maintain it in an organized fashion.
- Communicate with warehouse personnel and dispatch to coordinate trailer movements and to meet the loading schedule.
- Maintain records of trailer placements and movements within the yard.
Requirements
- CDL License: All yard trucks require a valid Class A or B CDL.
- Experience: Prior experience in driving yards or trucking preferred, although some employers offer on-the-job training for qualified candidates.
- Qualifications: Clean driving record, strong spatial awareness for maneuvering trailers, and physical capability for working outdoors in diverse weather.
Benefits
- Consistent, local work-no over-the-road driving is required.
- Flexible part-time hours: evening, night, and/or weekend hours.
- Minimal long driving; hence, this job is considered less stressful compared to other CDL positions.
- Some companies give health benefits, paid time off, or retirement plans to their part-time employees.
Salary
On average, a part-time CDL Yard Driver can expect an hourly wage ranging from $18 to $25 depending on location, experience, and hiring company.
6. Circulation driver
Job description
- Deliver newspapers, magazines, or printed materials to distribution centers, stores, or specific delivery routes.
- Ensure timely deliveries according to set schedules, often in the early morning or late evening hours.
- Engage in loading and unloading bundles of printed materials carefully to avoid their damage.
- Maintain proper delivery records and promptly report incidents or delays to superiors.
- Occasional checking of the delivery vehicle for good working conditions.
Requirements
- A valid Class B or C Commercial Driver’s License is often needed, depending on the size of the delivery vehicle.
- Previous experience in driving deliveries or circulation work is preferred but is not always necessary.
- Clean driving record, ability to lift and handle bundles of printed materials, good time management skills to meet deadlines of deliveries.
Benefits
- Flexible part-time schedules, often early morning to night shifts.
- Consistent, local routes and no long hauls.
- Build experience in distribution and logistics.
- Some employers offer health benefits, retirement plans, or paid time off for part-time workers.
Salary
The average for a part time CDL Circulation Driver in the U.S. is generally $15-$22 hourly based on location, experience, and employer.
7. Beverage equipment mover
Job description
- Transportation and delivery of beverage-related equipment, including but not limited to vending machines, coolers, and kegs to predetermined locations, which may be restaurants, bars, event spaces, and so on.
- Assist in the loading/unloading of heavy equipment, frequently utilizing specialized tools such as dollies, lift gates, or pallet jacks.
- Execute any necessary installation or placing of equipment at the time of delivery.
- Routine vehicle checks and the workplace within the truck is clean and organized.
- Communicate with dispatch or supervisors concerning delivery status and any potential issues.
Requirements
- CDL license: There is generally a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License required to operate the equipment being driven.
- Experience: Previous experience moving heavy equipment or in delivery operations. Experience desired with operating specialized loading tools to facilitate the loading and unloading of goods.
- Qualifications: include a clean driving record, physical ability to handle and maneuver heavy equipment, and good communication skills in interacting with customers and other team members.
Benefits
- Flexible part-time hours; could include some evening and/or weekend work depending on delivery schedules.
- Opportunities to work locally with a range of delivery locations, without having to drive far away.
- Some positions allow overtime pay and possible performance bonuses.
- Employers may provide health benefits, retirement plans, and paid time off to part-time workers.
Salary
On average, a part-time CDL Beverage Equipment Mover’s pay can range from $18-$26/hour based on location, employer, and experience.
8. Heavy equipment operator
Job description
- Operate heavy equipment such as forklifts, cranes, bulldozers, or backhoes for construction, landscaping, or industrial projects.
- Transport equipment to and from job sites in a safe manner, making sure it is properly loaded and unloaded.
- Provide routine maintenance of the equipment by checking it on a regular basis to ensure that it is functioning properly and reporting any mechanical problems found within the equipment.
- Follow through with all safety policies and procedures to avoid accidents or other damage to equipment.
- Any other activities may be required involving construction or project management, as needed and instructed by supervisors.
Requirements
- CDL License: Valid Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License to transport heavy equipment.
- Experience: Previous operating experience with heavy equipment; certification specific machinery, like a forklift or crane, desirable.
- Qualifications: Good driving record, good understanding of safety regulations, physical ability to operate and maintain heavy machinery, and general mechanical aptitude.
Benefits
- Flexible part-time hours with the possibility of overtime, depending on projects.
- Work closer to home, with very little long-distance travel.
- Depending on position, health benefits, retirement plans, and paid time off may also be applicable to part-time employees.
- Heavy machinery operation training for potential career advancement.
Salary
Wages for part-time CDL equipment operators range throughout states from $20 to $30 per regular hour, in addition to depending on the equipment being operated, location, and levels of experience.
9. Transit operator
Job description
- Operate public transit buses or shuttles on regularly scheduled routes, transporting passengers within urban, suburban, or regional areas.
- Ensure the safe operation of the vehicle and passenger safety by adhering to traffic laws, regulations governing transit operations, and company policies.
- Assist passengers, such as elderly or disabled individuals, to get on and off the bus.
- Conduct routine vehicle inspections to keep the bus in good working order and inspect the vehicle at the end of the line or upon completing a shift to report any maintenance problems.
- Record passenger counts and fare box and transit unit information.
Requirements
- Class B Commercial Driver’s License with a valid passenger endorsement.
- Experience: Experience as a bus or transit driver, preferred but not always required; some companies train.
- Qualifications: Clean driving record, good customer service skills, flexible hours may include early morning, evening, or weekend work; physical ability to assist passengers as needed.
Benefits
- Flexible part-time shifts, day, evening, or weekends available.
- No long distance driving – local routes only
- Potential for overtime pay depending on shift availability.
- Some employers may have health benefits, paid time off, or retirement plans for part-time workers.
Salary
In the United States, one can earn anywhere between $25-$40 hourly depending on location, the employer, and level of experience as a part-time CDL Transit Operator.
10. Solid waste driver
Job description
- Operate solid waste collection trucks to collect refuse and recyclable materials from residential and commercial locations.
- Operate along designated routes and on schedules established to provide timely and efficient waste collection.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the vehicle to ensure that it is in safe and operational order.
- Communicate with dispatch regarding route changes, delays, or mechanical problems affecting the proper completion of the assigned route and/or schedule.
- Load and unload waste materials consistent with all safety and environmental regulations.
Requirements
- CDL License: Operating a solid waste truck typically requires an active Class B Commercial Driver’s License.
- Experience: Experience in the collection of waste or commercial driving is preferred, although entry-level positions may be available with training.
- Qualifications: Clean driving record, knowledge of local traffic and waste disposal regulations, physical ability to perform manual labor, and good communication skills.
Benefits
- Flexible part-time shifts, often with early morning or late evening hours.
- Stable local employment with regular routes; less cross-country driving.
- An opportunity for overtime pay, especially during peak seasons or special collection events. Health benefits, retirement plans, and paid time off may also be available from some employers for part-time drivers.
Salary
The approximate hourly rates for a part-time CDL Solid Waste Driver in the United States are about 18 to 26 US dollars, changing based on the place of residence, experience, and the particular employer in question.
What are the benefits of part-time CDL jobs?
One of the good things about part-time CDL jobs is they offer flexible schedules, which allow you to balance between work and personal plans. Besides, there are a number of potential benefits that make them very attractive to many drivers. Some of the advantages which can be realized from part-time CDL jobs include:
Flexible schedules
One of the most important advantages of part-time CDL jobs is flexibility. Many a time, drivers can make choices to pick various shifts and routes to meet their own personal schedules, hence making it pretty easier to juggle between work, family, school, or another job. This flexibility makes part-time jobs appealing to retirees, students, or anyone who just wants to earn an extra buck without committing to a full-time job.
Good earnings for fewer hours
While driving fewer hours, part-time CDL drivers often get good remunerations. Most part-time driving jobs come with per-hour wages comparable to full-time wages, and some of them offer opportunities for overtime. Such jobs will be one of the best options to increase earnings for holders of CDLs without a full workload.
Variety of Options
From delivery services to transportation of special equipment, CDL-required jobs are found in many industries. Part-time positions exist in local, regional driving, and even shuttle driving, providing a host of opportunities for drivers to find the type of driving that best suits their needs. If you’re willing to stay local or even hit the road from time to time, there’s much availability to be had to match your preference.
Experience without full-time commitment
Part-time work with a CDL is good for those who want to keep their skills sharp but don’t need or want a full-time job. For example, the ability to continue involvement in the industry without the commitment of regular long-haul trips appeals to retired drivers or those taking a break from full-time trucking.
FAQs
1. Do you get free time as a truck driver?
Yes, part-time truck drivers will usually have more control over their schedules, as could well be expected, than full-time drivers. Many part-time positions have more free time to devote to family activities, hobbies, or other pursuits.
2. How many days do truckers get off?
Part-time truckers can generally have fewer days of working, as most of the companies allow flexible shift patterns. It is not that easy to determine a particular number of days off since this depends on companies and the role of the trucker.
3. Is trucking a low-skill job?
No, it’s considered to be semi-skilled labor. It requires taking extended training and expertise in safety regulations, vehicle maintenance, and long-distance driving. You cannot legally drive without a driver’s license. A CDL itself involves very rigid tests to obtain; most roles require ongoing training and certifications for job performance.
4. How can I make extra money with my CDL?
In addition to driving part-time, many CDL holders also pick up extra work, freelancing for deliveries, seasonal work, or taking on contract driving jobs. Specialized services can be added as well, like hazardous materials transport with the proper endorsement. It goes without saying that the added specialization increases the pay.
5. Is truck driving a relaxing job?
It depends on each person. Being a truck driver may be rewarding at times, but it isn’t always easy or free of stress. Much concentration may be put into the job, especially for long routes or in highly trafficked areas. Part-time usually involves less stress compared to full-time jobs, while shorter routes or local driving tasks are a bit more bearable.
Final thoughts
Part-time CDL jobs bring great opportunities for flexibility, supplementation of income, or a lighter workload for the drivers. Whether trying to balance work among other commitments or just wanting to dive head-first into a new career path, there is a position to fit your needs. Also, whether driving school buses or hauling solid waste, each position brings its unique responsibilities and rewards. Dive into the diverse world of part-time CDL jobs and find that perfect fit for your lifestyle and goals. Good luck!
