Find your seat with the Elite Fleet.

National Carriers hires Class A company drivers for OTR, regional, and dedicated refrigerated lanes — and you only need 6 months of tractor-trailer experience to qualify.

National Carriers drivers

Only 6 months of experience required

Class A CDL and 6+ months of verifiable tractor-trailer time. That is the bar — not years of waiting to get in the door.

Six months to qualifyNot a multi-year wall before you can apply
100% automatic fleetLate-model Kenworth T-680s ready for the road
Paid home timeOTR drivers earn $50/day toward time at home

An elite carrier, without the owner-operator overhead

National Carriers is a diversified motor carrier serving all 48 continental states with refrigerated, livestock, and logistics services. Founded in 1968, NCI is one of the nation's oldest and most respected carriers — and home of the Elite Fleet.

Company driving with National Carriers is built for people who want premium equipment and consistent miles, and who do not want to own the truck. Dispatch knows drivers by name. Freight stays moving. Home time is part of the package — especially on OTR, where paid home time is a real differentiator.

Our mission: To be the safest, most customer-focused, and successful motor carrier in our class.

  • Who we hireClass A CDL, 21+, and only 6 months of verifiable tractor-trailer experience.
  • EquipmentKenworth T-680s, 100% automatic, Utility reefers with SmartTruck UT6.
  • BenefitsHealth and life for driver, spouse, and children. 401(k) match. PTO.
National Carriers truck on the road
National Carriers trailer branding

Hear it from NCI drivers

  • Mary & Ron — Drive NCI

  • New driver to the industry has found a home

  • NCI offers a pet policy

  • 2024 Driver of the Year finalist Randy & Darci Wickham

  • Seward County Community College CDL students succeed at NCI

  • 2023 Driver of the Year finalist: Visente Torres

  • 2023 Driver of the Year finalist: Levi Porter

  • 2023 Driver of the Year finalist: Joey Bourque

  • TCA Trainer of the Year nomination: Carlnaci Pete

  • TCA Driver Trainer of the Year nomination: Carlnaci Pete

  • 2023 Driver of the Year finalist: Jim Butler

  • 2023 Driver of the Year finalist: Adam Hayes

  • 2023 Driver of the Year finalist: GiGi Gammon

  • 2023 Driver of the Year finalist: Johnny Malone

  • 2023 Driver of the Year finalists: Kelly Schwarte

  • 2023 Driver of the Year finalist: Cedric Clayborn

  • Texas Twister totals truck trailer tandem

  • Trainees: Why I got my CDL

  • Daniel Zuniga: Driver Trainer

  • Professional driver Kenneth Covington — how does the public view you?

  • Two-time Driver of the Month Kenneth Covington on staying healthy

  • Teamwork is the foundation for success at NCI

  • National Carriers works for me: professional drivers

  • This is our Destini

  • Kevin V. explains how to get in and out

  • Hiring new Class A CDL holders — weekly pay included

  • NCI responds to Kinslow's big bump in the road

  • Driver of the Year 2020, National Carriers, Inc.

  • Anthony Olvera, Driver of the Month, on NCI driver managers

  • Paula — Drive NCI

  • Riding with drivers: Mary Reddick / Ronnie Wallett

  • NCI leasing with lease operator David Conlee

  • Driver referral bonus

  • Riding with drivers — Eric Rogers

  • Riding with drivers: Ken Covington

  • Ken Covington

  • Riding with drivers: Kevin Gulley

  • Driver testimonial: Curtis Rabb, owner operator

“Everybody is available to you. Everyone from the President all the way down helps you become the best driver you can be for National Carriers.”

Steven V., NCI Driver

National Carriers driver FAQ

Common questions about pets, riders, home time, pay, and qualifying.

Do you allow pets in the truck?

Yes! We have a combined Rider and Pet Policy. You are welcome to bring your pets on the road with you to make the miles pass faster.

Can I bring a rider with me on the road?

Yes. Under our Rider and Pet Policy, we allow you to take loved ones on the road with you.

Can I bring my truck home with me during home time?

While we prioritize dependable home time, specific logistical rules for parking the truck at your personal residence depend on your location and route. Speak with one of our recruiters to see if your specific residential setup allows you to park the tractor at home.

How does home time work, and do I get paid for it?

We offer dependable home time with frequencies based on your route (for example, Midwest Company Drivers get weekly home time in KS, CO, TX, OK, MO, IA, and IL). Plus, our OTR drivers receive $50 per day in home time pay.

What is your policy on past drug violations, accidents, and background checks?

We require all applicants to meet our minimum background and safety standards:

  • DWI Convictions: Must be at least 5 years old.
  • Felony Convictions: Must be at least 10 years old.
  • Moving Violations: Maximum of 3 in the last 3 years.
  • Preventable Accidents: Maximum of 2 (or 3, depending on the route/position) in the last 3 years.
What are your minimum age and CDL requirements?

You must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid Class A CDL. Standard positions typically require 6 months to 1 year of experience, but we also offer a Student Training Program for recent CDL graduates, which averages 3 weeks of training.

What is the average pay for a driver?
  • OTR company drivers: Average about $1,700 per week ($88,000 per year).
  • OTR CPM by verified experience: $0.54 (0–6 months), $0.60 (6 months–6 years), $0.62 (7+ years), based on 2,500–2,800 miles per week.
  • Student Drivers: First-year students can expect to make around $65,000.
Do you offer detention pay?

Yes, we offer Automatic Detention Pay. It’s completely hassle-free—no macros, no waiting.

Do you offer referral bonuses?

Yes, we offer referral bonuses for drivers who bring new talent to our team.

Are there any other unique perks?

Yes! Because we are affiliated with National Beef, one of our most popular benefits is our exclusive discount meat purchase program available to all of our drivers.

Talk to recruiting today

Six months of experience. A Class A CDL. Pick a seat or call.