Hire Truck Drivers in California
Access our network of 145,000+ CDL drivers in California. Average wages of $58,000-$78,000/year with very high demand across all equipment types.
California Driver Market Overview
Driver Pool
145,000+
Avg. Wage
$58,000-$78,000/year
Demand Level
very high
CDL Schools
200+ CDL schools
Our Turnover
70%
Top Hiring Cities in California
#1
Los Angeles
#2
San Francisco
#3
San Diego
#4
Fresno
#5
Sacramento
#6
Oakland
#7
Stockton
Major Employers in California
Amazon (20+ FCs)
Port of LA/Long Beach
Walmart DCs
Target
Costco
Sysco
Hire Drivers in California by Equipment
Select an equipment type to see California-specific driver availability and requirements.
Dry Van
Class A
Demand: very high
Reefer
Class A
Demand: very high
Flatbed
Class A
Demand: very high
Step Deck
Class A
Demand: very high
Hotshot
Class A or B (varies by GVWR); some non-CDL under 26,000 lbs
Demand: very high
Box Truck
Class B (26,001+ lbs GVWR); non-CDL for under 26,000 lbs
Demand: very high
Car Hauler
Class A
Demand: very high
Tanker
Class A
Demand: very high
Power Only
Class A
Demand: very high
Intermodal
Class A
Demand: very high
CDL Training Pipeline in California
200+ CDL schools
CDL training programs in California
California's CDL training infrastructure produces a steady pipeline of new drivers. Combined with our national network, we can match your California-based positions with both local graduates and experienced drivers from neighboring states.
Why Hire Drivers in California
Largest freight market in the US — port + agriculture + e-commerce
Port of LA/Long Beach handles 40% of US imports
Year-round produce season creates consistent reefer demand
Highest driver wages outside Alaska
CARB compliance creates barrier to entry — less competition for compliant fleets
Hiring Drivers in California — FAQ
California's AB5 law reclassifies many independent contractors as employees, which impacts how companies hire and classify drivers. Our staffing model is structured to comply with AB5 requirements, ensuring your company is not exposed to misclassification liability.
All trucks operating in California must meet CARB (California Air Resources Board) emission standards — generally requiring 2010 or newer engines. Our drivers operating in California are verified to drive CARB-compliant equipment.
California drivers earn $58,000-$78,000 per year, among the highest in the nation. Port drayage drivers in LA/Long Beach can exceed $80,000. However, California's high cost of living partially offsets the higher wages.
Los Angeles/Inland Empire leads overwhelmingly due to port operations and distribution. Central Valley (Fresno/Bakersfield) has strong agricultural demand. The Bay Area needs last-mile delivery drivers. Sacramento is growing as an alternative distribution hub.
Yes. Our LA-market intermodal pool includes TWIC-credentialed drivers experienced with port terminal operations, container chassis handling, and the notoriously congested port truck routes. We recommend 1-2 week lead time for port drayage placements.