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CDL-A Reefer Driver - Trainees Welcome

American Driver

Temple, TX • 10/14/2026

Job Description

Job Description

Refrigerated freight pays more than dry van, and it doesn't stop for slow seasons. This seat starts new CDL drivers at $850 a week in training and moves them to $1,300–$1,500 a week solo.

We're hiring around Temple, Belton, Killeen, Harker Heights and Copperas Cove. Veterans from Fort Cavazos are welcome.

Reefer vs. dry van, plainly

  • Higher average pay: $1,300–$1,500 a week here
  • Steady freight all year, because people eat every month
  • $25 stop pay instead of the usual $15
  • The trade-off: more live loads and live unloads, with appointment times to hit

Your lanes

Texas to Tennessee, Texas to Illinois, and Texas to Georgia, then back. You'll run about 1,800–2,000 miles a week out of the Dallas area. Mostly you're home every 2 weeks.

Training

Orientation lasts up to 2 days, pays $300 once you're hired, and covers your lodging and bus ticket. Then you drive 3 to 5 weeks with a mentor (200–250 hours) at $850 a week.

Pay after training

  • $1,300–$1,500 average per week ($67,600–$78,000 a year)
  • Per-mile rate on a sliding scale that grows with experience
  • $1,000 weekly minimum for 3 months after your first solo dispatch
  • $25 for each extra stop
  • Detention and layover pay
  • Weekly direct deposit

Your truck

An assigned Freightliner about 1.5 years old on average. Automatic or 10-speed. Most have an APU or inverter. No-touch freight, and you won't handle the load.

Benefits after 30 days

Medical, dental, vision and prescription. 401(k), stock purchase, life and disability. Paid vacation. Free online college for you and one dependent.

Riders and pets

An approved adult rider can come along. One dog under 40 lbs is allowed after training.

Requirements

  • Class A CDL, 21+
  • New CDL grads welcome
  • 2 or fewer moving violations in 2 years
  • No DUI/DWI in 10 years
  • DOT physical, hair and urine drug test

Why reefer, why here

  • Higher pay than dry van
  • Paid training, then a weekly minimum
  • Freight that moves all year

Apply now. A recruiter will contact you.

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.