What is a class b driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
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Class B drivers are individuals that operate commercial vehicles weighing between 26,001 and 33,000 pounds. They are licensed to drive single vehicles with attached cabs and cargo that transport goods and materials, often making multiple stops throughout the day. Class B drivers may be responsible for loading and unloading cargo, inspecting vehicles for safety, and keeping accurate records of mileage and deliveries. They must possess strong driving skills and knowledge of traffic regulations.

ScoreClass B DriverUS Average
Salary
3.5

Avg. Salary $44,233

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.3

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.82%

Asian 3.81%

Black or African American 12.12%

Hispanic or Latino 18.39%

Unknown 4.77%

White 60.08%

Gender

female 9.92%

male 90.08%

Age - 49
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49
Stress Level
7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
4.6

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
1.4

Work Life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Class B Driver?

Pros

  • Good job security due to high demand for drivers

  • Opportunities for overtime pay

  • Ability to travel and see new places

  • Potential for good pay and benefits

  • Varied and interesting workday

Cons

  • Long hours and irregular schedules, often including weekends and holidays

  • High levels of stress due to traffic, deadlines, and safety concerns

  • Physical demands of the job can be challenging, including lifting heavy loads and sitting for long periods of time

  • Potential for exposure to hazardous materials or dangerous driving conditions

  • Limited opportunities for social interaction or work-life balance

Class B Driver career paths

Key steps to become a class b driver

  1. Explore class b driver education requirements

    Most common class b driver degrees

    High School Diploma

    46.4 %

    Associate

    16.1 %

    Diploma

    14.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific class b driver skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    CDL30.21%
    DOT12.96%
    Customer Service9.18%
    Customer Locations5.13%
    Straight Truck4.79%
  3. Complete relevant class b driver training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New class b drivers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a class b driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real class b driver resumes.
  4. Research class b driver duties and responsibilities

    • Maintain dot log books daily.
    • Used a RF scanner to maintain inventory.
    • Use of tow motors and RF scanners also.
    • Follow all rules and regulations while safely transporting HazMat cargo.
  5. Prepare your class b driver resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your class b driver resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a class b driver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Class B Driver Resume templates

    Build a professional Class B Driver resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Class B Driver resume.
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    Class B Driver Resume
  6. Apply for class b driver jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a class b driver job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Class B Driver Job

Zippi

Are you a Class B Driver?

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Average class b driver salary

The average Class B Driver salary in the United States is $44,233 per year or $21 per hour. Class b driver salaries range between $35,000 and $55,000 per year.

Average Class B Driver Salary
$44,233 Yearly
$21.27 hourly

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How do class b drivers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

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1 Star

Class B Driver reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

Seeing different areas and being left alone. Meeting new people along the way.

Cons

Rough roads people that are texting while I'm driving down the road. At least 5 out of 10 drivers are texting.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2022
Cons

The road rage drivers: people lose their empathy when driving. They become aggressive and angry by the slightest event on the road. Hence, taking the fun out of driving. However, driving is still relaxing and fun.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Cons

Cinema

Pros

Experience 8 year GCC county almost work driving responsibility passenger drop location and food delivery timing driving delivery I am work hope


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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