Over-the-Road Driver Jobs for OPT Students
Over-the-Road Driver jobs require a Commercial Driver's License, which takes time to obtain and involves federal DOT regulations that intersect with OPT work authorization rules. Your OPT EAD must be valid for the duration of any employment, and STEM OPT extensions do not apply to this role.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Summary:
As a leading LTL freight carrier who has been in business since 1931, Estes takes great pride in offering drivers in-cab ergonomics and technology that focuses on driver comfort, in alignment with Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements. Estes drivers earn competitive pay and benefits such as company-provided uniforms, paid lodging, cell phone reimbursements and bonus eligibility. With an exceptional support team every mile of the way, Regional OTR Drivers are over the road, moving freight between terminals within the Estes Terminal network. Most drivers enjoy scheduled runs and frequent home time. If you're looking for a rewarding and challenging career with opportunity for advancement, Estes is the place for you.
Responsibilities:
- Will be required to operate all types of equipment to perform all safety functions, including, but not limited to, operating manual transmission, chaining tires, etc. and must be skilled and qualified to drive in all types of terrain, routes and environmental conditions.
- Responsible for safely operating a tractor/trailer in the transportation of freight in accordance with Company, Federal, State and Local laws with regard to run times and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
- Must adhere to all FMCSA requirements of those holding a Commercial Driver’s License.
- Maintain records required with compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
- Comply with all requirements for safe and legal transportation of hazardous materials.
- Insure security of equipment and cargo.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure safe working conditions of the tractor and trailer prior to each trip and at the end of each trip.
- Check gauges and visual indicators for malfunctions, ensure seal or lock on trailers and conducts inspection of vehicle before and during trips to determine problems that may be occurring.
- Promptly report all maintenance problems to Fleet Services and/or supervision.
- Verify unit numbers versus paperwork given and report any discrepancies to your supervisor.
- May be required to use in-cab technology, to include electronic logs and other items.
- May be required to drive different schedules and work the dock based on business needs.
- Provide professional and courteous service to our customers and the general public.
- Regular attendance is required.
- This is not an all-inclusive list of job requirements and/or duties and may not contain all mental and physical capabilities necessary to perform the job at all times due to circumstances. Operational, safety and other needs may require the employee to perform any and all other duties as assigned. Employees are expected, and must be able to perform all such duties and tasks.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or General Educational Degree (GED), or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
- 21 years of age required per FMCSA regulations (1 year driving experience required).
- Must possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License.
- Must be registered with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
- Must reside within 75 miles of the domiciled terminal and/or work assignment.
- HazMat, Tanker and Doubles endorsements required (LCV requirement may apply).
- Must be able to drive a tractor trailer for a period of time that will conform to FMCSA requirements.
- Stable employment history preferred.
- Physical activities include: standing, lifting, twisting, turning, climbing a ladder, etc.
- Must be capable of dropping/hooking and coupling trailers which involves cranking landing gear, pulling 5th wheel pin which takes approximately 65 lbs. of pressure; and maneuvering a trailer dolly.
- Must be able to provide an acceptable MVR.
- Must be familiar with state motor vehicle laws and FMCSA rules and regulations.
- Must pass a FMCSA required medical exam.
- Must pass a road test.
- Ability to meet the FMCSA’s requirements to speak and read English.
- Must be able to lift approximately 70 lbs., or more if required by the essential functions of the job.
- Must be able to drive all routes and in all types of terrain, including, but not limited to, mountains, steep inclined roads, curvy highways, desert areas, bridges, tunnels, etc.
- Must be able to drive in a wide range of environmental conditions, including, but not limited to, rain, wind, snow, freezing temperatures, hot weather, etc.
- Must be able to operate all safety and operational functions of equipment, including, but not limited to, chaining tires, driving manual and/or automatic transmission vehicles, etc.
- Must be able to comply with all company policies, rules, procedures and Code of Conduct.
- Must be able to interact well with others.
- Must be able to work independently, or in a team setting.
- Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high volume environment with multiple priorities.
- Responds well to questions; Ability to read, interpret and comply with written information and documents such as safety rules, operations/procedure manuals and maintenance instructions with a high comprehension and concentration level to include the ability to meet deadlines.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, random drug and/or alcohol tests, and will be subject to a criminal history background check.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to lift and/or move a minimum of 70 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to lift, twist, turn, and may climb. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and climb or balance.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The employee may be required to work in high/precarious places, with hazardous materials, and in various weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to loud as required by the essential functions of the job.
Job Summary:
As a leading LTL freight carrier who has been in business since 1931, Estes takes great pride in offering drivers in-cab ergonomics and technology that focuses on driver comfort, in alignment with Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements. Estes drivers earn competitive pay and benefits such as company-provided uniforms, paid lodging, cell phone reimbursements and bonus eligibility. With an exceptional support team every mile of the way, Regional OTR Drivers are over the road, moving freight between terminals within the Estes Terminal network. Most drivers enjoy scheduled runs and frequent home time. If you're looking for a rewarding and challenging career with opportunity for advancement, Estes is the place for you.
Responsibilities:
- Will be required to operate all types of equipment to perform all safety functions, including, but not limited to, operating manual transmission, chaining tires, etc. and must be skilled and qualified to drive in all types of terrain, routes and environmental conditions.
- Responsible for safely operating a tractor/trailer in the transportation of freight in accordance with Company, Federal, State and Local laws with regard to run times and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
- Must adhere to all FMCSA requirements of those holding a Commercial Driver’s License.
- Maintain records required with compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
- Comply with all requirements for safe and legal transportation of hazardous materials.
- Insure security of equipment and cargo.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure safe working conditions of the tractor and trailer prior to each trip and at the end of each trip.
- Check gauges and visual indicators for malfunctions, ensure seal or lock on trailers and conducts inspection of vehicle before and during trips to determine problems that may be occurring.
- Promptly report all maintenance problems to Fleet Services and/or supervision.
- Verify unit numbers versus paperwork given and report any discrepancies to your supervisor.
- May be required to use in-cab technology, to include electronic logs and other items.
- May be required to drive different schedules and work the dock based on business needs.
- Provide professional and courteous service to our customers and the general public.
- Regular attendance is required.
- This is not an all-inclusive list of job requirements and/or duties and may not contain all mental and physical capabilities necessary to perform the job at all times due to circumstances. Operational, safety and other needs may require the employee to perform any and all other duties as assigned. Employees are expected, and must be able to perform all such duties and tasks.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or General Educational Degree (GED), or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
- 21 years of age required per FMCSA regulations (1 year driving experience required).
- Must possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License.
- Must be registered with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
- Must reside within 75 miles of the domiciled terminal and/or work assignment.
- HazMat, Tanker and Doubles endorsements required (LCV requirement may apply).
- Must be able to drive a tractor trailer for a period of time that will conform to FMCSA requirements.
- Stable employment history preferred.
- Physical activities include: standing, lifting, twisting, turning, climbing a ladder, etc.
- Must be capable of dropping/hooking and coupling trailers which involves cranking landing gear, pulling 5th wheel pin which takes approximately 65 lbs. of pressure; and maneuvering a trailer dolly.
- Must be able to provide an acceptable MVR.
- Must be familiar with state motor vehicle laws and FMCSA rules and regulations.
- Must pass a FMCSA required medical exam.
- Must pass a road test.
- Ability to meet the FMCSA’s requirements to speak and read English.
- Must be able to lift approximately 70 lbs., or more if required by the essential functions of the job.
- Must be able to drive all routes and in all types of terrain, including, but not limited to, mountains, steep inclined roads, curvy highways, desert areas, bridges, tunnels, etc.
- Must be able to drive in a wide range of environmental conditions, including, but not limited to, rain, wind, snow, freezing temperatures, hot weather, etc.
- Must be able to operate all safety and operational functions of equipment, including, but not limited to, chaining tires, driving manual and/or automatic transmission vehicles, etc.
- Must be able to comply with all company policies, rules, procedures and Code of Conduct.
- Must be able to interact well with others.
- Must be able to work independently, or in a team setting.
- Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high volume environment with multiple priorities.
- Responds well to questions; Ability to read, interpret and comply with written information and documents such as safety rules, operations/procedure manuals and maintenance instructions with a high comprehension and concentration level to include the ability to meet deadlines.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, random drug and/or alcohol tests, and will be subject to a criminal history background check.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to lift and/or move a minimum of 70 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to lift, twist, turn, and may climb. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and climb or balance.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The employee may be required to work in high/precarious places, with hazardous materials, and in various weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to loud as required by the essential functions of the job.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Over-the-Road Driver
Obtain your CDL before your OPT clock starts
CDL training and testing takes weeks. Starting the licensing process before your OPT begins protects your authorized work period. Every week spent in training is a week you cannot yet earn income as a driver.
Confirm your employer is registered with FMCSA
OTR employers must be active FMCSA carriers to hire drivers legally. Verify your prospective employer's operating authority on the FMCSA website before accepting any offer to avoid employment with an unauthorized carrier.
Understand that STEM OPT extension does not apply here
Over-the-Road Driver roles are not classified as STEM occupations. You cannot extend your OPT to 24 additional months under the STEM extension. Plan your job search timeline around the standard 12-month OPT period.
Report your employer address accurately to your DSO
OTR drivers work across multiple states, but SEVIS requires a fixed employer address. Coordinate with your DSO to report your employer's principal office address correctly. Inaccurate employer records can jeopardize your OPT status.
Track your unemployment days carefully
OPT authorizes a maximum of 90 unemployment days. Gaps between driving contracts or between employer assignments count against that limit. Maintain a log of your active employment periods and start your next role before the limit is reached.
Get written confirmation of your employment start date
Trucking companies sometimes delay onboarding due to orientation schedules or background checks. Request written confirmation of your official start date so you can document employment accurately and avoid unintended unemployment day accrual.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Over-the-Road Drivers in the U.S.?
Yes, F-1 students on post-completion OPT can work as Over-the-Road Drivers, provided the role is directly related to their field of study. You must hold a valid EAD issued by USCIS before beginning work. The role also requires a valid Commercial Driver's License issued by a U.S. state, which you must obtain independently of your OPT authorization.
Does an Over-the-Road Driver job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Over-the-Road Driver is not a STEM-designated occupation under the Department of Homeland Security's STEM OPT extension program. Your OPT is limited to the standard 12-month authorization period. If you need longer work authorization after OPT, you would need an employer willing to sponsor a visa such as an H-1B, though CDL-based roles rarely pursue that path.
How do I find OTR trucking companies that will hire F-1 OPT students?
Most large regional and national carriers hire based on CDL qualification and driving record rather than immigration status, but confirming sponsorship willingness upfront saves time. Migrate Mate lists OPT-friendly employer opportunities so you can focus your applications on companies that have already demonstrated openness to hiring international students with work authorization.
What happens to my OPT status if I'm between trucking contracts?
Any days without active employment count toward your 90-day unemployment limit under OPT. OTR driving arrangements that involve gaps between loads, carrier contracts, or orientation periods all count as unemployment if you are not actively on payroll. Keep documentation of your employment dates and transition quickly between roles to protect your remaining authorized unemployment days.
Can I work for multiple trucking companies or as an owner-operator while on OPT?
Working for multiple employers simultaneously is permitted on OPT as long as each job relates to your field of study and you report all employers to your DSO. Self-employment or owner-operator arrangements are more complex under OPT rules. You would need to demonstrate a legitimate business structure and that the work is directly tied to your degree field, which is difficult to establish for independent trucking operations.
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