OPT Truck Driver Jobs
Truck Driver jobs on OPT are limited but possible for F-1 students with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and the right employer. Most roles fall outside traditional specialty occupation categories, so understanding your authorization timeline and employer requirements upfront is critical to a successful job search.
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Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.
For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.
What you will do
Under general supervision, conducts preventive maintenance, repair, installation, general servicing and troubleshooting of mechanical HVAC systems. Responsible for high levels of customer satisfaction through direct, on site, customer interface. Mentors' peers on mechanical HVAC installation & service activities. Properly completes required project and service documentation. Provide our customers with the highest level of service to solve building inefficiencies and resolve service-related items. As a trusted advisor to our customers, you will provide solutions and outcomes at the time of service.
How you will do it
Apprentices are governed by the local union agreement and they will perform all pneumatic control systems and mechanical equipment service and all other work coming under this Agreement assigned by the Employer, limited only by their capabilities as determined by the Employer, at the respective apprentice rate of pay, and shall perform all assigned work under the direction of the Employer.
Provide recommendations and solutions to ensure facility is running efficiently to include upselling opportunities. Provide quotes to support recommendations and solutions.
Routine service and inspections, regardless of size or location of the HVAC mechanical equipment being inspected or serviced, where this work is done as a periodic and routine procedure by the Employer, such as:
- Change and service filters
- Oiling and greasing
- Adjust or replace belts
- Clean cooling towers, coils, evaporator and condenser tubes and general housekeeping
- Mechanical systems operation under contract with customer
- Cleaning and routine maintenance of solar energy equipment
- Indoor Air Quality related work including duct systems and drain pans
What we look for
Required
- Must be a member or willing to join the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, AFL-CIO.
- Vocational School four-year program or an associate degree in mechanical systems, air conditioning or similar field
- 1+ years of industry experience or experience in servicing mechanical systems in the HVAC industry
- Generally required knowledge includes mechanical HVAC systems, facilities management systems, site preparation, peripheral equipment installation and servicing techniques
- Effective interpersonal skills to properly represent Johnson Controls to customers and other outside contacts in an ethical and professional manner
- Ability to explain technical information to technical and non-technical people
- Leadership skills to support the activities of Mechanics working on non-complex, non-critical mechanical HVAC equipment on a job site
About us
Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.
For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.
What you will do
Under general supervision, conducts preventive maintenance, repair, installation, general servicing and troubleshooting of mechanical HVAC systems. Responsible for high levels of customer satisfaction through direct, on site, customer interface. Mentors' peers on mechanical HVAC installation & service activities. Properly completes required project and service documentation. Provide our customers with the highest level of service to solve building inefficiencies and resolve service-related items. As a trusted advisor to our customers, you will provide solutions and outcomes at the time of service.
How you will do it
Apprentices are governed by the local union agreement and they will perform all pneumatic control systems and mechanical equipment service and all other work coming under this Agreement assigned by the Employer, limited only by their capabilities as determined by the Employer, at the respective apprentice rate of pay, and shall perform all assigned work under the direction of the Employer.
Provide recommendations and solutions to ensure facility is running efficiently to include upselling opportunities. Provide quotes to support recommendations and solutions.
Routine service and inspections, regardless of size or location of the HVAC mechanical equipment being inspected or serviced, where this work is done as a periodic and routine procedure by the Employer, such as:
- Change and service filters
- Oiling and greasing
- Adjust or replace belts
- Clean cooling towers, coils, evaporator and condenser tubes and general housekeeping
- Mechanical systems operation under contract with customer
- Cleaning and routine maintenance of solar energy equipment
- Indoor Air Quality related work including duct systems and drain pans
What we look for
Required
- Must be a member or willing to join the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, AFL-CIO.
- Vocational School four-year program or an associate degree in mechanical systems, air conditioning or similar field
- 1+ years of industry experience or experience in servicing mechanical systems in the HVAC industry
- Generally required knowledge includes mechanical HVAC systems, facilities management systems, site preparation, peripheral equipment installation and servicing techniques
- Effective interpersonal skills to properly represent Johnson Controls to customers and other outside contacts in an ethical and professional manner
- Ability to explain technical information to technical and non-technical people
- Leadership skills to support the activities of Mechanics working on non-complex, non-critical mechanical HVAC equipment on a job site
See all 33+ OPT Truck Driver Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Truck Driver
Obtain your CDL before OPT begins
A Commercial Driver's License is the baseline requirement for nearly every truck driving position. Start the licensing process while still in school so you enter your OPT period ready to work, not waiting on credentials.
Target large fleet employers
Large logistics and freight companies are more experienced with work authorization paperwork than small owner-operators. Carriers with dedicated HR departments are better positioned to verify and support your OPT employment authorization documentation correctly.
Carry your EAD card at all times
Federal regulations require commercial drivers to carry valid work authorization documents. Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card must be on your person during every shift, not just during onboarding, to stay compliant with both USCIS and DOT requirements.
Track your OPT end date obsessively
Standard OPT lasts 12 months. STEM extension is not available for Truck Driver roles since the position does not meet specialty occupation or STEM criteria. Know your exact expiration date and plan your next visa step well in advance.
Understand DOT physical and drug test requirements
Commercial driving roles require a DOT physical exam and drug screening before employment. These federal requirements apply regardless of immigration status, so budget time and cost for these steps when planning your OPT job search timeline.
Clarify employment structure with the employer upfront
Some carriers classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. OPT requires authorized employment, and contractor arrangements may create compliance complications. Confirm you will be classified as a W-2 employee before accepting any offer.
Truck Driver OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Truck Drivers in the United States?
Yes, F-1 students on OPT can work as Truck Drivers as long as the job is directly related to their field of study and they hold a valid EAD card. The challenge is that most university programs that could support this are in logistics, transportation management, or supply chain fields. Students should confirm the connection between their degree and the role with their DSO before accepting an offer.
Is a STEM OPT extension available for Truck Driver positions?
No. Truck Driver roles are not classified under STEM degree categories recognized by the Department of Homeland Security, so STEM OPT extension is not an option for this position. F-1 students working as Truck Drivers are limited to the standard 12-month OPT period. Planning a transition to a different visa category before OPT expires is essential if you intend to continue working in the U.S.
What documents do I need to show an employer as an OPT student Truck Driver?
You will need your valid EAD card, your F-1 visa, your current I-20 with OPT authorization noted, and your passport. For commercial driving specifically, you also need a valid CDL and DOT medical certificate. Employers complete Form I-9 for all employees, and your EAD is a valid List A document for that process. Keep digital copies of everything in case originals are requested during roadside inspections.
How do I find Truck Driver employers who are comfortable hiring OPT students?
Large national carriers and logistics companies with established HR departments are generally more familiar with OPT work authorization than regional or independent operators. Migrate Mate lists employers with a track record of sponsoring or supporting international students, making it easier to identify which companies are open to OPT hires. Focus your outreach on fleet-based operations rather than small trucking businesses to improve your chances.
Does working as an independent contractor count toward OPT employment requirements?
Self-employment on OPT is technically permitted under certain conditions, but contractor arrangements with a single company can be scrutinized by USCIS. For Truck Drivers specifically, being classified as an independent contractor rather than a W-2 employee creates significant compliance risk. USCIS requires that OPT employment be legitimate and traceable. A formal employee classification with payroll records and an employer of record is the safest structure for OPT compliance.