CDL Driver Cover Letter Sample & Writing Tips

Today’s Date

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

456 Company Address

Columbus, OH, 43081

(xxx)xxx-xxxx

hiring.manager@gmail.com

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I’m responding to a recent job posting for licensed commercial drivers at [Company Name]. For the last eight years, I’ve been in possession of a Class A Commercial Driver’s License and have obtained both the Tow Truck (W) and combination Tank Truck / Hazardous Materials (X) endorsements. In my current position, I transport fuel for a subcontractor throughout Central Ohio. Before that, I operated a flatbed tow truck for the purposes of clearing roadside accidents and seizing vehicles that were in violation of traffic laws.

I have an outstanding professional driving record with zero DOT violations. Off the clock, I haven’t received so much as a parking ticket in over 15 years. My commitment to safety is second to none and I have a high level of mechanical knowhow, as vehicle restoration and maintenance are a bit of a hobby of mine.

Examples of my work experience that highlight my qualifications:

Operated a tank truck capable of transporting up to 1200-gallons

Reduced the time to distribute by 12% through superior route-planning and navigation

Established professional relationships with 100+ customers in the straight truck moving business

The transition from hauling regional freight to cross-country freight has been my goal since becoming a CDL driver. If hired, I would provide efficient, dedicated and skilled trucking services to [Company Name]. Thank you for allowing me to apply for this position. I look forward to your decision.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Whether you’re an owner-operator or an independent contractor, fuel your commercial driver’s license cover letter with our expert writing tips.

Give Examples of Industry Experience

Similar to the career objective we outlined in our CDL driver resume writing tips, your cover letter needs to highlight the specifics of your previous work history.

Be thorough. State how many years you’ve been a commercially licensed driver. Include examples of the vehicles you’re qualified to operate. Mention the truck type, weight-class, freight tonnage, and various routes you’ve driven.

Take a look at our cover letter sample:

cdl truck driver cover letter history

Draw from your resume and include your most impressive bullet-points. A cover letter is your first impression for hiring managers, after all, so showcase your best qualities right from the start.

Mention Endorsements and Certifications

Aside from being necessary requirements in some states, endorsements are a great way to stand out as a commercial driver’s license operator.

If you currently don’t have any endorsements on your license, consider enrolling in an accredited truck driving course and include that in your cover letter. This shows initiative and will let hiring managers know that you’re committed to furthering your career as a CDL driver.

cdl truck driver cover letter endorsements

The applicant in our cover letter sample includes their license class and endorsement types in the second sentence.

An employer skimming through stacks of applications knows exactly what this candidate brings to the table.

Great resources for information on updating registration or obtaining endorsements include:

DMV.org — Comprehensive information from each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) — Federal CDL regulations and guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation
Trucker Country — Take practice tests, find schools, and learn how to become a CDL driver

Highlight Your Driving and Safety Record

Your personal driving record doesn’t have to be particularly spotless. A random parking ticket or a years-old speeding violation isn’t going to damage your chances of being hired on as a CDL driver. Employers are primarily concerned with serious offenses like a DUI.

That said, there are ways to massage any perceived blemishes.

For example, which of these two statements sounds better:

I haven’t had a safety or traffic violation in over a year.
I have less than 10 points on my commercial driver’s license.

The first sentence is a clear example of massaging the truth in your favor. NEVER outright lie on a cover letter or resume, but you can present negative aspects of your driving record in a more positive light.

There you have it. Simple tips to polish your cover letter and guarantee an interview. Good luck in your job hunt!