CDL Class A Driver Career Guide
A CDL Class A license opens the door to some of the most dependable, best-paying driving careers in the country. But not every CDL-A job is the same. The schedule you choose — local, regional, or over-the-road — shapes your paycheck, your home time, and your weekly routine more than almost any other factor. This guide breaks down the three main route types we recruit for at Roger That Recruiting so you can pick the one that fits your life.
Solo 1 — Local Routes, Home Every Night
Solo 1 local driving keeps you within a single metro area, making daily deliveries and returning home every night. There are no overnight stays, which makes it the strongest option for drivers with families or who simply want to sleep in their own bed. Pay is typically hourly with overtime opportunities, and the work is steady and predictable. Local roles are currently available in Atlanta, GA and Jefferson, GA.
Solo 2 — Regional, Two Days On / Two Days Off
Solo 2 regional driving covers a multi-state region rather than coast-to-coast hauls. The signature schedule is two days on followed by two days off, totaling roughly 40 hours per week. It is a predictable rotation that keeps you close to home while still offering the longer hauls and mileage pay that regional work is known for. Pay ranges from $22 to $25 per hour with overtime and holiday pay on top, plus full benefits and a 401(k).
Solo 5 — OTR, Home on Weekends
Solo 5 over-the-road driving sends you out Monday through Friday and brings you home for the weekend. These are longer hauls that maximize mileage pay — drivers can earn approximately $1,610 per week — while still protecting your weekends. OTR is ideal for drivers who want to maximize income and don't mind being on the road during the week, as long as they are home when it counts.
Pay, Benefits, and Bonuses
Across all three schedule types, the roles we recruit for include overtime and holiday pay, full medical benefits, dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, and performance bonuses for safety and on-time delivery. Many positions also offer a sign-on bonus. Drop-and-hook freight and no-touch loads are common, which means less physical labor and faster turnarounds at the dock. Bonus eligibility and exact terms vary by carrier, so ask your recruiter for the details that apply to the specific role you want.
How to Choose the Right Route
Start with home time. If being home every night is non-negotiable, look at Solo 1 local roles. If you can handle a couple of days away but want a predictable rhythm, Solo 2 regional is the sweet spot. If your priority is the highest weekly mileage pay and you are fine being out during the week, Solo 5 OTR will serve you well. Whichever you choose, apply directly on the job page for your market — a real recruiter will follow up to walk you through the specifics.