CDL Driver Cover Letter Examples
The general cover letter guide covers structure and when to bother. This page is the examples: full letters for the situations where a driver most often needs one.
Every letter below is written as an illustration. The names, companies and details are invented. Use the structure and the tone, not the content.
About the examples on this page: every example is written by us as an illustration. None describes a real driver or a real customer, and no figure in any example is real. Use the structure, never the content.
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First driving job after CDL school
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for your entry-level CDL Class A driver position. I completed a 160-hour CDL training program in manual-transmission equipment and hold a current Class A license with no automatic restriction.
My training covered pre-trip inspection, air brake systems, straight-line and offset backing, coupling and supervised on-road driving. Before CDL school I spent four years in warehouse operations, running a sit-down forklift and loading trailers, with no unscheduled absences over that period. I am looking for a carrier that pairs new drivers with a trainer, and I am ready to be out for extended periods while I build experience.
I am available to start immediately and would appreciate the chance to talk. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael Reyes
Moving from OTR to local work
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Local CDL Class A Driver position. I hold a Class A CDL with Tanker and HazMat endorsements and have seven years of over-the-road experience.
I have spent the last three years running regional dry van and reefer freight to grocery distribution centers, which involved appointment-based delivery, dock coordination and driver-assist unloading. I am specifically looking to move into home-daily work and I am not looking to return to long-haul. My DOT record and employment history are available for verification.
I can start within two weeks and am comfortable with early shift times. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Dana Whitfield
Returning to driving after time away
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for your regional CDL Class A position. I hold a current Class A license and I am returning to full-time commercial driving after two years in a warehouse supervisory role.
Before that I drove regionally for five years, running dry van freight across the upper Midwest on a weekly home-time schedule. I kept my license and medical card current throughout, and I am willing to complete a refresher course before dispatch if that is your standard process. My previous employer is available as a reference.
I would welcome a conversation about the schedule and the lanes. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Robert Nakamura
Specialised endorsement role
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Fuel Transport Driver position. I hold a Class A CDL with Tanker, HazMat and Doubles/Triples endorsements, a current TWIC card, and four years of petroleum delivery experience.
My current work involves rack loading at terminal facilities, multi-compartment product splits and overnight retail fuel drops. I gauge tanks before and after every drop, follow site grounding and vapor recovery procedures, and complete hazardous materials documentation for each load. I am available for night shifts and comfortable with the schedule.
I would be glad to discuss the role at your convenience. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Carlos Medina
What these have in common
Each one names the position in the first sentence, states the license and the single strongest qualification, then gives specific and verifiable detail in the middle paragraph. None of them claim a safety statistic, and none of them include a number the writer would not be able to explain in an interview.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a CDL cover letter be?
150 to 220 words. Three short paragraphs. Anything longer competes with your resume for attention.
Should I mention my endorsements in the letter if they are on the resume?
Yes, in the first paragraph, if they are relevant to the job. It is the single strongest thing you can lead with.
Do I need a different letter for every application?
Change the position name and adjust the middle paragraph to the posting. The rest can stay.
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