What Are UPS Class A Driver Jobs?
UPS Class A driver jobs involve operating tractor-trailers and heavy combination vehicles for freight transportation across the United States. These positions require a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A with all necessary endorsements under Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
Key Term: In the US, Class A CDL allows operation of vehicles over 26,001 lbs GCWR with trailers over 10,000 lbs. UPS requires additional endorsements like Hazmat (H) and Doubles/Triples (T) for most positions.
2024 UPS Driver Statistics (USA)
- 92% of UPS freight moves via Class A vehicles
- Average tenure: 8.3 years (vs industry average of 2.7)
- Annual hiring: 4,000-5,000 Class A drivers nationwide
- Starting pay 27% above national trucking average
- Transporting domestic and international freight
- Operating specialized equipment like liftgates
- Completing DOT-mandated electronic logs (ELDs)
- Following UPS’s industry-leading safety protocols
UPS Class A Driver Requirements
UPS maintains stricter requirements than the FMCSA minimums for Class A CDL drivers. Their standards exceed typical trucking company expectations for safety and reliability.
| Requirement | UPS Standard | Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Class | A with H/T endorsements | A (no endorsements) |
| Experience | 2+ years tractor-trailer | 6 months |
| Driving Record | Max 1 moving violation | Max 3 moving violations |
| Age | 21+ (interstate) | 18+ (intrastate) |
UPS Driver Hiring Process (2024)
- Online Application: Includes CDL verification through FMCSA
- Road Test: 5-part skills evaluation (backing, docking, etc.)
- DOT Physical: Certified medical examiner clearance
- Background Check: 7-year review including DAC report
- Integrad Training: 4-week paid training program
UPS Class A Driver Salary and Benefits
UPS Teamsters-negotiated contracts ensure industry-leading compensation for Class A drivers. The current national master agreement guarantees:
| Position | Base Salary | Top Earners |
|---|---|---|
| Linehaul Driver | $95,000 | $110,000+ |
| Feeder Driver | $89,000 | $102,000+ |
| Road Driver | $91,000 | $105,000+ |
Exceptional UPS Benefits Package
- ✔️ Teamsters pension plan (multi-employer)
- ✔️ $0-premium health insurance
- ✔️ 3 weeks paid vacation (starts year 1)
- ✔️ 8 paid holidays + 2 personal days
- ✔️ Tuition reimbursement ($5,250/year)
- ✔️ Employee stock purchase plan
UPS Class A Driver Job Descriptions
UPS offers specialized Class A driving positions across its US operations:
Linehaul Drivers
- Operate sleeper cabs on national routes
- Average 2,500+ miles weekly
- Haul 53′ trailers in double configurations
- Home weekly schedules (typically)
Feeder Drivers
- Transport between UPS hubs
- Regional routes (under 500 miles)
- Day/night shift options available
- Home daily positions available
Road Drivers
- Combination of linehaul and feeder work
- Variable schedules
- Higher overtime opportunities
- Priority for preferred routes after seniority
How to Become a UPS Class A Driver
The career path to UPS Class A driving typically follows:
- Obtain CDL Class A license (private school or community college)
- Gain 2 years tractor-trailer experience (OTR recommended)
- Acquire Hazmat and Doubles/Triples endorsements
- Apply during UPS hiring windows (peak seasons best)
- Complete Integrad training program
- Start in feeder/road positions, progress to linehaul
5 Tips for Getting Hired
- ✔️ Maintain flawless CSA score (under 20 preferred)
- ✔️ Get TWIC card for hazmat loads
- ✔️ Practice 45° and straight-line backing
- ✔️ Document all verifiable driving hours
- ✔️ Network at UPS hub open houses
UPS vs Competitors for Class A Drivers
| Company | Avg. Pay | Benefits | Home Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | $42.75/hr | Full Teamsters | Weekly |
| FedEx Freight | $38.50/hr | Partial union | Weekly |
| ABF | $40.25/hr | Teamsters | Bi-weekly |
| XPO Logistics | $36.80/hr | Non-union | Varies |
FAQs About UPS Class A Driving Jobs
1. Do you need a CDL to drive for UPS?
Yes, Class A CDL is required for all tractor-trailer positions. Package delivery drivers only need standard license.
2. Does UPS train for CDL?
No, but they partner with CDL schools offering tuition reimbursement. You must have CDL before applying.
3. What’s UPS’s age requirement?
21+ for interstate routes, 18+ for intrastate. Most positions require 21+ for insurance.
4. How competitive are UPS driving jobs?
Extremely – each opening gets 200+ applications. Current UPS employees get priority.
5. What’s the career progression?
Typical path: Feeder → Road → Linehaul → Trainer → Management
What endorsements does UPS require?
Hazmat (H) and Doubles/Triples (T) for most positions. Tanker (N) needed for certain bulk routes.
Does UPS hire recent CDL graduates?
Rarely – 95% of hires have 2+ years experience. Consider UPS Freight for entry-level.
What’s UPS’s policy on tattoos?
Visible tattoos permitted except offensive content. Facial tattoos require review.
How long is UPS driver training?
4-week paid Integrad program covering 340+ skills. 92% pass rate.
Current UPS Hiring Locations
Major Class A driver hiring hubs:
- Louisville, KY (Worldport)
- Chicago, IL (CACH)
- Hodgkins, IL (Global Hub)
- Atlanta, GA (Regional Hub)
- Dallas, TX (Regional Hub)
