Let ABF prepare you for a professional driving career with CDL-A training
Professional truck drivers are as diverse as the freight they haul. People from all walks of life have found successful and fulfilling careers behind the wheel — and joining them isn’t as complicated as you may think! ABF Freight®, one of the industry’s most trusted and experienced less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers, provides everything you need to earn a CDL-A and begin your driving career with ABF.
Key things to know about the ABF Driver Development Program
Learn more about our program to decide if it’s right for you.
It’s an accessible path to a driving career
The ABF Driver Development Program was launched in 2015 with several goals at the forefront:
- Train more drivers for successful careers with ABF
- Help increase the number of qualified drivers industry-wide
- Provide quality training for driving applicants without a CDL-A
- Offer a viable option for anyone exploring a career change
Since then, more than 1,000 people — many transitioning from other careers — have completed the program.
No experience is necessary; just a desire to learn and grow
This apprenticeship program is designed for people new to the LTL industry. Begin as a dock worker at one of our service centers, followed by six weeks of paid training to earn your CDL-A and start your career as a full-time City Driver or Road Driver with ABF.
Program requirements
- Be at least 21 years old with a CDL-A permit
- Stable work record
- Safe driving record
- Pass a DOT pre-employment drug screen and physical
Training can be customized if you enter our program with a CDL but less than a year of experience — or if you attended a third-party CDL school but have never driven for a company. For example, you may go through “finishing training” that could last 2-4 weeks, depending on how long it takes to gain proficiency based on ABF’s standards.
The program is structured to help you succeed on and off the road
Participants are assigned to one of the 41 ABF service centers that offer this program nationwide. Ideally, you’ll be at a training location in your preferred region. But suppose there isn’t one nearby or there’s no availability at your preferred location. In that case, program administrators will find a spot for you elsewhere and coordinate lodging (at our cost) while you complete the program.
During training, you can expect:
- A blend of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction
- More than 160 hours of actual driving practice
- Guidance from highly trained veteran ABF drivers
- Final exams for Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Once you pass, we enter your scores into the national registry. You can then make an appointment with your state DMV for CDL and endorsements tests. Upon obtaining your CDL-A, you’ll have to pass an ABF safety road test with a regional safety manager or another ABF-certified road tester.
Are you ready for a new adventure?
Check out openings within our CDL-A training program (select the driving training school category to see all open positions) and apply today to start working toward an exciting new career.
Want to know more? Learn all about driving for ABF.
