Truck Driver Jobs in the U.S. With Visa Sponsorship – Apply Today

For many people around the world, driving a truck in the United States offers a chance to earn a good living, explore vast highways, and build a stable career. In 2025, the U.S. trucking industry faces a severe driver shortage, with the American Trucking Association estimating a need for 160,000 new drivers by 2030. This demand creates opportunities for international workers, including Nigerians and other Africans, to secure truck driver jobs with visa sponsorship. These jobs often require minimal formal education, making them accessible to those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or equivalent experience.

Why Truck Driver Jobs Are in Demand in the U.S.

Trucks transport over 70% of U.S. freight, making drivers vital to the economy. However, the industry struggles with a shortage of 80,000 drivers, driven by an aging workforce (average age 55), low local interest, and high turnover. E-commerce growth and fast delivery needs further increase demand, with companies like Amazon and Walmart relying on drivers to move goods. Nigerians, known for resilience and adaptability, are well-suited for these roles, especially with English fluency easing communication.

Truck driving offers competitive pay, with salaries ranging from $49,000 to $80,000 annually for entry-level roles, and up to $136,000 for experienced drivers. Visa sponsorship, though less common than in tech or healthcare, is available through H-2B for seasonal work and EB-3 for permanent roles, providing Africans a legal path to work and, in some cases, settle in the U.S. The shortage ensures job security, making now an ideal time to apply.

What Do Truck Driver Jobs Involve?

Truck drivers transport goods across cities, states, or the country, ensuring timely deliveries. Roles vary by truck type and cargo:

Long-Haul Drivers: Drive tractor-trailers over long distances, often away for weeks, delivering goods like electronics or produce. They earn $60,000 to $80,000 annually and require a Class A CDL.
Local Drivers: Operate within a city or region, returning home daily, delivering to stores or warehouses. They earn $49,000 to $65,000 and may use Class B or A CDLs.
Specialized Drivers: Handle hazardous materials (e.g., fuel) or oversized loads, requiring endorsements like HazMat. Salaries reach $70,000 to $136,000.

Duties include inspecting trucks, planning routes, maintaining logs, and ensuring safety compliance. The job demands focus, time management, and physical stamina, as drivers lift up to 50 pounds and sit for long hours. Nigerians with driving experience, even informal, can adapt with training, often provided by employers.

Visa Options for Truck Driver Jobs

Two main visas support truck driver jobs with sponsorship, each suited to different roles and goals:

H-2B Visa for Temporary Work

The H-2B visa is for non-agricultural, temporary jobs, including seasonal trucking roles like holiday delivery surges. Valid for up to one year, extendable to three, it offers 130,716 slots in 2025. Employers must prove a shortage of U.S. workers and file a labor certification and Form I-129 ($780 fee). Processing takes six weeks, with wages of $16 to $45 per hour. Nigerians need a job offer and clean driving record, making it a fast entry point, though not a path to residency.

EB-3 Visa for Permanent Residency

The EB-3 visa targets unskilled workers, including truck drivers, granting a green card for permanent residency. It requires a PERM labor certification, proving no U.S. workers are available, followed by an I-140 petition ($700). Processing takes one to three years due to backlogs for Nigerians, but it offers long-term stability. Salaries range from $49,000 to $80,000, with companies like Schneider National sponsoring. It’s ideal for those seeking to settle in the U.S.

TN Visa for NAFTA Professionals

Under NAFTA, Mexican and Canadian drivers with a CDL can apply for TN visas, valid for three years and renewable. This is less relevant for Nigerians unless they hold dual citizenship with Mexico or Canada, but it’s worth noting for broader context.

The H-2B suits quick entry, while EB-3 offers permanency, aligning with Africans’ long-term goals.

Who Qualifies for Truck Driver Jobs With Sponsorship?

Qualifying for truck driver jobs with visa sponsorship is straightforward but requires meeting specific criteria:

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): A U.S. Class A or B CDL is often required, obtainable through training schools ($3,000-$7,000, 3-6 months). Nigerians with heavy vehicle licenses can leverage experience, though U.S. CDL testing is needed.
Driving Experience: Employers prefer one to two years of tractor-trailer experience, verifiable through past jobs or training logs. Informal Nigerian driving experience may count if documented.
Clean Driving Record: No major violations (e.g., DUIs) in the past three years, checked via motor vehicle records.
Physical Fitness: Drivers must pass a DOT medical exam, ensuring good vision, hearing, and no conditions like uncontrolled diabetes. Exams cost $100-$200.
English Proficiency: Basic English for logs and communication is essential. Nigerians’ fluency gives an edge.
Age and Legal Status: Minimum age is 21 for interstate driving, with a valid passport and no criminal record.

Employers may provide CDL training, especially for EB-3 roles, making these jobs accessible to motivated Africans with driving skills.

Top Companies Offering Truck Driver Jobs With Visa Sponsorship

Several U.S. companies sponsor H-2B and EB-3 visas for truck drivers, based on 2024 trends and shortage demands. Here are key employers in 2025:

Schneider National

Schneider National, a leading trucking firm, sponsors EB-3 visas for long-haul and regional drivers. Based in Wisconsin, it pays $50,000 to $80,000 annually, offering CDL training for new hires. Nigerians with driving experience are valued, and openings are listed at schneiderjobs.com.

Werner Enterprises

Werner Enterprises, operating nationwide, sponsors EB-3 and H-2B visas for drivers in Texas and California. Salaries range from $50,000 to $80,000, with training for Class A CDLs. Its inclusive hiring supports Africans. Apply at werner.com/careers.

C.R. England

C.R. England, a family-owned company, sponsors EB-3 visas for refrigerated freight drivers, paying $45,000 to $75,000. It provides CDL schools, ideal for Nigerians new to U.S. standards. Check crengland.com/careers.

Penske Truck Leasing

Penske, managing 387,000 vehicles, sponsors H-2B and EB-3 visas for local and regional drivers, paying $49,000 to $70,000. Posts on X highlight roles in Illinois, with applications at gopenske.com/careers.

Omega Compliance Solutions

Omega Compliance Solutions sponsored 285 EB-3 certifications in 2024, paying $49,920 on average. Based in Texas, it hires long-haul drivers, valuing Nigerian work ethic. Contact via omega-compliance.com.

Polmax

Polmax, a logistics firm, filed 79 EB-3 certifications in 2024, offering $62,109 annually. It hires in California, suitable for Nigerians with CDL experience. Apply through polmaxlogistics.com.

These companies, per MyVisaJobs data, address the driver shortage by sponsoring international talent, with more opportunities in high-demand states like Texas and Alaska.

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing a Truck Driver Job With Visa Sponsorship

Landing a sponsored truck driver job requires planning. Follow these steps to succeed in 2025:

Step 1: Obtain or Prepare for a CDL

If you lack a U.S. CDL, enroll in a training school ($3,000-$7,000, 3-6 months) in the U.S. or prepare to take tests upon arrival. Nigerians with heavy vehicle licenses should gather proof of experience. Companies like C.R. England may sponsor training post-hire. Check dmv.org for state requirements.

Step 2: Research Sponsoring Employers

Focus on companies like Schneider, Werner, or Penske, known for H-2B or EB-3 sponsorship. Search job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or SimplyHired using keywords like “truck driver visa sponsorship 2025” or “EB-3 CDL jobs.” Indeed lists 1,343 sponsored roles, with ZipRecruiter noting 832,810 openings. MyVisaJobs and USponsorMe highlight sponsors, with offers possible within six months.

Step 3: Connect With Recruitment Agencies

Agencies like ClearLite or Labor Finders specialize in transportation, matching Nigerians with sponsors. They assist with job placement, CDL training, and visa paperwork. Verify agencies to avoid scams; legitimate ones charge employers. X posts, like @corner_oc’s job tips, may list agencies, but confirm credibility.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application

Create a resume detailing your driving experience, licenses, and skills like time management or navigation, aligning with Nigerian strengths. Include any endorsements (e.g., HazMat). A cover letter should explain your need for sponsorship and passion for trucking. Sample interview answers, like “I plan routes to ensure timely deliveries,” boost confidence.

Step 5: Apply and Interview

Apply to 10+ employers to increase chances, targeting firms like Omega Compliance or Polmax. Check career pages and email HR about sponsorship. For interviews, practice questions like “How do you ensure safety?” or “Describe your driving experience.” Virtual interviews require stable internet, common in Lagos cybercafés. Highlight reliability, a Nigerian trait.

Step 6: Secure a Job Offer

A job offer letter will detail your role, salary ($49,000-$80,000), and sponsorship (H-2B or EB-3). Confirm the employer covers visa fees, though you may pay travel ($500-$1,500). Review terms carefully, ensuring CDL training or housing support if offered.

Step 7: Navigate the Visa Process

The employer leads visa filing:

H-2B: They obtain a labor certification, file Form I-129, and you apply at the U.S. Embassy in Lagos with DS-160, passport, and offer letter. Processing takes six weeks.
EB-3: They file a PERM certification (six months), then an I-140 petition. You attend an embassy interview, needing documents like CDL, medical exam, and police clearance. Approval takes one to three years.

Budget $1,000-$3,000 for travel, exams, and fees, though employers like Werner may cover some costs.

Step 8: Relocate and Start Work

After visa approval, book flights and secure housing ($800-$1,500 monthly). Employers like Penske may provide temporary lodging. Complete onboarding, including CDL tests or safety training, and begin driving. Follow DOT rules, like logging hours, to maintain your visa.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

The process has hurdles, but preparation helps:

Limited Sponsorship: Few companies sponsor due to costs. Target large firms like Schneider or agencies like ClearLite.
CDL Requirements: U.S. CDLs are mandatory. Enroll in training or leverage Nigerian licenses for employer-sponsored programs.
Visa Backlogs: EB-3 delays affect Nigerians. Apply early and track USCIS.gov updates.
Financial Costs: Save $2,000-$5,000 for relocation. Negotiate employer support, common with Penske.
Cultural Adjustment: U.S. trucking emphasizes strict logs and safety. Join Nigerian communities in Houston for guidance.

If denied, seek feedback and reapply, or explore Canadian trucking jobs with Class 1 licenses, which have similar sponsorship programs.

Tips for Success as a U.S. Truck Driver

To thrive, maintain a clean driving record, as violations risk your job or visa. Plan routes using GPS apps like CoPilot, ensuring timely deliveries. Complete employer training, like DOT safety courses, to boost pay. Salaries start at $49,000, with top earners hitting $80,000 in states like Alaska ($73,938 average). Budget for high living costs in cities like Houston, saving 20% of income. Network with coworkers for better routes or roles, leveraging Nigerian diligence.

Understanding U.S. Trucking Culture

U.S. trucking prioritizes safety and compliance. Log hours accurately using electronic devices, and conduct pre-trip inspections to avoid fines. Communicate clearly with dispatchers, even with strong English, and ask for clarification. Long hours and solitude are common, so prioritize rest and healthy eating. Nigerians’ adaptability aligns well, easing the transition.

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

Follow DOT regulations, like 11-hour driving limits, and report accidents promptly. Never falsify logs or drive under the influence, as these jeopardize your visa. Ethical conduct, like courteous customer interactions, builds trust. Africans’ integrity strengthens employer confidence.

Long-Term Opportunities in Trucking

Truck driving offers growth. With experience, earn endorsements for HazMat or tankers, boosting pay to $136,000. Transition to roles like dispatcher or fleet manager, earning $60,000. EB-3 holders can pursue citizenship after five years. Some Nigerians start trucking businesses, leveraging U.S. experience. Community colleges offer logistics courses for upskilling.

Resources for Truck Driver Job Seekers

USCIS.gov details H-2B and EB-3 processes, while MyVisaJobs lists sponsors like Omega Compliance. Indeed and ZipRecruiter show thousands of openings. LinkedIn groups for Nigerian drivers or Nairaland forums share tips. X posts, like @GoPenskeCareers’ Illinois roles, highlight jobs, but verify sources. The American Trucking Association (trucking.org) provides industry trends. U.S. Embassies in Lagos offer visa guidance.

Common Myths About Truck Driver Sponsorship

Some believe truck driving requires a degree. Only a CDL and experience are needed. Others think sponsorship is common; it’s rare due to paperwork, so target firms like Werner. Finally, some assume quick visa approval. H-2B takes weeks, EB-3 years, requiring patience. High demand ensures opportunities for Africans.

Success Stories

Chukwudi, a Nigerian driver, secured an EB-3 visa with Schneider National in 2025. Earning $60,000 in Texas, he used ClearLite to apply to 12 sponsors, completing CDL training on arrival. He’s saving for a HazMat endorsement.

Amaka, from Lagos, joined Penske on an H-2B visa in 2024. Paid $50,000 for local routes, she applied via Indeed, leveraging her Nigerian heavy vehicle license. She’s pursuing a Class A CDL for higher pay. These stories show persistence works.

Final Thoughts on Truck Driver Jobs With Visa Sponsorship

Truck driver jobs in the U.S. offer Nigerians and Africans a chance to earn $49,000 to $80,000 annually, with visa sponsorship through H-2B and EB-3 programs. Despite a shortage of 80,000 drivers, companies like Schneider National, Werner Enterprises, and Penske are hiring international talent, providing CDL training and visa support. By researching on Indeed, connecting with agencies, and preparing strong applications, you can secure a role. The process takes effort, but the reward—a stable, high-paying career—is achievable. Start now: visit schneiderjobs.com, apply to 10+ employers, and drive toward your American dream today!