Truck Driver Jobs In USA With Visa Sponsorship

The U.S. trucking industry is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy, responsible for moving over 70% of all domestic freight. However, the industry currently faces a significant driver shortage, with estimates suggesting a need for nearly 80,000 additional drivers. To bridge this gap, many U.S. trucking companies are increasingly looking to sponsor qualified foreign drivers. For international applicants, this represents a high-paying opportunity to build a career in a vital sector.

The Two Major Visa Routes for Drivers

Most foreign truck drivers enter the U.S. through one of two specific visa categories, depending on whether the need is temporary or permanent.

1. H-2B Visa (Temporary/Seasonal)

The H-2B visa is a popular choice for trucking companies during peak shipping seasons or for specific short-term contracts.

New for 2025: The U.S. government has released nearly 65,000 supplemental H-2B visas for the 2025 fiscal year to help companies fill critical labor gaps.
Duration: Typically up to 1 year, extendable to 3 years.
Requirements: The employer must prove there are no available U.S. workers for the temporary “peak load” or “seasonal” period.

2. EB-3 Visa (Permanent Green Card)

The EB-3 visa is for drivers looking for a permanent life in the U.S.

Category: Most truck driving roles fall under the “Unskilled” or “Other Workers” subcategory (requiring less than 2 years of training).
Path to Citizenship: This visa grants you a Green Card upon arrival, allowing you and your family to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
Process: This involves a “PERM” Labor Certification, where the employer demonstrates a long-term, chronic shortage of local drivers.

Essential Requirements for Foreign Drivers

Sponsorship is a significant investment for a company, so they look for the most reliable candidates:

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): You must eventually obtain a U.S. Class A CDL.
- Note: Drivers from Canada and Mexico can often use their home-country CDLs in the U.S. due to reciprocity agreements. Drivers from other countries usually must take the U.S. CDL test after arrival.
Clean Driving Record: A history free of major accidents, DUIs, or serious traffic violations is mandatory.
English Proficiency: For safety and regulatory reasons, you must be able to read road signs, maintain logs, and communicate with dispatch and law enforcement in English.
Medical Fitness: You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam to ensure you can safely handle long-haul routes.

Earnings and Benefits in 2025

Trucking is one of the highest-paying “unskilled” roles in the U.S. For 2025, typical compensation includes:

Average Salary: $60,000 – $85,000 per year for solo drivers.
Team Driving: Teams can often earn $120,000 – $180,000+ combined.
Benefits: Most sponsored roles include medical/dental insurance, paid time off, and sometimes “sign-on” bonuses.

How to Find Sponsoring Trucking Companies

You won’t find these jobs on standard boards easily; you need to target companies with active international recruitment programs:

Experior Transport: Known for sponsoring drivers, particularly from Eastern Europe and other regions.
Delta Marine & Logistics: Often lists roles with visa sponsorship for specialized transport.
Large Carriers: While they don’t always advertise it, giants like Swift, Werner, and Schneider occasionally utilize H-2B programs during extreme shortages.
Specialized Agencies: * EB3.Work: A major portal for finding permanent Green Card sponsorship in the trucking industry.
- USA Farm Labor: While focused on agriculture, they often sponsor H-2A/H-2B drivers for agricultural hauling.
SeasonalJobs.dol.gov: Search for “Truck Driver” or “Tractor-Trailer” to find H-2B job orders filed by U.S. companies.

Steps to Getting Started

Verify Your Eligibility: Ensure your country is on the approved list for H-2B visas or that you meet the criteria for an EB-3 Green Card.
Gather Your History: Collect a certified 10-year driving history (abstract) from your home country.
Apply Directly: Reach out to the recruitment departments of the companies listed above.
Visa Processing: Once you receive a job offer, the employer will file the I-129 (H-2B) or I-140 (EB-3) petition.
Embassy Interview: Attend your interview at the nearest U.S. Consulate to receive your visa.

Industry Insight: In 2025, the U.S. is prioritizing workers from Central and South America (specifically Colombia, Ecuador, and El Salvador) for a portion of the supplemental H-2B visas. If you are from these regions, your chances of approval are currently higher.