Access our pool of pre-screened power only drivers in California. Class A CDL holders with 1+ years OTR with various trailer types experience, placed within 48-72 hours.
Demand
very high
Adj. Wage
$59,000-$76,000/year
Placement
48-72 hours
State Pool
145,000+
CDL Required
Class A
Power Only Driver Requirements in California
Credentials Needed
CDL Class:Class A
Endorsements:None required
Experience:1+ years OTR with various trailer types
Wage Range:$59,000-$76,000/year
Equipment-Specific Skills
Experience coupling and uncoupling various trailer types
Familiarity with trailer inspection and pre-trip procedures
Adaptability to different trailer handling characteristics
GPS-equipped tractor for real-time trailer tracking
California Market for Power Only Drivers
Top Cities for Power Only Hiring in California
#1
Los Angeles
#2
San Francisco
#3
San Diego
#4
Fresno
#5
Sacramento
#6
Oakland
#7
Stockton
Employers Driving Power Only Demand in California
Amazon (20+ FCs)Port of LA/Long BeachWalmart DCsTargetCostcoSysco
Why Hire Power Only Drivers in California
Largest freight market in the US — port + agriculture + e-commerce
Port of LA/Long Beach handles 40% of US imports
Year-round produce season creates consistent reefer demand
Highest driver wages outside Alaska
CARB compliance creates barrier to entry — less competition for compliant fleets
What Our Power Only Drivers Bring to Your California Operation
Flexibility — can run different trailer types on different lanes
Lower overhead for owner-operators (no trailer payment)
Access to more load options through broker networks
Good fit for drivers who want variety in their freight
Popular option for fleet expansion without capital investment
Our typical placement time for power only drivers is 48-72 hours. In California, where demand is very high, availability may be tighter — we recommend submitting requests as early as possible.
Power Only drivers in California typically earn $59,000-$76,000/year. This reflects the state's very high demand level and the Class A requirement. Los Angeles and San Francisco tend to offer the highest rates.
Power Only drivers in California need a Class A CDL. We verify all credentials as part of our screening process. California has 200+ CDL schools producing new CDL holders.
The top cities for power only driver demand in California are Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Fresno. Major employers driving this demand include Amazon (20+ FCs), Port of LA/Long Beach, Walmart DCs.
Our California power only driver pool draws from 145,000+ CDL holders statewide. We deliver a 70% turnover rate versus the 91% industry average, saving you the $8,000-$12,000 cost of replacing a driver. Largest freight market in the US — port + agriculture + e-commerce.