Local CDL Jobs in Atlanta: Where They Are and How to Get Hired

Looking for local CDL jobs in Atlanta—the kind where you’re home every night or most nights? Atlanta is one of the busiest freight hubs in the Southeast, which means there are consistent opportunities for commercial drivers who want to stay close to home.

This guide breaks down how local CDL work typically looks in Atlanta, which types of jobs are common, where to look, and what steps to take to get hired.

Why Atlanta Is a Strong Market for Local CDL Jobs

Atlanta sits at the crossroads of major interstates—I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, I‑285, and GA‑400—and serves as a key distribution point for the Southeast. For CDL holders, that translates into:

• Plenty of local and regional freight moving in and out every day
• Distribution centers and warehouses clustered around the airport, I‑285, and the outer suburbs
• Steady demand for local delivery, shuttle, and yard drivers

If you already live in metro Atlanta, you’re well-situated to find CDL work that keeps you within the region, often on set routes.

Common Types of Local CDL Jobs in Atlanta

Local CDL positions in Atlanta vary widely. Understanding the main categories helps you target the jobs that fit your lifestyle and experience.

1. Local Delivery and Route Drivers

These drivers typically run day routes or night routes and return home daily.

Common local delivery work includes:

• Food and beverage delivery to restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores
• Retail store deliveries from local distribution centers to stores
• Parcel and package delivery using straight trucks and, in some cases, tractors with pups
• Home delivery of bulk items (appliances, furniture, building materials)

Expect:

• Frequent stops
• Some physical labor (unloading, hand-truck work, ramps or liftgates)
• Regular, usually predictable routes once you’re established

2. LTL (Less‑Than‑Truckload) Pickup and Delivery

LTL companies often run city P&D (pickup and delivery) routes around Atlanta.

Typical duties:

• Picking up freight from local businesses
• Delivering shipments to customers in the metro area
• Operating primarily within the Atlanta and surrounding counties (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, etc.)

Many LTL city driver positions:

• Are home daily
• May offer day or evening shifts
• Require backing skills and comfort with city driving and tight docks

3. Yard Jockey / Hostler / Yard Driver

Yard drivers move trailers within a yard or between nearby facilities rather than over the road.

You’ll typically:

• Spot and reposition trailers in large warehouses or distribution centers
• Work on a fixed site, often in areas like Forest Park, Fairburn, Lithia Springs, McDonough, or near Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport

These jobs:

• Are almost always home daily
• Often involve set shifts (days, nights, or swing shift)
• Emphasize backing and maneuvering over long-distance driving

4. Local Tanker, Hazmat, and Fuel Delivery

Atlanta’s industrial base and major fuel terminals create demand for tanker and hazmat drivers.

Common local tanker work:

• Fuel delivery to gas stations and truck stops
• Industrial chemicals to plants and facilities around metro Atlanta
• Bulk liquid deliveries to warehouses or processing facilities

These roles often require:

• CDL‑A (sometimes CDL‑B) with Tanker and Hazmat endorsements
• Strong safety awareness and adherence to loading/unloading procedures
• Comfort driving at night, as fuel and some hazmat deliveries are often scheduled off‑peak

5. Construction, Dump Truck, and Ready‑Mix Drivers

Construction in Atlanta is busy, especially in and around:

• Downtown and Midtown
• Perimeter area (I‑285 loop)
• Growing suburbs like Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Douglasville, and McDonough

Local construction‑related CDL work includes:

• Dump truck drivers hauling dirt, gravel, asphalt, and debris
• Cement mixer (ready‑mix) drivers serving job sites around the metro
• Flatbed or lowboy drivers hauling equipment and building materials

These jobs:

• Are usually home daily
• Often start early in the morning
• May be seasonal or weather‑dependent

6. School Bus, Transit, and Shuttle Drivers (CDL‑B)

If you prefer passenger work and shorter routes, Atlanta has steady demand for:

• School bus drivers serving Atlanta Public Schools and nearby districts
• MARTA bus drivers operating routes across the metro area
• Airport shuttle drivers for hotels, rental car centers, and parking facilities

Many of these roles:

• Require a CDL‑B with Passenger (P) and possibly School Bus (S) endorsements
• Provide regular routes and set schedules
• Offer benefits and union representation in some cases

Atlanta Neighborhoods and Areas With Lots of CDL Activity

Certain parts of metro Atlanta naturally have more trucking and distribution activity.

Living near one of these corridors can reduce commute time and expand your options for home-daily CDL jobs.

CDL Requirements and Licensing in Atlanta

To land local CDL jobs in Atlanta, you’ll need the right license and endorsements.

Types of CDL Licenses

• CDL‑A

  • For combination vehicles (tractor‑trailers)
  • Opens up most freight, tanker, and LTL work

• CDL‑B

  • For single vehicles over 26,000 lbs (straight trucks, buses, some dump trucks)
  • Common in transit, school bus, local delivery, and construction

Common Endorsements for Local Atlanta Work

• H (Hazardous Materials) – Required for hauling hazardous materials
• N (Tanker) – For bulk liquid cargo
• X (Tanker + Hazmat) – Often required for fuel delivery
• P (Passenger) – For buses and shuttles
• S (School Bus) – For school bus drivers

Employers around Atlanta frequently prefer or require clean MVR (motor vehicle record), ability to pass a DOT physical and drug screen, and in some cases, TWIC (especially for certain secure facilities).

Where to Handle CDL Licensing Locally

CDL‑related services are handled through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).

Key DDS locations in the metro Atlanta area that commonly handle CDL services include:

• Atlanta Customer Service Center
  400 Whitehall Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Forest Park Customer Service Center
  5036 Georgia Highway 85, Forest Park, GA 30297

• Kennesaw Customer Service Center
  2800 North Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw, GA 30152

• Norcross Customer Service Center
  2211 Beaver Ruin Road, Norcross, GA 30071

Before you go, it’s wise to:

• Confirm which centers provide specific CDL services and testing
• Check hours, appointment policies, and required documents
• Bring proper identification, proof of residency, and any medical certification

You can also contact DDS by phone for general licensing questions:

• Georgia DDS General Phone: 678‑413‑8400 (options may vary)

Local CDL Training and Entry-Level Opportunities

If you don’t yet have your CDL or have limited experience, Atlanta offers multiple ways to get started.

CDL Training Options in the Atlanta Area

Around metro Atlanta, you’ll typically find:

• Private CDL schools – Offer structured programs, classroom + behind‑the‑wheel
• Community/technical college programs – Often more affordable but may have waitlists
• Employer-sponsored training – Some companies provide training in exchange for a work commitment

When comparing programs, consider:

• Training length and schedule (day, evening, weekend)
• Whether they help arrange the CDL skills test with DDS
• Job placement assistance with local employers

Entry-Level Local Jobs

Some Atlanta-area employers are open to new CDL drivers or those with less experience, especially in:

• Local delivery and beverage routes
• Entry-level LTL dockworker-to-driver programs
• School bus and transit training programs (often start as trainees)
• Yard jockey positions at larger yards or warehouses

These can be a good way to gain experience and build a record that leads to better local routes and pay over time.

Where to Look for Local CDL Jobs in Atlanta

Instead of chasing random postings, focus your search on the channels that commonly list home-daily CDL roles.

Job Boards and Filters

When using general job boards, try search terms like:

• “local cdl jobs atlanta ga”
• “cdl a home daily atlanta”
• “cdl b local route driver atlanta”
• “yard driver atlanta ga”
• “fuel driver atlanta”

Filter for:

• Location: Atlanta + nearby suburbs you’re willing to drive to
• Job type: Full-time / part-time as needed
• Schedule: Day shift, night shift, weekends, etc.

Staffing Agencies and Local Recruiters

Several staffing and driver placement agencies in Atlanta specialize in CDL drivers, including:

• General staffing offices near Downtown Atlanta, Norcross, Marietta, and Forest Park that maintain driver pools
• Driver-focused agencies that place CDL‑A and CDL‑B holders in temporary, temp‑to‑perm, and permanent local positions

A good recruiter can:

• Match you with local routes that fit your schedule
• Help you navigate requirements (endorsements, experience)
• Offer insight on which companies have high turnover vs. stable work

Direct Applications With Local Employers

Many Atlanta-area employers post CDL jobs directly on their own sites or on job boards, especially in sectors like:

• LTL freight and parcel (city P&D, linehaul)
• Foodservice and grocery distribution
• Fuel and tanker operations
• Construction and building materials
• Municipal and county fleets (sanitation, public works, transit)

If you have a specific area in mind—for example, I‑20 West industrial corridor or I‑75 South near Forest Park—you can look up distribution centers and terminals in that area and apply directly.

What Local CDL Employers in Atlanta Commonly Look For

While each employer is different, many Atlanta-based companies share similar expectations.

Typical Requirements

• Valid CDL‑A or CDL‑B (depending on job)
• Current DOT Medical Card
• Acceptable driving record (few or no serious violations)
• Ability to pass drug and alcohol screening
• Work authorization in the U.S.
• Ability to lift and move freight, if the job involves unloading
• Endorsements when required (Hazmat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.)

Experience Levels

• Some local jobs prefer 1–2 years of CDL experience
• Others are open to recent graduates if you completed a recognized training program
• Passenger and school bus roles may have their own training and probationary periods

If you’re lighter on experience, you can improve your chances by:

• Maintaining a clean MVR
• Adding valuable endorsements (especially H, N, P)
• Being open to less glamorous shifts (nights, weekends) initially

Pay, Schedules, and Work-Life Balance for Local CDL Jobs in Atlanta

Compensation and schedules vary widely across local CDL positions. Expect the following patterns:

Pay Structure

Local CDL jobs in Atlanta may pay via:

• Hourly pay – common for city P&D, yard, and some delivery jobs
• Daily route pay or mileage + stops – common for route delivery
• Load-based pay – sometimes used for tanker or specialized freight

Factors that can increase pay:

• Night, weekend, or holiday shifts
• Hazmat or tanker work
• Seniority and safety bonuses

Schedules

Typical schedule patterns for local CDL roles:

• Day shifts – Early morning starts, afternoon finishes (common in delivery and construction)
• Night shifts – Late evening or overnight (common in fuel, linehaul, and some warehouse-to-store routes)
• Split shifts – Less common, but may exist with certain passenger or shuttle roles

Many Atlanta drivers choose local work specifically for:

• Being home daily or most days
• More predictable routines than long-haul OTR

That said, heavy traffic on I‑285, GA‑400, and inner-city routes, plus tight delivery windows, can make workdays demanding. Planning around rush hours and construction zones is part of the job.

Practical Tips for Landing a Local CDL Job in Atlanta

A few focused steps can make your search more effective:

1. Decide on your priority:

   • 🏠 Home time vs. 💵 higher pay vs. 📅 set schedule

2. Target specific job types:

   • For predictable days: LTL P&D, retail delivery, some city routes
   • For higher pay potential: tanker, hazmat, fuel
   • For less physical work: yard jockey, some LTL city roles, linehaul (still often home daily)

3. Get key endorsements:

   • In Atlanta, Hazmat (H) and Tanker (N) are especially valuable for local roles.
   • Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) open doors with public transit and school systems.

4. Polish your application materials:

   • Have a simple, updated resume listing CDL training, experience, and endorsements.
   • Be ready with a 10-year work history, if requested.
   • Gather MVR and medical card copies if employers ask for them upfront.

5. Use your location strategically:

   • If you live near a major corridor (e.g., I‑20 West, I‑75 South, I‑85 North), mention that you’re close and flexible on start times.
   • Being near busy freight zones can be a plus for employers.

Helpful Local Contacts and Next Steps

If you’re ready to move forward with local CDL work in Atlanta, these official contacts can help you handle the licensing and compliance side:

• Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) – General Info
  Phone: 678‑413‑8400

• Atlanta DDS Customer Service Center
  400 Whitehall Street SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

• Forest Park DDS Customer Service Center
  5036 Georgia Highway 85
  Forest Park, GA 30297

Use these centers for:

• CDL permit and license applications
• Endorsement knowledge tests (Hazmat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.)
• Skills testing and medical card updates (where offered)

From there:

1. Confirm your CDL status and endorsements.
2. Decide the type of local work you want (delivery, tanker, yard, bus, etc.).
3. Focus your job search on Atlanta-area employers and corridors that match your goals.

With Atlanta’s role as a major freight and transit hub, qualified CDL drivers have a wide range of local options that can keep you earning—and sleeping—in the same city every day.