Raider Express is a Texas-based truckload carrier that specializes in hauling refrigerated and grocery products. Headquartered in Haslet, TX, Raider Express now operates 300 tractors and 700 trailers.
As a small carrier, Raider offers more personalized service to customers and a family atmosphere for drivers. In fact, Raider Express has earned a reputation for being the best trucking company that trains new drivers in the Fort Worth area.
Raider Express Trucking Careers
Raider Express serves the contiguous U.S. Their service area is primarily (60%) inbound and outbound freight in Texas. The vast majority (90%) of their runs are through the Midwest.
Raider Express hires both new CDL graduates and experienced drivers. Regional and OTR positions are available.
Driver Requirements
- At least 21 years of age
- No drug charges, DUIs or violent offenses
- Pass an alcohol, drug and physical exam
- Clean driving record
- At least 3 years of verifiable work history; less than 1 year OTR experience for rookies
If you want to work in a regional position, you will need at least one year of OTR experience.
Drivers are out, on average, 12-14 days. Regional drivers are home more than once per week. Company drivers also enjoy:
- 99% no-touch freight
- 93% customer based freight
All of the company’s equipment is 2019 or newer, and more than 60% of their fleet was updated with 2020 equipment.
In addition to their regular duties, drivers at Raider Express have the opportunity to give back to the local community. The company’s Drive Education initiative helps local schools by providing much-needed supplies as well as educational field trips.
Each month, the company chooses two classes to be the Drive Education Classes of the Month. Classes will receive at least $1,000 towards supplies and/or a field trip.
Drivers can nominate classrooms (such as family member or their children’s classes), and a winner will also be chosen based on submissions through videos, emails, essays, etc.
Winning classes also receive a pizza party, which will be delivered by a Raider Express driver.
Recent Graduates
If you recently obtained your CDL A, you’ll need to complete the company’s OTR training program. During the 4-week program, you’ll work with a personal trainer and a mentor while working OTR (and getting paid).
Once you complete the program, you will be given your own truck to run solo.
How Much Does Raider Express Pay?
Like most other trucking companies, the pay at Raider Express will depend on your experience level. The company does hire rookies and offers CDL training programs. However, the more experienced drivers naturally receive a higher base pay rate.
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According to data from Payscale.com & Indeed.com, the average driver at Raider Express earns $44,362/year.
It’s important to remember that this is the average and based on just 27 salary reports. This includes both rookie and experienced driver pay.
Rookie Pay
- Base pay $0.38/mile
That’s about $55,328 per year if you drive 2,800 miles per week.
Drivers note that Raider Express is one of the best companies for rookies who are fresh out of CDL school. The family-like atmosphere is welcoming, and the pay is competitive for newbies.
Experienced Driver Pay
- Base pay ranges from $0.38-$0.44/mile
Raider Express says that experienced drivers receive 2,800 miles or more per week. With this figure in mind, experienced drivers can expect to earn between:
- $0.38/mile: $1,604/week or $55,328/year
- $0.44/mile: $1,232/week or $64,064/year
Raider Truck Driver Benefits
In addition to their base pay, Raider drivers also receive perks and benefits, including:
- Health (Cigna), Vision (EyeMed) and Dental (Cigna) after the first 90 days of employment
- Weekly pay with direct deposit option
- Pick and Stop pay
- Detention pay
- Weekly fuel bonus $0.02-$0.05
- Performance reviews and raises after 90 days, 6 months and 12 months
- No HAZMAT required
- Paid vacation time
- Tiered performance pay
Raider Express Paid CDL Training Programs
The Raider truck driving school, located in Fort Worth, offers free CDL classes and paid on-the-job training. A free CDL practice test is also available online at the trucking school’s website.
The company is offering a $2,500 bonus for completing the training program. The bonus is a limited-time offer, so check with a recruiter to see if it’s still available.
The four-week program pays students while they learn, even when in the classroom. There’s no contract or deduction for the training. Raider Express says they believe in investing in hard-working people, so they offer free training for their future drivers.
According to the company, first-year drivers earn $70,000, or $1,300 per week. However, salary data from third-party websites seems to contradict this figure. Realistically, rookie drivers can expect to earn around $55,000 per year. The company itself says that base pay for recent graduates is just $0.38 per mile.
School Requirements
If you are accepted into the training program, you will attend classes at the company’s Fort Worth address:
- 3001 Meacham Blvd North, Fort Worth, TX 76137 Suite 120
Classes begin on Monday and run from 7AM through 5:30PM. You must be able to show proof of residency in Texas.
When you show up for class, you will need to bring the following:
- TX driver’s license. If you recently moved to the state and still have an out-of-state license, you will need to transfer your license to TX before you can attend class.
- Social Security card
- 2 forms of proof of residency
You will also need to pass the DOT drug screening and physical exam.
Lodging is available to students. Rooms are doubles, and you can expect to have a roommate.