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As per the U.S. Department of Labor, the federal minimum wage for drivers is $7.25 per hour in 2026 with overtime required at 1.5 times the rate after 40 hours in a workweek for non-exempt employees. Most interstate truck drivers must also follow FMCSA hours-of-service rules limiting driving to 11 hours per day. Employers must pay at least this rate regardless of state variations.

As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, foreign drivers typically need an H-2B visa for non-agricultural temporary work or a TN visa under USMCA for Canadian or Mexican citizens with a valid CDL. Applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer who files Form I-129 and pay the $460 filing fee as of 2026. The visa allows stays up to 3 years with possible extensions.

As per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid Class A CDL, and pass a DOT physical exam valid for 24 months. They also need to complete entry-level driver training of at least 30 hours behind the wheel before 2026. No felony convictions in the past 7 years for certain offenses are allowed.

As per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, applicants must submit proof of identity with a birth certificate or passport, Social Security number verification, and a valid medical examiner's certificate dated within the last 24 months. They also need to provide proof of residency and pass both knowledge and skills tests at a state DMV. The application fee averages $75 depending on the state.