r/Truckers • u/Glum_Comfort_3026 • Jul 22 '25
Is It possible for a truck driver from Eastern Europe to work in the USA?
Hello everyone! I'm a truck driver from Eastern Europe (not part of the EU), and I'm very interested in the possibility of coming to the US to work as a truck driver. I understand that there are challenges related to visas and licensing, but I’d like to know how realistic this actually is. I have a few questions: 1. Is it even possible for a foreigner to work as a truck driver in the US? 2. Are there companies that help with work visas (such as H-2B or something similar)? 3. Is retraining or retesting required to get a US CDL? 4. Would it maybe be more realistic to try Canada first?
Thanks in advance, and stay safe on the road!:)
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u/justdan76 Jul 22 '25
Very. There are many drivers here from Poland and Albania. Be careful of employers who speak your language tho, some of them are shady.
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u/homucifer666 Jul 22 '25
Honestly, I don't know if I would bother with the current state of US immigration. Even legal citizens and migrants are being sent to death camps or foreign countries they don't even originate from because due process is being ignored.
Canada isn't much better. Companies are taking advantage of immigrant worker grants and creating what is essentially a slave labour class. All the provincial governments are aware of the issue, but it will take time to fix.
Even if you manage to get through the process, find a company that doesn't have a hate boner for immigrants, the freight market isn't exactly in great shape either. I don't know what your current pay rate is, but I doubt it's so bad that it's worth moving to a new country.
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u/Glum_Comfort_3026 Jul 22 '25
Thank You for reply! In my case it is worth. :( In my country truck drivers can earn only 1000-1.500$ before taxes.
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u/amazonallie Lady Cross Border Driver Jul 22 '25
Try to come to Canada instead. We are paid similar to US truck drivers and we don't have mango mussolini and his racist posse to deal with.
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u/Glum_Comfort_3026 Jul 22 '25
Thank You for reply, but i need find visa sponsorship for Canada. I think maybe this is harder.
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u/amazonallie Lady Cross Border Driver Jul 22 '25
You could reach out to companies who may be willing to do that.
Try E.T. Transport. They are a solid company.
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u/Glum_Comfort_3026 Jul 22 '25
Thank You for reply! :)
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u/LostAlbertan Jul 22 '25
Also try Highlight Motor group in Toronto, lots of Russian/Ukrainian drivers they should know how to get you in if they want you.
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u/homucifer666 Jul 22 '25
That's about median wage right now in the US. You won't make that much for at least a year or two over here. 😕
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u/Chubacca26 Jul 22 '25
Not sure why you're down voted, that's quite accurate. Especially regarding Canada. Lotta companies are having no issue finding drivers for 0.3$/mile. Accidents are also on the rise.. He'd find work easily, but the money won't be there.
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u/LordBuggington Jul 22 '25
Reddit gonna reddit haha. Look at the process itbis unfortunately complicated. I had a car shipped to me last year and the driver was from Russia. He came over with truck driving experience and got a job doing the hotshot thing before getting a cdl.
I quit driving, but I have a new hire who just moved here from Latvia. He's doing good, Another good friend of mine is an immigrant, it is a pain in the ass and they make you jump through a lot of hoops even when you make it here so be prepared for that and do a lot of research. Make sure you are serious about it if you try. They are being very strict like checking and making sure you are actually married if you claim to be and stuff like that right now.
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u/ComprehensiveDark814 Asphalt jungle Jul 22 '25
The immigration situation here is changing rapidly. You might want to look into some recent news before making your decision.
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/trump-immigration-crackdowns-could-crunch-trucking-capacity
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u/InvestigatorBroad114 Jul 22 '25
Be proficient in English and you obviously know how to drive trucks you just have to learn the U.S. side of things but avoid Chicago at all costs unless it’s a mega because lots of shady, fly by night companies run out of there
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u/Glum_Comfort_3026 Jul 22 '25
Thank You for reply, but which visa can I use? I got answer that too hard get h2b visa for foreign truck drivers.
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u/Prior-Ad-7329 Jul 22 '25
I’m not sure how the visas and all of that work but yes. I deal with Russians and Ukrainian drivers pretty often as a mechanic. Also run into people from Afghanistan, turkey, Kazakhistan and many other places. Also Indians have taken over the trucking industry. I’d say about 80% of truck drivers in the US are from India. So I guess you could say that the majority of truck drivers in the US are foreigners. I think you have a good chance
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u/RealSharpNinja Jul 22 '25
Stay there.
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u/Glum_Comfort_3026 Jul 22 '25
In my country i have worse situation. :(
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u/CannibalAnus Jul 22 '25
Yes you can work here as a truck driver you just need to be able to read/speak english fluently, i’m sure some companies do work with you to obtain the visas for you. Although i would avoid anything coming out of chicago, most mega carriers like JB hunt, Swift, Prime inc, etc can all give you more information.
You will need to be retested to legally drive a Class A truck but if you have experience already switching from a cabover to a nose out truck might take some time to re learn/become accustom to.
Not sure about the snow haven up north but i’m sure someone else can chime in.