Qualified
You've met all requirements and are newly in the role — or you're experienced but still building consistency.
Career progression
Your path forward at Bailey's
Moving is hard work — but if you do it well, there's real opportunity here. Not just a job, but a career that rewards performance and grows as you grow.
The roadmap
From crew member to team leader to CDL driver
This page explains exactly how to advance — and what it takes at every step. The path is clear, the standards are fair, and the opportunity is real. You have to earn it.
Who this is for: If you're starting as a mover and wondering what's ahead, this is your roadmap.
Step 1
Meet the requirements
Before you can lead a crew or drive a truck, you need to clear three basic requirements.
Clean driving record
We'll pull your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). Here's what we're looking for:
- No points on your license in the last 3–5 years
- No accidents in the last 3–5 years
- No traffic tickets or moving violations in the last 2 years
- No major violations (DUI, hit-and-run, etc.) in the last 10+ years
Drug test
You'll need to pass a standard DOT drug screening. We test for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines and methamphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). Learn more about DOT drug testing →
Background check
We run a background screening that meets state, federal, and insurance requirements. We're looking for serious disqualifying offenses — violent felonies, theft, or fraud that would make it inappropriate to work inside customers' homes or operate a company vehicle. If you have questions about your background, talk to your manager before starting the process.
Step 2
Prove your skills as a mover
You can't lead a crew if you can't do the job yourself. Before a leadership role, you need to show you're skilled enough to train others.
That means being genuinely good at:
- Loading and unloading trucks
- Packing and protecting items
- Working efficiently as part of a team
For most people, reaching this level takes 2–4 years of consistent work. Push hard, stay coachable, and it can happen faster. Operations leadership will confirm your readiness through a skills evaluation or your track record on the job.
Not there yet? That's fine. Keep building experience as a mover first. A stronger foundation makes you a better leader.
Step 3
Lead your first move
Once you're ready, operations will train you to run a moving job from start to finish. Your job is to consistently deliver five key outcomes on every move:
- Start and finish on time. Every job. Every time.
- Hit productivity targets. Every crew member meets minimum standards for loading, unloading, and/or packing.
- Lead with confidence. Your team and customer are comfortable with your communication and decisions.
- Complete your paperwork. Return with organized, complete, signed documents — nothing missing.
- Earn a 5-star move. Work good enough for a 5-star review, whether the customer leaves one or not.
Step 4
Get behind the wheel
Driving the truck is a big step. It comes with dedicated training and a formal road test.
Training
You'll complete the Smith System Driver Training — a nationally recognized, safety-focused program used across the trucking and moving industry.
Road test
You'll take a practical road test with operations leadership and/or the safety director before you're cleared to drive on jobs.
Five driving standards
Once you're driving, you're held to these on every job:
- Zero at-fault accidents. Always.
- Maintain a passing Samara safe-driving score. Consistently.
- Know your vehicle. Operate equipment and perform basic maintenance checks.
- DOT paperwork, every time. Pre- and post-trip inspections and required logs — without exception.
- Everyone feels safe. Your crew and the company trust you behind the wheel.
Compensation
How pay progresses
When you complete Steps 1–4, you unlock a higher pay tier. From there, consistent performance moves you up again.
Established
You've hit all 10 key outcomes on at least 90% of your jobs for a minimum of 6 continuous months.
Experienced
You've hit all 10 key outcomes on at least 90% of your jobs for a minimum of 24 continuous months.
Each tier pays more than the last. Talk to your manager for current pay rates — they vary by location.
What's next
Where this can take you
The path keeps climbing. Team leader is the foundation. CDL-A is a real career. Owner-operator is the top.
A real career
CDL-A driver
Earn a CDL-A and run larger equipment. It's a legitimate career with significantly higher pay — and no business ownership required. Ask your manager for current CDL-A pay ranges at your location.
Learn about hauling for Bailey's as a CDL driver →The summit
Owner-operator
$100,000–$200,000 typical yearly earnings — and more is possible
For a CDL-A driver, this is the single biggest income opportunity available. You own the truck. You run the business. What you earn follows what you put in.
Ready to take the next step?
Frank, Troy, and the Himes already run this. Talk to your manager about where you stand — or apply and start the path that leads toward what they have.