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 Moving Team Leader role is a foundation, not a ceiling.
CDL-A driver
Drivers who perform well and show consistency can earn a CDL-A license to operate larger equipment. This opens the door to significantly higher pay. Ask your manager for current CDL-A pay ranges at your location.
Learn about hauling for Bailey's as a CDL driver →Owner-operator
For those who want full control of their income, we offer an owner-operator path. Earnings vary based on commitment and effort, but owner-operators typically earn $100,000–$200,000 per year — and can earn more.
Ready to take the next step?
Talk to your manager about where you stand and what comes next — or apply to join our operations team and start the path from day one.