Trucking Jobs in Tennessee: The Complete Guide
What Are the Best Trucking Jobs in Tennessee?
The best trucking jobs in Tennessee offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, and frequent hiring opportunities across numerous companies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2023), the trucking industry in Tennessee is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade, reflecting a strong demand for qualified drivers.
- OTR (Over-the-Road): Multi-state routes, longer time away, usually higher earning potential.
- Regional: Multi-state within a region, most weekends home.
- Local: Home daily, city or metro routes, more stops/handling.
- LTL (Less-Than-Truckload): Multiple freight stops, terminal-based operations.
- Reefer/Flatbed/Tanker: Specialized trailers with unique skills and pay differentials.
| Job Title | Average Salary | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Long Haul Truck Driver (OTR) | $60,000 | CDL License, 2+ years of experience |
| Local Truck Driver | $55,000 | CDL License, clean driving record |
| Freight Hauler (LTL/Regional) | $65,000 | CDL License, specialized training |
High-Paying Specialties to Consider
- Flatbed: Higher pay for securement and tarping; fitness and safety focus.
- Tanker: Premiums for liquid handling; HazMat endorsement often preferred.
- Reefer: Food/pharma freight with tighter schedules and temperature control.
- Dedicated routes: Predictable lanes and home time; steady paychecks.
Tennessee Truck Driver Pay: What to Expect
The average annual salary for truck drivers in Tennessee is approximately $60,000. (BLS, 2023) Actual earnings vary with experience, endorsements, freight type, and home-time preferences.
| Pay Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cents per Mile (CPM) | $0.50–$0.70+ | Varies by OTR/regional/local, tenure, and lane. |
| Hourly (Local/LTL) | $22–$32/hr | City P&D and yard jockey roles often hourly. |
| Accessorial | $25–$150+ | Detention, layover, breakdown, stop pay. |
| Bonuses | $500–$7,500 | Sign-on, safety, fuel, referral, performance. |
How to Apply for Truck Driving Jobs in Tennessee
Applying for truck driving jobs in Tennessee is generally straightforward, with most companies offering convenient online application processes. A study by Indeed (2023) found that 78% of job seekers prefer online applications over traditional methods for their simplicity and efficiency.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Update and tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience.
- Obtain your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). For detailed information and requirements, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety.
- Browse job listings on company websites or popular job boards such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
- Submit your applications online through company portals or job platforms.
- Prepare for interviews and road tests by practicing driving skills and reviewing company policies.
Pre‑Hire Checklist
- Valid CDL (Class A for most tractor‑trailer roles).
- Current DOT physical and medical card.
- Clean MVR and employment history with verifiable references.
- Endorsements (Tanker/HazMat/Doubles) if required by the lane.
- ELD and Hours‑of‑Service (HOS) familiarity.
Which Trucking Companies in Tennessee Are Hiring?
Several reputable trucking companies in Tennessee are actively hiring for a range of positions, from local delivery to long-haul routes. Leading companies such as Schneider and JB Hunt have reported increased recruitment efforts in 2023 (Trucking News, 2023).
- Schneider
- JB Hunt
- Swift Transportation
- CR England
What Carriers Often Look For
- Safe driving record and stable work history.
- Flexibility for night/weekend or dedicated lanes.
- Endorsements aligned with freight (e.g., tanker/reefer).
- Customer service mindset for LTL and P&D roles.
What Are the Requirements for Driver Jobs in Tennessee?
To qualify for truck driving jobs in Tennessee, candidates generally need a valid CDL, a clean driving record, and relevant driving experience. The Tennessee Department of Safety (2023) highlights that most employers prefer applicants with at least 2 years of driving experience.
- Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Clean driving record free of major violations
- Ability to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and medical exam
- Strong knowledge of safety regulations and traffic laws
- Class A: Combination vehicles, most OTR/regional tractor‑trailer jobs.
- Class B: Straight trucks, many local/LTL roles.
- Class C: Smaller vehicles with passengers/hazardous materials.
- Common endorsements: H (HazMat), N (Tanker), X (HazMat + Tanker), T (Doubles/Triples), P (Passenger), S (School Bus).
What Are the Benefits of Trucking Jobs in Tennessee?
Trucking jobs in Tennessee provide valuable benefits such as flexible work schedules, competitive salaries, and job security. According to a report by the American Trucking Associations (ATA, 2023), the average annual wage for truck drivers is around $60,000, with ample opportunities for overtime pay.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- Retirement savings plans including 401(k) options
- Paid time off and vacation benefits
- Access to training and career advancement programs
- Potential for sign‑on, referral, and safety bonuses
Compare Job Types: OTR vs. Regional vs. Local
| Job Type | Home Time | Typical Pay | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTR | Every 1–3 weeks | Higher CPM; longer miles | Maximizing earnings and seeing the country |
| Regional | Weekly/bi‑weekly | Competitive with predictable lanes | Balance of pay and home time |
| Local/LTL | Home daily | Hourly + overtime potential | Family schedules and consistent routine |
How to Choose Your Fit
- Decide your priority: top pay, home time, or schedule predictability.
- List the endorsements you have or can obtain quickly.
- Compare freight types you enjoy or want to learn (flatbed, reefer, tanker).
- Evaluate company culture, equipment age, and training support.
People Also Ask
Is Tennessee a good state for truck drivers?
Yes. Central highways and diverse freight create steady miles and varied opportunities across OTR, regional, and local roles.
Do I need a HazMat endorsement to earn more?
No, but HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples endorsements often open higher‑paying lanes and specialized freight.
Can new CDL graduates get hired without 2 years’ experience?
Many carriers hire entry‑level drivers into training or finishing programs; others require 12–24 months. Compare options before applying.
Which Tennessee cities have the most trucking jobs?
Major freight hubs include Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville due to interstate access and distribution centers.
FAQs about Trucking Jobs in Tennessee
1. How much do truck drivers make in Tennessee?
The average annual salary for truck drivers in Tennessee is approximately $60,000. (BLS, 2023)
2. What is the job outlook for trucking jobs in Tennessee?
The trucking industry in Tennessee is expected to see a 7% growth in job opportunities over the next decade. (BLS, 2023)
3. What are the types of trucking jobs available in Tennessee?
Common trucking jobs include long-haul drivers, local delivery drivers, freight haulers, and specialized delivery drivers. (Indeed, 2023)
4. What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Tennessee?
You must have a valid CDL, maintain a clean driving record, and ideally possess some prior driving experience. (Tennessee Department of Safety, 2023)
5. How can I find trucking companies in Tennessee that are hiring?
You can locate hiring trucking companies by exploring job boards like Indeed, visiting company websites, and reviewing current listings on Trucking News. (Trucking News, 2023)
Further Reading
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Identify your preferred route type, gather your documents, and submit applications to multiple carriers on the same day. Compare offers by total compensation, equipment, and home time to choose the best Tennessee trucking job for you.