From food and clothing to essential products and materials, the trucking industry keeps our modern world moving. With rising demand for truck drivers and increasing pay rates, many people are pursuing careers as truckers throughout the U.S. Trucking serves as the lifeline for industries and communities alike. Listed in this article are some of the top states in 2024 for truck driver jobs.
The Top 10 States for Trucking Jobs
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Mississippi
Reflecting the state’s long-standing connection to logistics and agriculture, Mississippi is one of the top states people are searching for truck driving jobs in. Its proximity to major ports and highways, along with the numerous large distribution centers make for ample available trucking jobs. The state’s role in resource extraction marks high-demand for its natural resources — some of which are also internationally exported.
Mississippi drivers haul products ranging from agricultural goods to manufacturing materials. Some of the products that Mississippi drivers transport include cotton, timber, agricultural machinery, soybeans, rice, pharmaceuticals, catfish, and poultry.
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Alabama
As a manufacturing hub for automotive, steel, and industrial goods, Alabama trucking jobs are in high demand. To support its economy, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sector, Alabama needs truck drivers. Local and long-haul driving jobs are necessary to keep its economy moving. With distribution centers connected to major highways like I-65 and I-20, truck drivers are needed to haul everything from vehicle parts to raw materials.
Alabama drivers also haul steel, timber, various chemicals including fertilizers and petrochemicals, coal, poultry, and soybeans.
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South Carolina
Home to Port Charleston — one of the busiest U.S. ports — South Carolina offers abundant opportunities for truck drivers. Truck drivers are needed to transport goods from the port to many inland destinations. With major interstates, South Carolina offers diverse routes for both local and long haul drivers to fulfill consumer demand. Between South Carolina’s manufacturing, agricultural, and coastal resources, the state generates high-demand consumer goods both in e-commerce sectors, and in traditional retail. In addition, South Carolina is a major hub of automotive manufacturing.
South Carolina drivers haul a variety of products, such as textiles, automobiles, tires, paper products, peaches, and seafood.
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Arkansas
The central location and strong manufacturing presence in Arkansas makes it ideal for truck drivers. Arkansas is also home to some of the largest trucking companies in the U.S., like J.B. Hunt. The trucking industry plays a vital role in supporting manufacturing, agricultural, and retail sectors, with a mix of local, regional, and OTR opportunities.
Arkansas truck drivers transport a variety of goods and natural resources including rice, poultry, soybeans, watermelon, timber, quartz crystals, and bauxite, which is used to produce aluminum.
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North Dakota
Marked by its thriving oil and gas industries, North Dakota offers many lucrative jobs for truck drivers. These jobs also can include more specialized positions involving HAZMAT for oil and gas transportation. North Dakota truck drivers are in high demand to transport equipment, sand, and crude oil, much of which has been produced in the Bakken Shale region.
Aside from North Dakota’s massive role in energy production, the state also has a strong agricultural base. Drivers will also haul wheat, corn, barley, cattle, honey, and even sunflowers.
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Wyoming
With expansive scenic highways, and a slightly less crowded population, Wyoming is an appealing state for truck drivers. In particular, there are many excellent long-haul opportunities available. With an abundance of coal and minerals generated by the mining industry, there’s a high demand for truck drivers in Wyoming. Although Wyoming weather can be challenging for truck drivers, carriers in the state often offer competitive pay.
Wyoming truck drivers haul coal, crude oil and natural gas, trona (a mineral used for glass and chemical manufacturing), hay, logs, and various wind turbine components.
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Louisiana
Harboring many major ports along the Gulf Coast, Louisiana’s trucking industry is robust and offers an array of opportunities for drivers — including specialized HAZMAT positions. Louisiana truck drivers may also haul large equipment and refined products. Major highways running through the state, such as I-10 and I-20 make it possible for truck drivers to deliver key goods to other areas across the country. Cargo transported in Louisiana reflects its unique blend of distinct culture, agriculture, and industry.
Louisiana truck drivers haul petrochemicals, timber, seafood, sugarcane, salt, rice, and even specialty items, like Tabasco products.
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Georgia
With thriving industries and a major logistics hub like the city of Atlanta, Georgia is an optimal state for truck driving jobs. Georgia offers numerous trucking opportunities in freight, construction, and consumer goods. Home to a very large international airport, and the Port of Savannah, there are great opportunities for fuel transportation. Georgia goods can range from vehicle parts to produce and textiles.
Georgia drivers also transport automobile parts and vehicles, timber, peaches, poultry, peanuts, and vidalia onions.
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Oklahoma
The state’s expansive highways connect key cities and regions, making Oklahoma a crucial crossroads for transportation across the nation. Oklahoma manufactures equipment used in agricultural production and oil and gas industries. The state offers an array of trucking jobs and various opportunities for both local and long-haul routes.
In addition to oil and natural gas, Oklahoma truck drivers haul wind turbine parts, cattle, cotton, chicken, wheat, and other grains.
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Tennessee
Bridging major highways and connecting key regions, Tennessee provides many opportunities for long-haul and regional drivers. Not only does it house cities serving as key logistics hubs, it also produces a range of goods including automotive parts and electronics. Along with these products, Tennessee truck drivers also find themselves transporting many manufactured goods the state produces.
Tennessee truck drivers haul whiskey, soybeans, dairy products, cotton, automobiles, musical instruments, and even furniture.
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Trucking Hot Spots!
Of course, truck driver jobs are available far and wide in any state across the country. These listed states, however, share common features making them excellent spots for truck drivers. Many ports or production facilities are based in these states. In addition, these states are located with optimal highway access to various other parts of the country. Find a cdl job near me.
These key details differentiate these states as excellent areas for truck drivers to reside in. Not in one of these states? No problem. We’re connected with top trucking companies across the country. Find a truck driving job near you today!
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