Trucking Companies Hiring CDL Drivers in Tennessee

Tennessee is a major freight crossroads for the Southeast and Mid-South. With high-volume corridors like I-40, I-65, I-24, and I-75—and large distribution activity around Memphis and Nashville, drivers can find steady options in dry van, reefer, flatbed, tanker, intermodal, and dedicated account work.

Whether you want home-daily runs, regional Southeast lanes, or bigger-mile OTR routes, use the filters on this page to narrow Tennessee jobs by trailer type and driver type, then apply once to be matched with carriers that fit your priorities.

Salary and Pay Data for Truck Driving Jobs in Tennessee

Pay for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in Tennessee offers solid earning potential, especially for drivers who stay safe, stay consistent, and choose lanes that fit their lifestyle. Earnings can vary widely based on route type (local vs. OTR), schedule, miles, freight, and whether you’re paid hourly, by the mile, or by percentage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for truck drivers in Tennessee was $55,610 in 2024. Overall, Tennessee’s low, median, and high wage levels are comparable to rates reported nationwide, and drivers in the highest-paying roles can earn around $80,000.

In Tennessee, many drivers land in a solid “middle” band of annual pay, while top earners tend to be those who combine experience with the right endorsements and freight. If you want to move toward the higher end of the pay scale, focus on the controllables: a clean safety record, dependable on-time performance, and choosing jobs with the right mix of miles, accessorial pay, and predictable freight.

• Experience: 1–3+ years of verifiable driving history often opens higher-paying fleets and dedicated accounts.
• Endorsements: HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples can expand your options (and your earning power).
• Freight type: Specialized, time-sensitive, or more demanding freight can pay more than general commodity freight.
• Route structure: Dedicated and high-mileage regional/OTR lanes may offer stronger total compensation than short, inconsistent routes.

Types of Truck Driving Jobs in Tennessee

Tennessee offers a wide mix of trucking lanes and home-time options, especially around major logistics hubs and interstate corridors. Here are the most common job types drivers find in the state:

Local and home-daily routes

Local work is strongest near major distribution and manufacturing pockets, where drivers haul store delivery, food and beverage, fuel, LTL, construction materials, and port/intermodal freight. Many home-daily roles are hourly and can include night shifts, weekend rotations, or slip-seat schedules, which are ideal for drivers who want a routine and consistent home time.

Regional Southeast lanes

Regional routes out of Tennessee often run predictable lanes through the Southeast and Mid-South states, such as Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, and back, plus freight that flows east-west on I-40. These jobs are a popular “best of both worlds” option offering solid miles with weekly (or more frequent) home time.

OTR and long-haul positions

OTR opportunities are common for drivers who want maximum miles and lane variety. Long-haul freight moving through Tennessee includes retail replenishment, refrigerated food, automotive parts, building products, and general dry van loads that connect the Southeast with the Midwest, Texas, and the East Coast.

The Future of Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Trucking demand in Tennessee is driven by the same reality that powers the industry nationwide: freight still has to move every day, and carriers continually hire to cover growth, retirements, and normal turnover. Even when the market cycles, safe, reliable CDL drivers remain essential, especially in freight-heavy states like Tennessee.

Long-term, Tennessee’s outlook is supported by its role as a distribution and manufacturing hub. Automotive and parts production, large-scale warehousing and fulfillment, food and beverage freight, and ongoing construction activity all depend on consistent truck capacity. Drivers who build experience, keep endorsements current, and stay flexible on lanes and schedules typically have the easiest time staying employed and moving up.

Through 2032, Tennessee’s CDL driver workforce is projected to grow about 10 percent (vs. 4 percent nationally), reaching over 71,000 drivers, adding an estimated 7,720 openings per year on average when you include growth and replacement needs.

 How to Get a CDL in Tennessee

To drive commercially in Tennessee, you’ll need a CDL issued through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and you’ll need to meet federal requirements that apply nationwide. Requirements can change, so always confirm the latest steps and documents on the official state site before you schedule testing.

1. Confirm eligibility: Make sure you meet age requirements, have a valid license, and can pass a DOT medical exam.
2. Study for written exams: Prepare for the CDL general knowledge test and any endorsement exams you want (like HazMat, Tanker, or Doubles/Triples).
3. Get your CLP (Commercial Learner Permit): Pass the required knowledge tests to receive your CLP.
4. Complete training: Train with a registered CDL school or carrier program to meet entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements.
5. Schedule and pass the skills test: Complete the pre-trip inspection, backing, and road test at an approved test site.
6. Apply for jobs that fit your goals: Choose local, regional, or OTR routes based on home time, pay structure, and equipment preference.

Tennessee Truck Driving Jobs: FAQs

Q: Are truck drivers in demand in Tennessee?

Q: What types of truck driving jobs are most common in Tennessee?

Q: Can I find home-daily CDL jobs in Tennessee?

Q: Which endorsements help Tennessee drivers access better jobs?

Q: Do Tennessee trucking companies hire newer CDL drivers?

Find Trucking Jobs in Tennessee:

Most Tennessee freight concentrates along major interstates and around large logistics and manufacturing centers. If you want to stay close to home, start your search around these job pockets:

CDL jobs near Chattanooga - – manufacturing freight, building materials, and steady regional lanes.
CDL jobs in Knoxville - strong I-40/I-75 corridor freight and regional Southeast runs.
CDL jobs in Memphis - major distribution and intermodal freight, plus high-volume regional lanes.
CDL jobs in Nashville - dense warehouse networks, retail replenishment, and dedicated routes.

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