When it comes to a career in trucking, many drivers want the best of both worlds—high pay and the ability to sleep in their own bed each night. That’s where local truck driving jobs come in. Unlike over-the-road (OTR) positions, local drivers enjoy consistent home time, fixed schedules, and often less stress. But which local trucking jobs pay the most?
In this article, we’ll explore the best paying local truck driving jobs, what makes them lucrative, and which companies are currently hiring.
🚛 What Are Local Truck Driving Jobs?
Local truck driving jobs typically involve short-distance routes, often within a 100-200 mile radius. These jobs usually involve daily deliveries and home-daily schedules, making them ideal for drivers who value work-life balance.
💰 Top High-Paying Local Truck Driving Jobs
Here are some of the best-paying roles in the local trucking industry:
1. Hazmat and Tanker Local Drivers
Average Pay: $65,000 – $95,000/year
Why it Pays Well: Requires special endorsements and deals with hazardous materials
Drivers hauling fuel, chemicals, or gases locally are compensated well due to the added risk and regulatory compliance. If you hold both Hazmat and Tanker endorsements, this is one of the most lucrative local options.
2. LTL (Less-than-Truckload) Freight Drivers
Average Pay: $60,000 – $85,000/year
Why it Pays Well: Multiple stops, tight schedules, and heavy lifting
LTL drivers transport partial shipments for multiple customers. Companies like FedEx Freight, Old Dominion, and XPO Logistics offer excellent pay and benefits for experienced local drivers.
3. Private Fleet Drivers
Average Pay: $70,000 – $100,000/year
Why it Pays Well: Stable routes, high standards, better equipment
Private fleet drivers work directly for large companies (like Walmart or PepsiCo) instead of third-party carriers. These companies tend to offer premium wages, consistent schedules, and strong job security.
4. Local Delivery Drivers (Food & Retail)
Average Pay: $55,000 – $80,000/year
Why it Pays Well: High demand, repetitive routes, customer service skills
Grocery chains, beverage companies, and food distributors like Sysco, US Foods, and Coca-Cola pay competitive wages for local delivery drivers with a CDL-A or CDL-B. Some positions may require unloading pallets or use of a liftgate.
5. Dump Truck or Construction Haulers
Average Pay: $50,000 – $75,000/year
Why it Pays Well: Involves irregular hours and hauling heavy materials
Working with construction companies or municipalities, these drivers haul gravel, dirt, and construction debris. Pay increases with experience and endorsements.
🏢 Best Companies Offering High-Paying Local Trucking Jobs
Here are some reputable employers known for offering well-paying local driving jobs:
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Walmart Private Fleet – Among the top-paying fleets nationwide
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Old Dominion Freight Line – Excellent pay and strong employee retention
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FedEx Freight – Great benefits and consistent routes
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PepsiCo & Coca-Cola – Local delivery with competitive pay
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Sysco & US Foods – Food distribution routes with high earnings potential
✅ How to Qualify for the Best Local Truck Driving Jobs
To increase your chances of landing a high-paying local trucking job, consider the following:
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Earn your CDL-A (CDL-B for certain delivery roles)
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Gain endorsements (Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples)
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Keep a clean driving record
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Build experience – even 6–12 months can boost your options
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Apply locally – Many small carriers offer great pay in specific regions
🔍 Job Search Tips
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Use job boards like Indeed, CDLjobs.com, and TruckDriverJobs411
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Apply directly on company websites for fleets like Walmart or Sysco
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Network with other drivers to hear about unlisted positions
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Visit local dispatch offices—some smaller fleets still hire the old-fashioned way
🧭 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to stay closer to home without sacrificing your paycheck, these best paying local truck driving jobs are the perfect fit. From private fleets to Hazmat hauls, there’s plenty of opportunity to earn well while enjoying a consistent schedule and a better work-life balance.
Whether you’re a seasoned CDL driver or just getting started, focusing on the right endorsements, high-demand industries, and top-paying companies can put you on the fast track to a rewarding local trucking career.
