Introduction
Searching for high paying truck driving jobs near me is a common and smart move for CDL drivers aiming to earn more while staying closer to home. The good news? Trucking jobs are in high demand across the U.S., and many of the best-paying roles can be found right in your local area — if you know where to look and what qualifications give you an edge.
Why Truck Driving Pays Well in Local Markets
Local and regional trucking has become more lucrative in recent years, thanks to:
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A national driver shortage
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Increased freight demand due to e-commerce
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Higher incentives for safety, reliability, and endorsements
Local and short-haul drivers who qualify for premium jobs often enjoy strong hourly or mileage pay, home-daily routes, and steady freight from regional distribution centers, ports, and warehouses.
Types of High Paying Truck Driving Jobs Near You
Here are the top-paying categories of trucking jobs that you can find in most local markets:
1. Hazmat and Tanker Drivers
Average Pay: $85,000 – $120,000/year
Transporting hazardous materials (fuel, chemicals, gases) pays well due to the risk and responsibility involved.
Where to Find Them:
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Fuel delivery companies
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Chemical plants
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Local refineries
Required Endorsements:
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H (Hazmat)
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N (Tanker)
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Or X (Combined Hazmat + Tanker)
2. Local Delivery Drivers for Private Fleets
Average Pay: $70,000 – $100,000/year
Companies with private fleets (like Walmart, PepsiCo, Sysco) often pay premium wages to local drivers.
Perks:
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Home every night
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Full benefits and retirement packages
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Job stability
Best Jobs:
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Grocery chain delivery
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Retail warehouse distribution
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Food and beverage suppliers
3. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Drivers
Average Pay: $75,000 – $95,000/year
LTL drivers handle multiple smaller shipments and may do local pickups and deliveries.
Top Employers:
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Old Dominion Freight Line
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Estes Express Lines
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XPO Logistics
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FedEx Freight
Why It Pays:
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Union jobs and hourly wages
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Pay for wait time, stops, and overtime
4. Construction and Dump Truck Drivers
Average Pay: $65,000 – $90,000/year
These drivers transport raw materials like gravel, sand, and concrete to local job sites.
Where It’s Common:
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Urban development zones
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Infrastructure projects
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Municipal contracts
Perks:
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Daytime shifts
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Overtime opportunities
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Regular local routes
5. Refrigerated (Reefer) Freight
Average Pay: $70,000 – $100,000/year
Perishable goods like food, produce, and pharmaceuticals require timely, temperature-controlled deliveries.
Why It Pays:
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Strict delivery windows
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Requires attention to cargo care
Employers: Local food distributors, grocery chains, cold storage companies
How to Find High Paying Truck Driving Jobs Near You
Here are the best ways to locate high-paying local and regional jobs in your area:
✅ Use Trucking Job Boards
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Indeed
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CDLjobs.com
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TruckDriverJobs411
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Drive4ATS.com
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Filter for “high paying” or “local” jobs with hourly wages or salary ranges.
✅ Visit Carrier Websites Directly
Go to the careers page of large carriers and search using your ZIP code.
✅ Sign Up With Local Recruiters
Many companies partner with staffing firms to fill local CDL-A, B, and C positions quickly.
✅ Check Facebook Groups and Local Forums
Look for local trucking job listings in regional driver groups.
Requirements That Boost Your Pay
Want to land a top-paying truck driving job near you? These certifications and qualities will make you more competitive:
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CDL-A License: Required for most high-paying interstate and heavy-duty jobs
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Clean Driving Record: Fewer violations = higher pay
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Hazmat or Tanker Endorsements: Unlock higher-paying specialized roles
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Experience: 2+ years in the field can significantly boost your starting pay
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TWIC Card: Especially useful for port-access or security-sensitive loads
Best Companies Hiring High Paying Drivers Locally (Varies by Region)
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Walmart Private Fleet
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UPS and FedEx Freight
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Old Dominion Freight Line
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XPO Logistics
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Sysco & US Foods
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Pilot Flying J (Fuel Hauling)
Final Tips for Maximizing Local Trucking Pay
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Be Flexible: Night shifts or weekends may pay more
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Maintain Safety and Compliance: Bonus structures often reward clean logs
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Track Your Mileage or Hours: Know your worth and push for fair compensation
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Upgrade Your Skills: The more endorsements you hold, the more routes and pay tiers you qualify for
Conclusion
Finding high paying truck driving jobs near me is easier than ever thanks to demand in local logistics and transportation sectors. Whether you’re interested in hazmat hauling, LTL freight, or working for a private fleet, the right qualifications and search tactics can lead you to a well-paying position close to home. Don’t settle — use your skills and CDL to secure a trucking job that offers both strong income and a balanced lifestyle.
