Oregon Truck Driving Jobs

The trucking industry of Oregon is growing faster than the national average. Through 2022, O*Net believes that Oregon truck driving jobs should increase by 16%, leading to nearly 700 new jobs per year. Currently, the average salary for a tractor-trailer driver in Oregon is $38,600 per year (O*Net, 2014). While looking at jobs, keep in mind that OTR drivers tend to earn higher salaries than other types of drivers.

Numerous truck driving companies and shipping companies have locations throughout Oregon, possibly offering some variety to new job seekers. Prominent trucking employers include Saia LTL Freight, Groendyke Transport, Interstate Distributor Company, and C.R. England.

There are truck driving programs all over Oregon, including those at community colleges, truck driving companies, and dedicated truck driving schools. These programs can prepare you for every step of the licensure process. If you study in the classroom, you can get the knowledge you need to pass your written test. Working one-on-one with an instructor behind the wheel of a truck can give you experience in driving in different settings.

The entire licensing process goes through the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles. When you pass the written test, you can choose to either take your driving test right away or get a learner's permit. The choice that's right for you depends on how your truck driving training is structured.

As you get ready to take your skills test, be prepared for three distinct test sections: a vehicle inspection, a skill demonstration, and an on-the-road driving test. After you pass all three parts, you get a CDL that is good for eight years.