Rhode Island Truck Driving Jobs

Discover Rhode Island Truck Driving Salary and Job Information

Overall, the job outlook in Rhode Island mirrors the New England average and the United States average. In the years between 2012 and 2022, O*Net anticipates an 11% increase in Rhode Island driving jobs, hopefully bringing the total number of drivers in the state up to more than 3,200. The salary you earn as a Rhode Island driver depends on how many miles you drive and which routes you take. O*Net reports that the average salary for a Rhode Island driver is $39,200 per year.

A number of national truck driving companies have set up shop in Rhode Island. Many of these companies hire new truck drivers for straight truck or tractor-trailer driving jobs. Prominent employers include TMC Transportation, C.R. England, Groendyke Transport, and CRST Expedited.

Rhode Island has a fairly straightforward process for applicants that want to earn a commercial driver's license. You must first decide which type of license you want to earn—a Class A, Class B, or Class C driver's license. You may find it helpful to attend a truck driving training course for your license class. In a two-to-eight week training course, you can learn about driving laws, basic driving techniques, and how to maneuver a truck on the road.

When you're ready to begin the licensing process, you should to your local Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles department to take the required tests. The first test is a written test that covers everything found in the driver's manual. Upon passing this test, you can take your skills test.

The skills test includes three parts, and your driving class should prepare you for all three parts. When you pass the skills test, you may receive a CDL that is valid for five years.