Trucking Jobs in Texas

As the second-largest state in the U.S. and with its central location, Texas has a thriving trucking industry that’s primed to stay strong. Around 73% of goods manufactured in Texas must be transported by trucks on over 300,000 miles of public roadways in the state.

Texas’ border with Mexico also means the trucking industry is a big player in trade and transportation. In fact, 85% of trade between Mexico and Texas happens via trucks.

If you’re looking for truck driving jobs in Texas, learn about average trucking salaries, anticipated job growth, companies that are hiring, and how to get your CDL.

How Much Do Truck Drivers Make in Texas?

Texas heavy and tractor-trailer drivers made a mean hourly wage of $22.80 an hour in 2020, or $47,430 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Different metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in Texas pay slightly higher or lower than the state as a whole:

• San Antonio-New Braunfels: $42,720
• Austin-Round Rock: $44,560
• North Texas Region Nonmetropolitan Area: $44,780
• West Texas Region Nonmetropolitan Area: $47,510
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: $48,280
• El Paso: $48,600
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington: $50,480
• Odessa: $50,500
• Midland: $50,960

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Featured Texas Trucking Jobs

K&B Transportation

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Paschall - South Central Regional

Home Weekly Opportunities!!! Up to $0.65 CPM Starting Base Pay!

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Paschall Truck Lines - Dedicated Opportunity - Home Weekly!!!

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Paschall Truck Lines - Midwest Dedicated

Start at $0.70 Base and $1,450 Weekly Pay Protection!

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Paschall Truck Lines - Recent Grads

Start at $0.47 CPM base pay after training! Paid Training for Recent CDL-A Graduates!

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Paschall Truck Lines - Solo & Team Runs

CDL-A Solos Start up to $0.70 CPM base pay, Teams start at $0.75 CPM. NEW Veteran Appreciation Pay!

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Paschall Truck Lines - Southeast Regional

Apply Today With Paschall Truck Lines - Southeast Regional Up to $0.70 CPM starting base pay!

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TransLand - Independent Contractor/Lease Purchase

$1,500 Orientation Bonus+ $500 additional equipment bonus

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Truck Driving Job Growth in TX

According to CareerOneStop, trucking jobs in Texas are projected to grow 16% from 2018-2028, compared to just 2% growth for trucking jobs in the U.S. And estimates only take into account new jobs, not those that are currently unfilled or jobs that may become open due to turnover.

As the demand for goods rises, companies will need to hire more truck drivers to keep the supply chains moving. Truck driving jobs in Texas look promising for truckers who have the proper training and a clean driving record.

Trucking Companies Hiring in Texas

With more than 66,000 trucking companies in the state, a wide range of employers frequently hire for trucking jobs in Texas:

Schneider

• Jobs: Class A CDL Regional Tanker Truck Driver, Owner-Operator Tanker Truck Driver

U.S. Foods

• Jobs: CDL A Delivery Truck Driver, Shuttle Driver

Estes Express Lines

• Jobs: Class A CDL Local Truck Driver, Regional OTR Driver, Regional Truck Driver Class-A CDL

Ruan

• Jobs: Regional CDL Truck Driver, Hazmat Flex CDL Truck Driver

Fort Worth Carrier Corporation

• Jobs: CDL Class A Local DFW Truck Driver

Estes Express Lines

• Jobs: Regional Truck Driver Class A CDL, Team Driver, Over the Road Driver

Ryder

• Jobs:Driver Class A No Touch Team, Truck Driver Class A – Flatbed Opportunity

How to Get a Truck Driving Job in Texas

To become a qualified truck driver, follow these four steps to get started on your Texas trucking career.

Step 1: Decide What Class of Commercial Driver License You Want to Pursue

First, you must choose which CDL Class license you’re interested in. There are three main CDL options, depending on what type of driving you’ll be doing.

Class A CDL

Class A CDLs are the universal type of CDL license. With a CDL A, you can drive vehicles towing a weight of more than 10,000 pounds and vehicles with a combined gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. With your CDL A, you can drive:

• Tractor-trailers (semis, big rigs, and 18-wheelers)
• Truck and trailer combinations
• Flatbed trucks
• Large dump trucks
• Livestock carriers
• Tankers (hauling certain types of materials in a tanker will require endorsements to your CDL A)

Class B CDL

A CDL B license will permit you to drive smaller vehicles that weigh less than 26,00 pounds combined and tow less than 10,000 pounds. With your CDL B, you can drive:

• Straight trucks
• Delivery/box trucks
• Buses: school, city, tourist, etc.
• Smaller dump trucks

Class C CDL

A Class C CDL license will permit you to drive the smallest vehicles requiring CDLs, including those transporting 16 or more passengers. Passenger vans and hazardous materials vehicles fall under this CDL type.

Step 2: Go to a Reputable CDL Training Program in Texas

Once you’ve decided which CDL license to pursue, you must attend a CDL training school in Texas.

Starting in February 2022, new CDL applicants will have to select a training program from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Training Provider Registry to meet minimum entry-level driver training requirements.

Step 3: Pass Your CDL Knowledge and Skills Exam

Before you take your CDL test, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for truck driving in Texas, which state that you must:

• Live in Texas
• Be at least 21 years old
• Be able to read and speak English
• Be able to pass a medical certificationto ensure you don’t have any underlying conditions that will interfere with your ability to drive a truck for an extended period
• Hold a valid Texas driver’s license

If you wish to receive any CDL endorsements to drive certain commercial vehicles that your CDL alone won’t cover, you’ll have to take a knowledge test for each endorsement you seek. Endorsements can help you advance your career and may enable you to earn a higher salary. Common endorsements include:

• Driving HAZMAT vehicles
• Operating tank vehicles containing liquids/gases
• Operating school buses
• Driving 16-seat passenger vans

Step 4: Apply to Your First Texas Trucking Jobs

After you pass your knowledge and driving tests, you can start your search for a trucking company that’s hiring for truck driving jobs in Texas.

Truck Driver Resources in Texas

These resources can help during your application process, training, and job search:

Texas Department of Public Safety
From license requirements to testing instructions, the DPS is a great resource for all things associated with getting your Texas CDL license.

Texas Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver’s Handbook
This comprehensive manual goes over safety, the tests you’ll need to take, special requirements for Texas motor vehicles, and much more.

Texas Trucking Association
This group advocates for sound public policies and provides education, resources, training, and information. They are dedicated to promoting a safe, efficient, and dependable motor transportation system.

Texas Truckers Facebook group
The social networking group provides a place to connect with other Texas truck drivers for advice, best practices, and camaraderie.

Truck Driving Jobs Near Me

• Alabama
• Alaska
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• California
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• Delaware
• District of Columbia
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