Trucking Jobs in New York State

If you’re looking to get behind the wheel with a commercial driver’s license (CDL), the state of New York is an ideal place to start your truck driving career.

With the nation’s most populated city and transportation arteries all along the east coast, plenty of trucking routes are available in the state. Plus, major transportation hub cities and the busiest port in the United States (Port of New York) allow truck drivers to haul freight arriving from—and on its way to—destinations worldwide.

Learn all about trucking pay and job growth and what you need to do before you begin your search for truck driver jobs in New York.

How Much Do Truck Drivers Make in NY?

New York is a hub for many large trucking companies, and drivers with a CDL A—and especially one year of safe driving experience—are in demand. With a CDL A, you may find yourself fielding multiple offers from trucking companies.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for truck drivers in New York was $55,280 in 2020. Earning potential will, of course, vary across regions and cities in the state due to the cost of living and other factors. And experienced drivers can make far more than the average.

Here’s what a New York-based heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver can make in various metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas:

• New York-Newark-Jersey City: $56,960
• Rochester: $46,250
• Syracuse: $47,630
• Utica–Rome: $51,300
• Albany-Schenectady-Troy: $53,500
• Brookhaven-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls: $51,100
• Central East New York Nonmetropolitan Area: $49,370

Sponsored Content

Featured New York Trucking Jobs

K&B Transportation

OTR Drivers Earn Up To $2,000+ Per Week On Top Weeks! Hiring Drivers Nationwide

Apply Now

K&B Transportation - Hiring Midwest OTR Drivers

Apply Now

K&B Transportation - Hiring Road Warrior OTR Drivers

Apply Now

Paschall - South Central Regional

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

Apply Now

Paschall Truck Lines - Midwest Dedicated

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

Apply Now

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!

Apply Now

Paschall Truck Lines - Southeast Regional

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

Apply Now

Schneider

Schneider has one of the widest selections of Class A CDL truck driving jobs in the industry. Apply now!

Apply Now

Truck Driving Job Growth in NY

New York’s economy is undergoing a manufacturing resurgence, and with it an increased demand for hauling freight—so the job outlook for trucking jobs in New York is good. The increase in truck driving jobs is due to a combination of factors, including rising demand for goods and more freight needing transport across state lines.

The BLS projects 30,600 truck driving jobs will be added in the U.S. from 2019 through 2029, representing a 2% growth rate. However, BLS statistics do not account for job openings from employee turnover or currently unfilled roles, so there will likely be many more actual available jobs.

Trucking Companies Hiring in New York

Trucking companies across New York are looking for experienced and entry-level drivers. Here are some of the trucking companies hiring CDL A drivers in New York state:

Ruan

• Jobs: CDL Truck Driver, Dedicated Freight Truck Driver

Schneider

• Jobs: Local Intermodal Truck Driver, Nighttime Truck Driver

C.R. England

• Jobs: CDL-A Truck Driver, Dollar General Dedicated Truck Driver

New Penn

• Jobs: Road Driver, Pick Up and Delivery Driver, Linehaul Driver

Sysco

• Jobs: CDL A Local Shuttle Truck Driver, CDL A Local Delivery Truck Driver

Roehl Transport

• Jobs: Flatbed OTR Truck Driver, Curtainside Truck Driver, Refrigerated Truck Driver

How to Get a Truck Driving Job in New York

Getting a truck driving job in New York begins with obtaining your CDL. These three steps can help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Decide What Class of CDL You Need

The first step to beginning your career as a truck driver is deciding which of the three commercial driver’s license (CDL) classes to pursue:

• Class A: If you plan to drive over the road (OTR) and regional tractor-trailers or more complicated combination vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, this is the CDL you need.
• Class B: This Class is for single vehicles of more than 26,000 pounds or for towing a vehicle of 10,000 pounds or less. The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) can’t be more than 26,000 pounds.
• Class C: Vehicles in this class are 26,000 pounds or less that transport 15 or more passengers, carry hazardous materials, or are stretch limousines.

Step 2: Find a Reputable CDL Training Program in New York

A successful truck driving career begins with the best CDL training possible. Fortunately, there are several CDL training schools in New York, so you can start your search close to home.

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

Step 3: Pass the CDL Knowledge and Skills Exam

For a CDL A license, you must be 21 years old, a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, and a New York resident. You also need a New York State driver’s license or a CDL from another state.

The written tests include general knowledge, air brakes, and any CDL endorsements. After you pass those, you receive a commercial learning permit to take the CDL road test.

Step 4: Apply to Your First New York Trucking Jobs

Truck driving jobs in New York are available for new and experienced drivers alike. Many entry-level drivers begin their careers as company drivers or team truck drivers. To apply for a New York trucking job, start by searching for openings with trucking companies hiring in your area.

Truck Driver Resources in New York

New York State DMV: Commercial Driver’s License Center provides general information on how to get a CDL, along with details about requirements, endorsements, and restrictions.

New York State Commercial Driver’s Manual gives detailed section-by-section information on the CDL knowledge and skills tests.

NYC Department of Transportation’s guide for commercial trucks and vehicles includes maps and routes through the city’s boroughs, safety tips, city-specific traffic regulations, and more.

Trucking Association of New York hosts industry events, publishes knowledge guides, provides educational resources, and advocates for truckers and trucking companies in the state.

NY & NJ Container Port Drivers is a Facebook group resource for real-time road delays, posted jobs, chassis shortages, and fun topics.

Truck Driving Jobs Near Me

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming