Truck Driving in Georgia

State Overview

There are over 30,343 trucking companies in Georgia that employ 62,234 drivers. The highest paid truck drivers earn $49,250 ($23.68 hourly). The highest paying areas are Savannah with a Median Annual Salary of $44,210, Ganesville ($43,070), and Columbus ($42,580).

Pros and Cons of Truck Driving in Georgia

GOOD: 

• Truck driving is one of the best non-degree income in the State
• Easy to find loads back. Trucks from Georgia reach 80% of the U.S. population within 2 days
• Great highways, amazing views, DOT is not very difficult

BAD: 

• Worst traffic in the nation, especially during rush hour on the I-75 and avoid the Atlanta area & I-285 around 5 o’clock
• A 30-minute “uninterrupted break”, not allowed to even pick up the phone & sweltering heat during the summer

Truck Driving Tips for Georgia

• There are always great paying jobs and it’s easy to get back to GA
• Plan your trip, avoid traffic at all costs, plan to be in the area very early in the morning or very late at night
• Drive, put in the miles in OTR or Regional and you will be able to get back home, and also get a local job
• Make sure you have an up-to-date atlas that includes bridge heights
• Understand the fatigue that comes with night driving

Fellow Truck Drivers in Georgia Say:

“You can afford to be picky”

Brian H. – Over 20 years driving in the South

GOOD
Good things are you don’t have to deal with anyone just yourself, you’re all alone with your truck and you don’t have anyone telling you anything.

BAD
Atlanta traffic is kind of bad but it is really just parts of the day that are bad a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the evening if you can accept that driving in Atlanta isn’t that bad.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Don’t take the first job that comes along take your time go on interviews talk to people try and find the best fit for yourself because the Company you pick you have to deal with that person always so be careful and chose wisely.

 

“Did I Say Traffic?”

Bruce M. – 8 years driving under my belt

GOOD
If you live there you’re home. A lot of shippers and DCs are located here so you can always find a load back to GA.

BAD
Traffic, Traffic, did I say traffic?

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Stay off your phone or anything that would distract you. Drink plenty of water and get as much rest as possible. Also budget.

 

“Lots of freight!”

 

“Make money, drive a lot”

Nick B. – 3.5 years of experience

GOOD
Lots of jobs and opportunities, great if you want to run your face off and make money

BAD
Traffic! The perimeter around Atlanta is especially terrible

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
The usual recommendations… stay safe out there

 

“Great jobs!”

Rodney B. – 11 years of experience

GOOD
Having the ability to maneuver a large vehicle with confidence. There’s always good paying jobs for trucking companies.

BAD
People cutting you off, having to drive into weigh stations and then being inspected by DOT police.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Be careful and don’t abuse your privilege of having your CDL. Stay focused, be patient with other drivers, and check your mirrors periodically as your driving. Most importantly, don’t drink and drive and don’t text and drive.

 

“Build Experience”

Craig B. – 1 year driving OTR

GOOD
Good weather

BAD
Four-wheeler drivers aren’t considerate

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Get as much road time as you can to build experience. Drive with an experienced driver if possible to mentor you.

 

“Get all endorsements.”

Dante M. – 5 years driving on the road

GOOD
Increased pay and seeing the country. As well as no boss standing over your shoulder and no office politics.

BAD
Hours of operation specifically the required 30 minute consecutive break.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Put your time in OTR and keep a positive attitude because you will be able to return home soon to a local job. Take care of your body. Sitting in the truck all day slowly breaks you down if you let it.

 

 “Use EXTRA Cautions”

Lawrence W. – 2 years driving in Georgia

GOOD
Able to find a job that keeps you close to home

BAD
Bad bad bad traffic

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Stay between the mayo and mustard. Use extra extra cautions and watch for deeds.

 

“Try to be more versatile”

Craig C. – 7 years on the road

GOOD
It’s one of, if not, the best non-degree income in the state.

BAD
Traffic, some customer locations

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
It’s not for everybody, so try to figure that out asap. Try to be more versatile. Ex: all Endorsements, open to new experiences.

 

“Stay cool, be cool.”

Kirk S. – 3 years behind the wheel

GOOD
DOT is not difficult like other states.

BAD
Traffic

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Stay cool, be cool.