Truck Driving in New Mexico

New Mexico highway

State Overview

There are over 3,550 trucking companies in New Mexico and the industry employs 9,800 drivers. The highest paid truck driver earn $50,240 ($24.16 hourly). The highest paying areas are Los Alamos County with a Median Annual Salary of $50,180, Farmington ($41,120), and North and West Central New Mexico non-metropolitan area ($40,940).

Pros and Cons of Truck Driving in New Mexico

GOOD: 

  • Oil and potash industries booming right now, plenty of work available
  • Distances are relatively shorter than other states
  • Weather is mild and easy to drive in

BAD: 

  • The highways aren’t built for the traffic New Mexico sees nowadays
  •  I-40 out of Albuquerque during the winter can be treacherous
  • Cold winter weather

Truck Driving Tips for New Mexico

  • Always be prepared when going the road, pack for cold winter months
  • Buy your food at warehouse stores like Walmart. Truck stops are expensive and a ripoff.
  • Learn how to drive in winter conditions
  • Many accidents can be prevented by communicating road conditions ahead of you
  • Make sure you have an up-to-date atlas that includes bridge heights

Fellow Truck Drivers in New Mexico Say:

“Good place to start.”

Michael B. – 5 years on the road

GOOD
Not as much traffic on roads as many big cities. Distances are relatively shorter than other places.

BAD
Don’t drive in New Jersey

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Good place to learn quickly the ropes of driving a truck. Weather usually isn’t an issue as mild weather.

 

“Don’t drive your truck like it’s a car.”

Harleigh P. – 11 years of experience

GOOD
Helping fellow drivers. Helping move america.

BAD
Traffic. Rude people. Not welcoming to truck drivers

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Always be prepared when going the road. Food, clothes, etc

 

“Be prepared”

Sylvia F. – 3 years and one million miles

GOOD
Being able to travel without heavy traffic

BAD
When other trucks forget we are equal and have road rage.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
It’s an amazing career. Love everything about it, the good and the bad!

 

“Good place to learn to drive. “

Mike G. – 5 years behind the wheel

GOOD
Decent roads, easy to find, not much bad weather.

BAD
Big interstate, bad design, making rush hour that much worse.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Great place to learn and continue driving as not to difficult. Not to many tights roads.

 

“Good food!”

Bob H. – 15 years driving regional

GOOD
Cool and different places to eat & green chilies, Great Mexican food

BAD
Making left turns is tough

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Have patience in traffic