Truck Driving in Pennsylvania

Barn on the side of a Pennsylvania road

State Overview

Over 10,120 trucking companies in Alabama and the industry employs 31,280 drivers. The highest paid truck drivers earn $47,830 ($23.00 hourly). The highest paying areas are Mobile with a Median Annual Salary of $42,680, Southeast Alabama non-metropolitan area ($42,020), and Birmingham-Hoover ($38,650).

Pros and Cons of Truck Driving in Pennsylvania

GOOD: 

  • Easy home time in this area: there’s always loads moving here
  • The roads are marked with visible signs
  • Many historical landmarks and attractions to visit

BAD: 

  • Route 81 and I-76 are messes, a lot of gridlock and accidents
  • PA has an anti-idling law: diesel engines can’t idle
  • Tolls, construction, tight roads, driving on hills, and winter weather

Truck Driving Tips for Pennsylvania

  • Get all of the endorsements on your license, and keep your record clean
  • Research the company you want to work for before you put in your application
  • Take the time to understand all safety rules
  • Keep a good driving record and have the right endorsements
  • Make sure to always pre-trip

Fellow Truck Drivers in Pennsylvania Say:

“Your experience will happen on the roadways”

Roger M. – 11 years on the road

GOOD
The roads marked with visible signs. The scenery in Lancaster with all the fields. There are many attractions to be seen, such as the Gettysburg National Park.

BAD
The roadways and bridges need updated. Construction on the turnpike. Rt. 81 is a mess during the evening rush, a lot of gridlock and accidents.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Learn all you can while in training classes. Four weeks of class is never enough. Your experience will happen on the roadways. Listen to the veteran drivers and carry note book for your personal information. Get a feeling of different loads, understanding the conditions of the roadway and times. Always drive defensively, and use the smith system.

 

“Keep a good driving record”

Paul F. – 29 years behind the wheel

GOOD
PA is a good area for drivers, because there is a lot of freight moving across I-80 and I-70. It is also easier to get home in this area, because there’s always loads moving through here.

BAD
Winter is the biggest issue, and also just the volume of traffic going to and from the East Coast.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Get on with a good company to get some experience, get all of the endorsements on your license, and keep your record clean. After a few years, you will have all of the opportunities you want, and recruiters will be beating your door down! It’s all about keeping a good driving record and having the right endorsements.

 

“Know your driving area – it’s easy to get lost”

Rob S. – 2 years under my belt

GOOD
Freedom on the road, Independence, Pay

BAD
Traffic conditions, Winter, Hills, Tight roads

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Always follow road signs, Pre trip, Be Careful

 

“Have lots of patience”

Bob S. – 9 years of experience

GOOD
You are your own boss and you get to see sights you probably wouldn’t see.

BAD
Traffic delays and sitting for long times in accidents avoid Rt 11&15; shamokin damn between the hours of 10:00am-7:30pm

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Have lots and lots of patience, watch out for 4 wheelers and bus drivers.

 

 “Pay attention.”

Elliott M. – 30 years driving experience

GOOD
Traveling you get to see the world and meet new people daily!

BAD
The 5 o’ clock traffic is congested and horrible on 76 leaving out of Philadelphia.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Take your time and be safe. Just pay attention to what you are doing.

 

“Nice scenery”

Stephen T. – 14 years driving regionally

GOOD
Nice scenery

BAD
Roads and traffic

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
It always could be worse