Truck Driving in Virginia

Highway in Virginia below a blue sky

State Overview

There are over 7,500 trucking companies in Virginia and the industry employs 37,610 drivers. The highest paid truck drivers earn $48,850 ($23.49 hourly). The highest paying areas are Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol with a Median Annual Salary of $41,150, Harrisonburg ($40,830), and Richmond ($40,010).

Pros and Cons of Truck Driving in Virginia

GOOD: 

  • Plenty of local jobs around, with or without CDL endorsements
  • Main highways and secondary routes are good
  • Not many construction sites

BAD: 

  • Getting turned around on secondary roads makes navigation harder
  • I-81 there seems to always be a wreck somewhere
  • Having to drive on mountains

Truck Driving Tips for Virginia

  • Would strongly recommend getting a dash camera 
  • Listen to any advice a veteran driver is willing to share
  • Invest in a good GPS
  • Drive slowly on mountainous terrain
  • Learn how to brake when driving downhill

Fellow Truck Drivers in Virginia Say:

“Returning home at the end of the day is all that matters!!!”

Shannon T. – 10 years of experience

GOOD
Usually throughout Virginia there is some sort of driving job locally, or in town or over the road. And having a CDL With or without endorsements you’ll always have a job, driving for someone! Also being able to listen to the radio!

BAD
Finding good Pay with benefits, The time that you spend in traffic,constantly being monitored depends on which company you drive for?

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Always Staying focused at all times ,with following distance is key!!!! And being able to return home at the end of the day is all it matters!!!

 

“DO NOT TEXT and DRIVE.”

Tim C. – 200,000 miles driven

GOOD
Scenery. Our landscape is beautiful. Main highways and secondary routes are mostly good. Our roadside assistance on most major highways are there to help and protect disabled motorist.

BAD
Getting turned around on secondary roads. Slow moving drivers in the fast lanes that will not move over.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Pay attention and DO NOT TEXT and DRIVE. Listen to any advice a veteran driver is willing to share.

 

“Would strongly recommend getting a dash camera “

Robert M – 32 years on the road

GOOD
I prefer driving at night, there is less traffic and I get home faster

BAD
I-81 there seems to always be a wreck somewhere, can get a little hectic down VA beach way at times

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Invest in a good GPS, I like the Rand McNally. Keep a good road Atlas with you and don’t ever give anybody a ride.

 

“Learn to deal with adversity”

Kent d. – 13 years of driving experience

GOOD
the feeling of power and accomplishment. seeing new areas and people.

BAD
traffic. everywhere. traffic

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
learn to deal with adversity, disappointment of loads, traffic, other drivers and learn to wait patiently at stops, be safe always and don’t be in so much of a hurry that you are careless

 

“Follow all signs”

Jessica A. – 1 year behind the wheel

GOOD
Pre pass, Less construction sites, A lot more open space

BAD
Traffic being extremely heavy

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Take your time, watch your mirrors