Memphis Trucking Guide — CDL Jobs, Salaries & Top Carriers 2026
The complete guide for CDL drivers in Memphis, Tennessee. Real salary data, active routes, and top carriers hiring now.
Apply Free — Get Matched NowCDL Truck Driver Salaries in Memphis, TN
Salary ranges for experienced drivers (2+ years). Source: BLS OES 2024 / Indeed 2025
| Job Type | CDL Class | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTR / Long Haul | Class A | $63,000 – $78,000 | Highest pay, more time away |
| Regional | Class A | $57,000 – $69,000 | Home weekly |
| Local / City | Class A/B | $51,000 – $63,000 | Home every night |
| Class B Local | Class B | $45,000 – $57,000 | Delivery, mixers, straight trucks |
| Hazmat / Tanker (Premium) | Class A | +$8k – $20k/yr | Premium above base rate |
| Salaries for drivers with 2+ years experience in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR Metro metro area. Source: BLS OES 2024 / Indeed 2025. Salaries vary by employer, freight type, and bonus structures. | |||
Key Freight Corridors in Memphis
The major routes connecting Memphis to top US distribution markets.
- I-40 — primary East-West national artery; connects Los Angeles to the East Coast through the Mid-South
- I-55 — St. Louis to New Orleans; Mississippi River agricultural, chemical, and industrial freight
- I-240 / Memphis Loop — urban freight distribution ring; connects FedEx hub to Memphis-area DCs
- US-61 / Great River Road — Delta agricultural freight; cotton, soybeans, and grain loads
- US-72 — Northeast Mississippi and Alabama access; connects Memphis to Huntsville aerospace freight
Freight Infrastructure
Ports, cargo airports, and intermodal terminals that drive freight volume in Memphis.
- FedEx World Hub – Memphis International Airport (#1 cargo airport in North America)
- Memphis-Shelby County Port (Mississippi River)
- UP and NS Rail Intermodal Terminals
- Major Nike, Target, and AutoZone DCs
Why CDL Drivers Choose Memphis
Memphis is where FedEx was born, and it still defines the city's freight identity. Memphis International Airport is the #1 cargo airport in North America by volume. Combined with its position at the junction of I-40 and I-55, Memphis offers more freight options per square mile than almost any other US city. If you want guaranteed work and access to one of the largest dedicated route networks in the country, Memphis is it.
- Memphis International is #1 cargo airport in North America (FedEx World Hub)
- I-40 / I-55 junction creates one of the busiest trucking crossroads in the South
- Mississippi River port moves millions of tons of freight annually
- Home to major DCs: Nike, Target, AutoZone, International Paper
- Tennessee has no state income tax — drivers keep more of their earnings
Top Trucking Companies Hiring in Memphis, TN
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+ 40 more partner carriers active in the Memphis area. One application, multiple opportunities.
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Hazmat (H)
Required for chemical, petroleum, and explosive freight. High-demand, premium pay.
Air Freight Handling
Specialized handling for air cargo. In-demand at FedEx Memphis Hub and UPS Louisville Worldport.
Tanker (N)
Required for liquid bulk transport. Essential in energy markets like Houston and Tampa.
Doubles/Triples (T)
Allows pulling two or three trailers. Common in high-volume distribution networks.
CDL Requirements in Tennessee (TN)
Tennessee Department of Safety issues CDL licenses. CLP minimum holding period is 14 days. Tennessee follows FMCSA standards for medical certification and driver qualification. No state income tax in Tennessee benefits take-home pay.
Standard Requirements (All States)
- Valid CDL Class A, B, or C license
- Current DOT medical certification
- Clean driving record (MVR)
- Minimum driving experience (varies by carrier)
- Drug screening (pre-employment)
- EIN / USDOT number (owner-operators)
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