Delaware has a pretty mild climate year round. Average monthly temperatures can range from 76-degrees to 32-degrees. About 57% of the days are sunny and make for good driving conditions. Average snowfall in Dover, the capital, is 15 inches while the average U.S. city gets 26 inches of the white stuff (SOURCE) (SOURCE2).
Trucking is big business in Delaware with more than 4,000 drivers. So let’s take a quick look at the top 3 trucking companies in the state.
Local Trucking Companies in Delaware
We wanted to highlight a few of the trucking companies that have a local presence in the state of Delaware. This might help you find one that offers closer to home routes allowing for more time with family or at home.
Sentinel
There’s a reason Sentinel is a known name in Delaware. It’s because the executives and employees strive to go further than other companies do when it comes to customer satisfaction. Sentinel has prided itself on being able to haul the most difficult tanker loads.
Sentinel’s headquarters are in Wilmington and there are more than 30 terminals operating nationwide. Use of the latest technology added to advanced training for their drivers is what places Sentinel trucking company at the top of the list.
Reed Trucking Co.
Reed Trucking has been part of the trucking industry since 1937 and at that time was incorporated in Milton, Delaware. Eighty years later their headquarters are still in the same location. What they have tried to change over the years is the improvement of their transportation services. These days, Reed Trucking has a fleet consisting of 52 trucks and 80 trailers. In addition to conventional load transportation services, they added LTL service in 2005.
LTL stands for “less-than-truckload” and it’s a service for shippers who need a small delivery of goods at a time. LTL drivers haul multiple shipments at one time on the same trailer, and each one has a different destination. Usually these shipments are delivered to a terminal then transferred from truck to truck until they reach their destination. Experienced drivers most often handle LTL driving jobs. If you’re looking for a job in Delaware Reed Trucking Co. could be a good place to start applying. The company has a good reputation for exceptional load transportation services and the extensive benefits package they provide their drivers.
Eagle
Eagle Transport has been in Delaware for the past 40 years. There’s no doubt they’re one of the most known brands. Over the years they have managed to become one of the largest trucking companies in the state. Eagle has a fleet equipped with 440 power units and 23 terminals located throughout the eastern U.S.
Eagle Transportation specializes in transporting liquid petroleum, so the better part of their fleet is comprised of tanker trucks. The company’s goal is to become the best at what they do, and so far it looks like it’s working. Of course there are plenty of top notch trucking companies in Delaware, so do your research to find the one that’s best for your situation (SOURCE).
Delaware CDL Truck Driver Salary Information
After taking a look at the above companies and thinking about all the other trucking companies in Delaware, what might you expect as a “ball park estimate” of a salary? Well, the median salary for drivers for the entire U.S. is $41,340 and in Delaware that figure is a bit less at $39,440. But no need to despair! Depending on where you are in the state, you could make more (or less) and the more experience you get and the longer you stay with a company your salary will increase over the years. Here are median salaries of three cities (SOURCE):
- Wilmington $44,750
- Salisbury $38,130
- Dover $34,600
What’s more, the future looks bright for trucking in Delaware, as projected employment increase from 2014 to 2024 is 9% whereas the rest of the nation is only 6%.
Delaware CDL License Information and Insights
You can renew an existing CDL within 30 days prior to expiration.
CDL Class A
Required when the vehicle’s combination actual or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is over 26,000 pounds, and the vehicle that’s being towed has a registered, actual or GVWR over 10,000 pounds.
CDL Class B
Required when the vehicle’s registered, actual or rated weight (GVWR) is over 26,000 pounds, and it is not towing another vehicle over 10,000 pounds GVWR.
CDL Class C
Required for vehicles less than 26,000 pounds that are designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver. Class C is also required for trucks that must be placarded when carrying hazardous materials (HAZMAT).
CDL Endorsements
Depending on the job you obtain, you may need one or more of the following endorsements along with your license:
- H – Hazardous Materials
- N – Tank Vehicle
- P – Passenger Class A, B, C
- T – Doubles and Triples
- X – Tank and Hazmat
- S – School Bus
CDL Skills Test
All CDL skills test are by appointment only and can only be made once you have your CLP for at least 2 weeks. The Delaware DMV offers two options to schedule your road test. Use the DMV’s online My Road Test scheduler or call your local DMV office to speak with a DMV technician.
Upon arriving for your ROAD TEST you must have the following in your possession:
- Valid learner’s permit
- Valid driver license of the accompanying driver who is at least 21 years of age (excludes motorcycle skills test and ‘international driver license’ holders)
- Valid registration card for the vehicle you will be using (and trailer if applicable)
- Valid insurance card (original or electronic) for the vehicle you will be using
Physical Qualifications for CDL Holders
A CDL driver must be physically qualified to operate a CMV. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established medical certification guidelines that apply to all commercial learner permit and driver’s license holders and applicants.
Every driver must be physically qualified to operate a CMV and to prove that you are, you’ll need a Medical Examiner’s Certificate from a licensed medical examiner, such as:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
- Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
- Physician’s Assistant (PA)
- Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)
You’re responsible for bringing your certificate paperwork with you to your examiner appointment. To find out if your doctor will complete the Medical Examiner Certificate, you should probably call them first.
Failure to maintain a valid federal medical certificate on file at the DMV will result in the CLP being denied or your CDL could be downgraded to a non-commercial, Class D privilege only license.
Trucking Schools in Delaware
Choosing a truck driving school will have you considering many factors; The cost, the program length, the location, behind-the-wheel training, instructor-to-student ratios, and job placement assistance. The costs in Delaware are in the range of $2500 to $4500. The program length depends your choice in full time or part time training. CDL schooling can last anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months depending on what you choose. Location is important. There are usually a good choice of schools in more populated areas or major cities. If you live in a rural area, you may be able to find a nearby school, or you may have to travel a little further to obtain your CDL training.
Behind-the-wheel training time is one of the most important aspects of your training. Choose a school that offers comprehensive training and allows you to get behind the wheel of a semi-truck and drive! Job placement assistance is a huge benefit and can give one school the upper hand over another if they don’t provide this service. Getting a good paying job with a great company is the goal, and if the school can facilitate that in any way, that is a big plus.
Some good schools in Delaware include:
- Smith & Solomon Commercial Driver Training in New Castle, DE
- Dawn Career Institute in Newark, DE.
Additionally, there are probably trucking companies that will train drivers and get them CDL A licensed in return for their driving services for a contracted length of time.
Delaware Trucking In The News
Truck Driver Robbed At Gunpoint In Newark, Delaware I-95 Service Center
A robbery occurred on Saturday, August 5, 2017 around 7:00 pm when a man brandishing a handgun demanded the driver’s wallet and phone. The driver gave the man his wallet, but refused to surrender his phone.
The suspect took the driver’s wallet but left the driver with his phone. Fortunately the driver was not injured, and the suspect took off on foot but was never caught (SOURCE).
Raining Pennies from Heaven? No, A Tractor-Trailer
A tractor-trailer overturned then caught fire, spilling blank pennies all over I-95 in New Castle, Delaware. The crash happened just before 2:00 a.m. near the I-295 split. No other vehicles were involved. The big rig was on the way to the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia carrying blank pennies when it slammed into a Jersey barrier, overturned and then caught fire. Tens of thousands of blank pennies covered the roadway.
Luckily, the driver suffered only minor injuries and was treated at the scene. There was no word about what led to the crash. Throughout the morning rush hour and long after, multiple crews worked to clean the pennies, debris and spilled gasoline from the roadway. There was a huge backup on Airport Road as commuters were detoured off of I-95.
All lanes reopened soon after 3:15 p.m., just in time for the evening rush hour (SOURCE).
Address:
9796 NANTICOKE BUSINESS PARK DRIVE
19950
Business Phone Number: (302) 480-1520
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
321 BLUE HERON RD
19904
Business Phone Number: (302) 423-7135
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
13505 BENDER FARM ROAD
19950
Business Phone Number: (302) 393-1337
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
16 WINNWOOD ROAD
19711
Business Phone Number: (551) 265-6549
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
16 WINNWOOD ROAD
19711
Business Phone Number: (551) 265-6549
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
26380 JOHN J WILLIAMS HWY
19966
Business Phone Number: (302) 945-3988
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
199 GENESIS LANE
19952
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
532 WOODS RD
19701
Business Phone Number: (302) 250-1641
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
36849 RED BERRY RD
19940
Business Phone Number: (443) 235-4985
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
36849 RED BERRY RD
19940
Business Phone Number: (443) 235-4985
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
35130 BENNETT ROAD
19945
Business Phone Number: (302) 436-4800
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
35130 BENNETT ROAD
19945
Business Phone Number: (302) 436-4800
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
33343 SHOCKLEY ROAD
19956
Business Phone Number: (302) 258-4883
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2600 PHILADELPHIA PIKE #2
19703
Business Phone Number: (302) 588-6509
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
16289 SUSSEX AVENUE
19933
Business Phone Number: (302) 337-8254
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
129 NORTH UNION ST
19977
Business Phone Number: (302) 653-4111
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2513 FISHER COURT
19703
Business Phone Number: (302) 798-3663
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9 WENARK DR #8
19713
Business Phone Number: (302) 981-2966
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9 WENARK DR #8
19713
Business Phone Number: (302) 981-2966
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
109 CHARTWELL COURT
19701
Business Phone Number: (302) 832-5955
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
106 WEST MARKET STREET
19950
Business Phone Number: (302) 381-8898
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
11312 APPLE ORCHARD RD
19973
Business Phone Number: (302) 258-9023
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2505 WHITE OAK ROAD
19901
Business Phone Number: (302) 531-5914
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2505 WHITE OAK ROAD
19901
Business Phone Number: (302) 531-5914
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
303 5TH STREET #B
19720
Business Phone Number: (302) 345-0544
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
13206 FLEETWOOD POND ROAD
19973
Business Phone Number: (302) 629-3152
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
35584 AIRPORT RD
19971
Business Phone Number: (302) 745-1272
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
35584 AIRPORT RD
19971
Business Phone Number: (302) 745-1272
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
29029 LEWES GEORGETOWN HWY
19958
Business Phone Number: (302) 644-0895
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
99 SOUTH LAURA COURT
19804
Business Phone Number: (302) 999-0397
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
249 EAST CHESTNUT HILL RD
19713
Business Phone Number: (302) 366-7540
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
906 CEDARTREE LANE APT 6
19703
Business Phone Number: (302) 290-2722
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5903 ORCHARD AVE
19808
Business Phone Number: (302) 332-5628
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
59 MARROWS RD
19713-3701
Business Phone Number: (302) 266-8082
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
205 GREENHILL AVENUE APT #C
19805
Business Phone Number: (609) 351-1633
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
94 ALBE DRIVE SUITE 8
19702
Business Phone Number: (302) 738-0272
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
608 HEATHERFIELD DRIVE
19701
Business Phone Number: (302) 543-1025
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
505 ELM DRIVE
19973
Business Phone Number: (443) 388-6328
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
104 COLORADO AVENUE
19803
Business Phone Number: (302) 762-7200
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6 ALBERTSON BLVD
19808
Business Phone Number: (302) 218-5226
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
407 HIGHLAND DR
19973
Business Phone Number: (410) 829-5157
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4486 N DUPONT HWY
19901
Business Phone Number: (302) 399-0413
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
563 WALTHER RD
19702
Business Phone Number: (302) 983-8446
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
22 SOUTH EDGEHILL AVENUE
19901
Business Phone Number: (302) 423-8960
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2546 RED LION ROAD
19701
Business Phone Number: (302) 836-2002
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1302 WEST NEWPORT PIKE
19804
Business Phone Number: (302) 994-9267
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1511 NEWLONDON ROAD
19807
Business Phone Number: (302) 373-1598
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1511 NEWLONDON ROAD
19807
Business Phone Number: (302) 373-1598
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
311 SENATOR DRIVE
19709
Business Phone Number: (302) 893-7595
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
77 MCCULLOUGH DR #11
19720
Business Phone Number: (302) 690-3002
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
37 LUKENS DR
19720
Business Phone Number: (302) 777-5599
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1000 N WEST ST SUITE 1200
19801-1058
Business Phone Number: (302) 295-4868
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14298 ISAACS RD
19968
Business Phone Number: (302) 644-3880
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1400 FIRST STATE BLVD
19804
Business Phone Number: (302) 998-6726
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1 SHEA WAY
19713
Business Phone Number: (302) 533-6858
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
16948 W HUDSON POND ROAD
19960
Business Phone Number: (202) 262-6267
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1 SOUTH WYNWYD DRIVE
19711
Business Phone Number: (302) 368-4209
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
715 PULASKI HIGHWAY
19701
Business Phone Number: (302) 324-1642
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
11125 NATIONAL BLVD STE A
19956
Business Phone Number: (302) 875-2818
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
77 SHADY LANE
19901
Business Phone Number: (302) 363-5385
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
410 N RAMUNNO DR UNIT 612
19709
Business Phone Number: (609) 251-0780
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
24559 DUPONT HWY
19947
Business Phone Number: (302) 690-2745
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6086 OLD SHARPTOWN RD
19956
Business Phone Number: (302) 875-7380
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
32647 LIGHTHOUSE RD
19975
Business Phone Number: (302) 436-5329
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
32647 LIGHTHOUSE RD
19975
Business Phone Number: (302) 436-5329
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6281 BURNITE MILL ROAD
19943
Business Phone Number: (302) 284-3902
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9463 S DUPONT HWY
19943
Business Phone Number: (302) 545-9795
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
800 OGLETOWN RD
19711
Business Phone Number: (302) 738-0330
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
42 BELMONT AVE
19804
Business Phone Number: (302) 377-9403
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
16 W FAIRVIEW AVENUE
19709
Business Phone Number: (302) 526-9909
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
314 W 35TH STREET
19802
Business Phone Number: (302) 494-9925
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
36668 HUDSON ROAD
19975
Business Phone Number: (302) 448-6795
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
15 ASHLEY PL SUITE 1B
19804
Business Phone Number: (302) 482-3222
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9438 THARP RD
19973-7716
Business Phone Number: (302) 682-5082
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
34216 SASSAFRAS ROAD
19966
Business Phone Number: (302) 653-2213
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
701 BENNET ST
19709
Business Phone Number: (302) 230-6666
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
701 BENNET ST
19709
Business Phone Number: (302) 230-6666
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
126 N SHIPLEY ST
19973
Business Phone Number: (302) 629-9163
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
126 N SHIPLEY ST
19973
Business Phone Number: (302) 629-9163
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
210 PORKY OLIVER DR
19709
Business Phone Number: (267) 249-0100
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
20262 DONOVAN ROAD
19947
Business Phone Number: (302) 856-9501
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6691 GIVENS POND LANE
19956
Business Phone Number: (302) 280-6740
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
19-B DAVIDSON LANE
19720
Business Phone Number: (302) 655-4511
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
20099 GRAVEL HILL ROAD
19947
Business Phone Number: (302) 253-8237
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
25706 COUNTRYSIDE DR
19966
Business Phone Number: (202) 521-1493
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
122 CROSS AVENUE
19720
Business Phone Number: (302) 463-3322
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
122 CROSS AVENUE
19720
Business Phone Number: (302) 463-3322
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
24139 FISHERS POINT
19966
Business Phone Number: (302) 934-9898
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
100 NAAMANS RD UNIT 4A
19703
Business Phone Number: (302) 792-2100
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3025 BOWLARAMA DRIVE
19720
Business Phone Number: (717) 681-3583
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8805 E NEWTON ROAD
19933
Business Phone Number: (302) 337-0300
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
258 E SCOTLAND DRIVE
19701-1738
Business Phone Number: (302) 836-7787
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
873 SALEM CHURCH ROAD
19702
Business Phone Number: (302) 834-7044
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
120 W MARKET ST
19804
Business Phone Number: (302) 633-6331
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5771 DUPONT HIGHWAY
19977
Business Phone Number: (718) 363-0585
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
103 COMMERCE STREET
19936
Business Phone Number: (302) 736-8494
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
405 FEATHER DRIVE
19702
Business Phone Number: (302) 834-1075
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
23661 GODWIN SCHOOL ROAD
19966
Business Phone Number: (302) 934-8500
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
302 FALCO DRIVE
19804
Business Phone Number: (302) 995-6136
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
18854 JOHN J WILLIAMS HWY
19971
Business Phone Number: (302) 645-5105
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers: