Hawaii CDL Truck Driver Salary Information
The state of Hawaii is made up of several islands, so driving a truck here is different than on the mainland. All driving is intrastate. The climate is tropical and as you would imagine most people here have a laid-back attitude toward life. How could you not? It’s paradise. Once you get a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you can transport goods locally or if you like an audience, you could drive one of the many tour buses.
In Hawaii, the need for truck drivers is growing faster than the amount of people with CDLs. So if you’ve ever though about living in Hawaii you can make a pretty good living driving a truck here as salaries in Hawaii tend to be higher than in other states. The average yearly salary is $45,100. The median salary for the United States is $41,340 while Hawaii’s median is $44,500 (SOURCE). The projected rate of growth from 2014-2024 is 6%, which is right in line with the U.S. as a whole.
There’s a good bit of variety in the types of companies that hire drivers. In addition to traditional driving jobs, there are jobs for equipment operators, tour bus drivers, and shuttle bus drivers.
Since Hawaii is so small, the trucking community is very tight-knit. The Hawaii Transportation Association is the statewide organization that represents truck drivers, tour bus drivers, bus drivers, and other transportation professionals. You can join the group as a student or professional and enjoy the member benefits. Most importantly, the group advocates for the interests of truckers on a legislative level and provides regular updates on new laws.
As a member, you may be able to attend training programs and seminars at a discounted rate to improve your truck driving skills. They could also help in your job search because they network with several local organizations like the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, and other state groups.
Hawaii CDL License Information and Insights
Hawaii has the most succinct information of all states.
What you need to do to receive your CDL:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Submit the DOT Physical (DOT 4-766) verifying that you meet the Medical and Physical requirements to become a driver
- Pass the required vision test with a minimum of 20/40 in both eyes
- Have a regular Hawaii Drivers License
- Certified Birth Certificate
- Original Social Security Card
- Current photo that shows your face (No smaller than passport size & no larger than a standard size photo)
- Pass all required written tests for the class of license you wish to drive
You can transfer an out of state CDL and not lose any endorsements as long as the endorsements can be verified by your previous state of record. The only endorsement that will NOT transfer is a Hazardous Materials Endorsement. You will have to pass a written test. You also need to register with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and successfully complete and pass a background check (SOURCE).
If you’re new to trucking and need to get in some practice for the skills portion of the CDL test, the easiest way to do that is to take a truck driving training course. Hawaii doesn’t require you to complete any type of training, but without it, you may have a hard time getting enough experience.
You can return to the Department of Transportation after you’ve gotten comfortable behind the wheel of a truck. They can set you up with a three-part driving exam, which includes a vehicle inspection, an off-the-road skills test, and an on-the-road skills test. You get your CDL after passing all three parts of the exam.
What you need to do to receive your Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLP):
- Hawaii State Driver’s License
- Social Security Card or SSA Verification Letter
- Proof of Citizenship or Legal Presence
- Two documents for Proof of Residence
Requirements
- Complete the CDL Application DOT 4-764 MVS (07/15)
- Bring the required documents listed in section above
- Pass the General Knowledge test
- Complete any required Special Knowledge test relevant to testing vehicle
CDL Test Locations and Requirements
South Hilo Practical Tests (which are called skill tests in many other states) are held Monday through Friday. Kona Practical Tests are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To schedule an appointment, apply in person and pay a $50 test fee.
Bring the following to the road test:
- A valid Hawaii Driver License
- A valid permit representative to the class of vehicle you will be operating (A, B, or C)
- A valid DOT Medical Certificate
- Original and valid Certificate of Registration
- Original and valid DOT Vehicle Inspection
- Original and valid motor vehicle insurance identification card or self-insured certificate
Also worth noting: Proper attire and footwear must be worn for testing. Use of slippers is not allowed (SOURCE).
Trucking Schools in Hawaii
Though small, Hawaii is sure to have open truck driving positions that need to be filled.
Even with Hawaii being a small state and an island at that, you can still find a great school for CDL training. Almost all of their schools do not have a website, but have Facebook Pages instead. Additionally, you can call them to get more information.
Leeward Community College
One of the more well-known programs is at Leeward Community College. They offer classes at their campus in Pearl City, HI on the island of O’ahu. It is a full-time Monday-Friday 7am-3pm course. The cost is $3300. This course is sure to prepare you for the road test to obtain your CDL.
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.
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.
What is the cost and length of trucking school in Hawaii?
The costs in Hawaii 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.
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.
Hawaii Trucking in the News
The annual Almighty Truck Cruise is a traditional event for hundreds of automotive enthusiasts who gather and ride around the island in a convoy of trucks. This year the annual truck rally, held in Kapolei, was interrupted when Honolulu police and city vehicle inspectors arrived in force.
The crackdown on modified vehicles caught drivers by surprise. The HPD gave out more than 300 citations on about 100 vehicles. Nearly 40 reconstruction-related tickets were handed out and 17 recon permits were revoked.
“As soon as I came across the light, two biker cops followed me and their sergeant also followed me and they blocked me in before I could even park,” said driver Michael Villanueva, who denies his truck is illegally modified, but got several citations anyway. “They charged me four times for no flares and no mud flaps,” Villanueva said.
Some say with all the complaints about the truckers and their public cruising, the crackdown was inevitable. “It was out of control, “said Michael Kitchens, an avid car enthusiast. “They were blocking the road and doing burn outs and disrupting traffic.”
Kitchens said he supports these types of events, but it was only a matter of time before HPD would send a message. HPD said the enforcement followed years of complaints about prior rallies, including speeding, reckless driving and damage at beach parks (SOURCE).
Address:
45995 WAILELE RD 4
96744
Business Phone Number: (808) 479-5694
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1019 ULUPONO STREET
96819
Business Phone Number: (808) 847-4267
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1730 KITTYHAWK STREET
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 690-4591
Type of Hauling: Interstate
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Address:
6832 KAWAIHAN RD
96746
Business Phone Number: (808) 245-8818
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
1 OLD PLANTATION RD
96776
Business Phone Number: (808) 963-6323
Type of Hauling: Interstate
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Address:
869 N NIMITZ HWY
96817-5063
Business Phone Number: (808) 522-0550
Type of Hauling: Interstate
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Address:
94-085 LEONUI ST
96797
Business Phone Number: (808) 671-2671
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
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Address:
80 SAND ISLAND ACCESS ROAD 138
96819
Business Phone Number: (808) 478-3325
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
80 SAND ISLAND ACCESS ROAD 138
96819
Business Phone Number: (808) 478-3325
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
15-1757 POHA STREET
96749
Business Phone Number: (808) 966-7693
Type of Hauling: Interstate
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Address:
1223 FRONT
96761
Business Phone Number: (808) 661-7333
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
1312 ALA PUA ALA WAY
96818
Business Phone Number: (808) 839-1908
Type of Hauling: Interstate
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Address:
46-4023 KAHANA DR
96727
Business Phone Number: (809) 936-8000
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
46-4023 KAHANA DR
96727
Business Phone Number: (809) 936-8000
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
510 18TH AVE
96816
Business Phone Number: (808) 368-1301
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3175 ELUA ST SUITE B
96766
Business Phone Number: (808) 245-7800
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
91 1041 MIDWAY STREET
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 668-4285
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
50 KUKILA STREET
96720
Business Phone Number: (808) 969-1411
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
140 ALAHELE PLACE
96753
Business Phone Number: (808) 879-2828
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
140 ALAHELE PLACE
96753
Business Phone Number: (808) 879-2828
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
190 KUAWA STREET
96720
Business Phone Number: (808) 430-2339
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
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Address:
17 WAIOLANI PLACE
96793
Business Phone Number: (808) 344-7271
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
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Address:
17 WAIOLANI PLACE
96793
Business Phone Number: (808) 344-7271
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
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Address:
99-890 IWAENA STREET
96701
Business Phone Number: (808) 487-3043
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
91-110 HANUA STREET 208
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 682-4552
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
911041 MIDWAY ROAD
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 216-3286
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
96-1185 WAIHONA ST #C2
96782
Business Phone Number: (808) 664-4927
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
45466 LO LII PLACE
96744
Business Phone Number: (808) 368-7227
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1811 LELEIONA ST
96766
Business Phone Number: (808) 245-1985
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
87-275 MAIPALAOA ROAD
96792
Business Phone Number: (808) 668-8700
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
61-3788 MALUOKALANI PL, 2B
96743
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2829 A MOKUMOA STREET
96819
Business Phone Number: (808) 836-8811
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
96-1205 WAIHONA STREET
96782
Business Phone Number: (808) 687-6277
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1105 PUUWAI STREET
96819-4330
Business Phone Number: (808) 847-7884
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
91-1041 MIDWAY ROAD
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 216-3286
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2240 KUHIO AVENUE 1301
96815
Business Phone Number: (808) 953-7871
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2240 KUHIO AVENUE 1301
96815
Business Phone Number: (808) 953-7871
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2240 KUHIO AVENUE 1301
96815
Business Phone Number: (808) 953-7871
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
140 ALAMAHA STREET
96732
Business Phone Number: (808) 871-7734
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
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Address:
45-210 KOA KAHIKO PL
96744
Business Phone Number: (808) 225-2510
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
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Address:
802 MAPUNAPUNA ST
96819
Business Phone Number: (808) 538-7051
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
94-887 LUMIAINA STREET
96797
Business Phone Number: (808) 488-2935
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
578 KALANIKOA STREET
96720
Business Phone Number: (808) 938-8005
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
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Address:
2029 LAUWILIWILI ST
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 672-5426
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2270 KALAKAUA AVE ROOM 1200
96815
Business Phone Number: (808) 596-4315
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
99-1200 HALAWA VALLEY RD
96701
Business Phone Number: (808) 487-7199
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
918 AHUA ST
96819-4495
Business Phone Number: (808) 839-7202
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
900 EHA STREET SUITE 108
96793
Business Phone Number: (808) 244-1619
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
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Address:
41 849 KAKAINA STREET
96795
Business Phone Number: (808) 590-4526
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
794 KALANIANAOLE AVE
96720
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
30 MAKAALA STREET
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 682-9200
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
30 MAKAALA STREET
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 682-9200
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4416 WAIALO ST
96705
Business Phone Number: (808) 335-3145
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1305 MANU ALOHA ST
96734
Business Phone Number: (808) 261-0364
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1850 ALA MOANA BLVD ROOM 601
96815
Business Phone Number: (808) 351-7073
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
91-1324 ENTERPRISE AVENUE
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 478-2303
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
253 WAIEHU BEACH ROAD
96793
Business Phone Number: (808) 244-0296
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
415 SOUTH STREET APT 1501
96813
Business Phone Number: (360) 536-8803
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
85-1521 KAPAEKAHI STREET
96792
Business Phone Number: (808) 479-3500
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
92-8633 BOUGAINVILLEA DRIVE
96737
Business Phone Number: (808) 936-2400
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1552 KAUPAKALUA ROAD
96708
Business Phone Number: (808) 357-1643
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
94-110 LEOKANE STREET
96797
Business Phone Number: (808) 695-2999
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
94531 ANA AINA PLACE
96797
Business Phone Number: (808) 375-5073
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
815C WAIAKAMILO ROAD
96817
Business Phone Number: (808) 532-2600
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
228 KUPAA STREET
96779
Business Phone Number: (808) 870-1622
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
307 LEWERS STREET ROOM 500
96815
Business Phone Number: (808) 922-5678
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
307 LEWERS STREET ROOM 500
96815
Business Phone Number: (808) 922-5678
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
91-1079 PAAOLOULU WAY
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 348-6743
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
91-1079 PAAOLOULU WAY
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 348-6743
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
94-121 LEOKANE ST
96797
Business Phone Number: (808) 678-9527
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
94 405 MAIKOIKO STREET
96797
Business Phone Number: (808) 678-9493
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
204 SAND ISLAND ACCESS RD
96819-2226
Business Phone Number: (808) 842-6640
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
91551 NUKUAWA STREET
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 682-4127
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
85-138 C WAIANAE VALLEY RD
96792
Business Phone Number: (808) 696-5773
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3492 MAONA ROAD
96766
Business Phone Number: (808) 245-3109
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
25 APUHIHI LANE APT 16B
96753
Business Phone Number: (808) 870-9248
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
94 1074 PAAWALU ST P7
96797
Business Phone Number: (808) 864-7362
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
94460 UKEE STREET
96797
Business Phone Number: (808) 676-7566
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
19 KUHINA PL
96768
Business Phone Number: (808) 870-1485
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
200 S HIGH STREET
96793
Business Phone Number: (808) 270-7850
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
86-135 PUHAWAI RD
96792
Business Phone Number: (808) 864-5497
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
600 KAHELU AVE
96789-3900
Business Phone Number: (808) 625-4520
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
46 145 MALINA PL
96744
Business Phone Number: (808) 235-0215
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
73-4548 OLD GOVERNMENT ROAD
96740
Business Phone Number: (808) 989-6531
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1133 WAIMANU ST 610
96814
Business Phone Number: (808) 551-2424
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
716 UMI STREET
96819
Business Phone Number: (808) 847-7377
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
99604 ALIA PLACE
96701
Business Phone Number: (808) 590-9009
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
91-315B KAIHOLO STREET
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 682-4414
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
99-1287 WAIUA PLACE
96701
Business Phone Number: (808) 487-0030
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
99-669 HULUMANU ST
96701
Business Phone Number: (808) 620-3528
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
99-669 HULUMANU ST
96701
Business Phone Number: (808) 620-3528
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
91-255 OIHANA STREET
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 682-1315
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1000 ULUOHIA STREET SUITE 308
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 692-5206
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
73 4253 HULIKOA DRIVE
96740
Business Phone Number: (808) 327-3489
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
91 226 KAUHI STE 2A
96707
Business Phone Number: (808) 682-4209
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
103 MAHA ROAD
96768
Business Phone Number: (808) 572-8102
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
966 ROBELLO LANE
96817
Business Phone Number: (808) 832-9500
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
118 S PAPA AVENUE
96732
Business Phone Number: (808) 877-3568
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
955 WAIMANU ST
96814
Business Phone Number: (310) 600-3073
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
955 WAIMANU STREET
96814
Business Phone Number: (808) 737-3700
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers: