Ohio ranks number 5 in the top five states with the highest employment level of truckers. There are more than 70,000 truckers in the state. Even the most successful industries lend themselves to trucking (SOURCE):
Automotive
Because of easy access to glass, steel, and rubber, Ohio is home to auto assembly and auto parts plants. Looking toward the future, jobs are forecasted to increase 19 percent and who is going to move all these newly assembled vehicles and parts? Truckers, of course!
Steel
Thanks to increased domestic oil and gas drilling Ohio’s steel producers are in high demand. New pipeline installation has created the demand for more steel throughout the state.
Agriculture
Delivering food grown locally is a perk of profitable agriculture and in Ohio it’s almost 12% of the total economic output.
Small Appliance Products
Whether it’s Kitchen Aid mixers or other small kitchen appliances, Ohio has a robust manufacturing industry that helps keep truckers employed.
A few of the largest employers in the state are Kroger, Wal-Mart, and Cleveland Clinic. Two out of three employ thousands of truck drivers.
Ohio Trucking Salary Information
If becoming a trucker has always been your dream, Ohio is a fantastic place to find a job doing just that. You may choose to drive local, regional, or over-the-road depending on the type of work you enjoy.
You’ll get to experience a great deal of the country’s natural beauty if you drive regionally or over-the-road. Ohio’s bordering states include: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, and Michigan.
It’s often best to look for jobs in the more populated cities because there’s more opportunity, but remember opportunities exist throughout Ohio so don’t get discouraged. The state has approximately 284 people per square mile with the top 5 most populated cities being:
- Columbus: 787,003
- Cleveland: 396,815
- Cincinnati: 296,943
- Toledo: 287,208
- Akron: 199,110
When looking at potential salaries, yours will vary depending on your experience and the type of driving you are hired to do. The average wage for a truck driver in Ohio is $44,110 and the average hourly rate is $21.21.
Median salaries differ from average wages because the median is the number that’s exactly in the middle with 50% higher and 50% lower. The median truck driver salary in the U.S. is $41,340 and for the state of Ohio it’s almost exactly the same $41,740. Median salaries by city are as follows:
- Columbus: $46,400
- Springfield: $44,730
- Cincinnati: $43,570
- Youngstown: $43,180
- Cleveland: $42,170
- Lima: $42,120
- Dayton: $41,030
- Akron: $41,000
Growth for future trucking jobs looks pretty good for Ohio at 5% growth from 2014 to 2024. The U.S. is 6% for that same time period. So once again Ohio is keeping up with the nation in growth (SOURCE).
CDL Requirements and Insights for Ohio
To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), you must be 18 or older, have a valid Ohio driver’s license, and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in the United States.
- A CLP holder can only operate a commercial motor vehicle on a highway when driving with a CDL holder properly endorsed for the vehicle being driven.
- A CLP is valid for six months and may be renewed once before it expires.
- Drivers seeking to obtain a CDL or CLP must self-certify their class of driving: A, B, or C.
- To earn a CDL, add any endorsements, upgrade, or remove a restriction; you must pass knowledge tests and skills tests – in that order.
Knowledge Tests
A knowledge test is a written test required for each class of vehicle. If you are adding any endorsements you will need to take tests for each of those. If you want to remove the air brake restriction, you’ll need to take a knowledge test for that, too. If you fail a test, you’ll need to wait one day before you can retest.
Skills Tests
The driver must show up and test in a vehicle appropriate for the class of license he or she is applying for, including a bus if you’re applying for a passenger endorsement. It’s possible that third-party testing sites may have vehicles available to rent for tests. Be sure to ask. If you fail any part of the skills test you will need to wait one week to retest.
There are three parts to Skills Testing:
- Pre-trip inspection (30 minutes to complete)
- Basic maneuverability test (40 minutes to complete)
- Road test
Renewal or Upgrade
When applying for a CDL renewal or upgrade, you must provide any updated information and pass any additional testing needed. If for some reason you surrendered your CDL or any endorsement you will need to pay applicable fees and retake the written and road skills test(s) to get a new CDL.
If you want a hazardous materials endorsement, you should complete the TSA’s Threat Assessment Program before you can receive your CDL with endorsement. You will be fingerprinted and have a background check.
Ohio Medical Requirements for a CDL License
You must have vision in both eyes with a minimum acuity of 20/40 in each eye with or without lenses. Your visual field must be at least 70 degrees. If you do not meet the minimum standards you could be eligible for a restricted CDL.
CDL Vision Waiver
If a driver has a K restriction (intrastate driving only), he or she must obtain a vision waiver from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to drive for a company regulated by the Public Commission Utilities of Ohio.
Out-of-State Applicants
Out-of-state applicants are allowed to take the Ohio CDL skills test with an out-of-state CLP if the driver possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license and a certificate of completion from an Ohio truck driving school.
Trucking Companies Local to Ohio
Kaplan Trucking
Kaplan Trucking company is one of the best trucking companies in Ohio and a leading steel hauler. They began in 1934 and have over 70 terminals today. Their fleet is a huge 700 trucks. They operate in mostly the eastern part of the United States. Besides the steel hauling and flatbed transportation, they also provide brokerage and logistics solutions. They have a thorough orientation for their new drivers which includes log training, defensive driving techniques, and rollover avoidance.
R & J Trucking
R & J Trucking was founded in 1960 and has grown to a huge fleet of over 450 trucks and 900 trailers. Their fleet includes specialty equipment like dump trucks, pneumatic bulk tankers, and flatbeds. It is one of the first trucking companies in the USA which started using The Collision Mitigation Systems. R & J Trucking has safety in mind as their top priority.
Moeller Trucking
Moeller Trucking is a trucking company that guarantees on-time delivery. They are extremely reliable as their on-time percentage is 99% making them a top trucking company in Ohio. Their headquarters is based in Maria Stein, Ohio, but they also have terminals in Winter Haven, FL and Dade City, FL.
They are extremely dedicated and committed to their customers. Some of their loyal customers include Coca-Cola, Organic Valley, Danton, and Hormel Foods. Moeller Trucking is a Smart-Way Transport Partner and taking steps to improve their efficiency everyday. Moeller is a nationwide company with a large presence in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Dayton, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Orlando.
Ohio Trucking Related News
Ohio state Representative John Boccieri (D-59th) met with local and regional trucking industry leaders to discuss a growing problem for freight haulers: a lack of qualified workers. He claims the truck-driver shortage, if left unchecked, could mean a labor shortfall of almost 175,000 drivers by 2024.
This driver shortage would negatively impact the whole economy, since 70% of U.S. freight is shipped by truck. Trucking industry execs attribute the decline in workforce to a combination of high turnover rates, a lack of quality candidates, and a general stigma that’s associated with the industry.
How might this issue be fixed? Boccieri plans to introduce legislation that would make commercial driver’s licenses less expensive (the average cost is $6,500), give trucking companies tax incentives to expand their workforces, and pressure insurance companies to lower premiums for covering a driver.
Tom Balzer, the president and CEO of the Ohio Trucking Association, said the increased reliance on regional carriers versus long-haul carriers – has helped improve working conditions for drivers. “Now is the perfect time to get into the industry precisely because you can pick and choose who you work for,” Balzer said (SOURCE).
Address:
12327 SUNSHINE DR
45123
Business Phone Number: (937) 403-2407
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4773 W BATH RD
44333
Business Phone Number: (330) 665-9753
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6694 MAPLE CANYON AVE
43229
Business Phone Number: (614) 432-0008
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
211 W MILLER AVE
44301
Business Phone Number: (330) 696-9128
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10803 MAIN STREET
44255
Business Phone Number: (216) 538-5547
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
171 MAINSAIL DRIVE
43081
Business Phone Number: (614) 569-0083
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
402 BROAD ST
44030
Business Phone Number: (440) 265-6093
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
826 LAKE DR
44805
Business Phone Number: (419) 962-4442
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10976 CHILLECOTHE ROAD
44094
Business Phone Number: (440) 554-5387
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8132 JULIAN PL
45458
Business Phone Number: (937) 886-6767
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9019 PIONEER ROAD
43723
Business Phone Number: (740) 685-5435
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2509 CENTENNIAL RD
43617
Business Phone Number: (419) 517-3680
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2509 CENTENNIAL RD
43617
Business Phone Number: (419) 517-3680
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1684 LINCOLN AVE APT 103
44107
Business Phone Number: (216) 970-2490
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2894 DUBLIN ARBOR LN
43017
Business Phone Number: (614) 354-1968
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4135 WALNUT DR LOT A5
43008
Business Phone Number: (405) 283-0698
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
135 STRECKER DR
44278
Business Phone Number: (330) 861-6634
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3763 BRECKSVILLE ROAD
44286
Business Phone Number: (216) 662-9100
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5133 RED BANK RD
43021
Business Phone Number: (740) 965-4081
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
248 FRAZIER-GUY RD
45365
Business Phone Number: (937) 498-9686
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1638 TADCASTER LANE
43228
Business Phone Number: (317) 603-5926
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14301 N INDUSTRIAL AVE
44137
Business Phone Number: (216) 575-4361
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3481 HOUSEL CRAFT RD
44402
Business Phone Number: (330) 889-3798
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1391 OAKLAND PARK AVE STE L
43224
Business Phone Number: (614) 298-8480
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5437 RIVERWALK DR
45034
Business Phone Number: (705) 323-9455
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
870 STATE ROUTE 225
44201
Business Phone Number: (724) 882-6449
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
35436 MAIN STREET
43713
Business Phone Number: (740) 238-1381
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5640 GLENN HWY RD
43725
Business Phone Number: (740) 439-2494
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
27100 OAKMEAD DR 165
43551
Business Phone Number: (419) 290-7415
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
7464 BUTLER WARREN RD UNIT B
45040
Business Phone Number: (513) 403-6523
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2759 JUPITER DRIVE
45014
Business Phone Number: (513) 373-8414
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
7250 LINCOLN HIGHWAY
45832
Business Phone Number: (419) 749-9844
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
365 HELEN DRIVE
44089
Business Phone Number: (440) 963-0233
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
457 GABLEFIELD CT
45255
Business Phone Number: (513) 528-1317
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6490 COUNTY RD 97
43338
Business Phone Number: (419) 362-1705
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
29841 STATE RT 30
44423
Business Phone Number: (330) 223-2808
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10487 ST RT 34
43506
Business Phone Number: (517) 448-1899
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5738 HARVEST LOOK
43119
Business Phone Number: (614) 754-8697
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9011 SR 44
44266
Business Phone Number: (330) 338-5789
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9827 COUNTY ROAD 20
43521
Business Phone Number: (419) 335-4756
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
306 VALLEY BLVD
43055
Business Phone Number: (740) 281-6639
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5195 AVALON RD NW
44615
Business Phone Number: (330) 491-6879
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1252 INDUSTRIAL PARKWAY NORTH SUITE 1
44212
Business Phone Number: (216) 883-5560
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1252 NORTH INDUSTRIAL PARKWAY SUITE # 2
44212
Business Phone Number: (216) 883-2800
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4540 FISHER ROAD
43228
Business Phone Number: (614) 980-0351
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2169 SOUTH JAMES ROAD
43232
Business Phone Number: (614) 231-5800
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
552 SOUTHEAST AVE
44278
Business Phone Number: (330) 633-1052
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2443 S FOX NORTH RD
44425
Business Phone Number: (330) 240-0071
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2443 S FOX NORTH RD
44425
Business Phone Number: (330) 240-0071
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
12282 COUNTY ROAD 330
43351
Business Phone Number: (419) 310-1863
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
27 4TH ST NW
44203
Business Phone Number: (330) 753-8394
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8870 WEST STATE ROUTE 571
45383
Business Phone Number: (937) 719-3242
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8870 WEST STATE ROUTE 571
45383
Business Phone Number: (937) 719-3242
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
126 OAK ST
43302
Business Phone Number: (740) 383-6683
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8686 SOUTHWEST PARKWAY
45030
Business Phone Number: (513) 202-5070
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
344 CRAMER CREEK COURT
43017-2585
Business Phone Number: (614) 761-8394
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
300 PEOLI RD
43832
Business Phone Number: (330) 407-0071
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3420 CO RD 24
43315
Business Phone Number: (419) 210-0289
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
12165 ST RT 28 W
45123
Business Phone Number: (937) 981-4999
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4211 OLD OSPREY CIRCLE
45342
Business Phone Number: (443) 858-4090
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4211 OLD OSPREY CIRCLE
45342
Business Phone Number: (443) 858-4090
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3875 EAST GREENWOOD ROAD
43701
Business Phone Number: (740) 452-8892
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9514 STATE ROUTE 41
45693
Business Phone Number: (937) 544-2800
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
548 SOUTH WATER STREET
44240
Business Phone Number: (330) 807-3330
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5379 TOWBRIDGE DR
44236
Business Phone Number: (330) 338-5789
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5379 TOWBRIDGE DR
44236
Business Phone Number: (330) 338-5789
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1159 STATE ROUTE 322
44076
Business Phone Number: (440) 422-3512
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1159 STATE ROUTE 322
44076
Business Phone Number: (440) 422-3512
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1835 DUEBER AVE S W GSP-05
44706
Business Phone Number: (330) 471-3776
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
302 STATE STREET
43701
Business Phone Number: (740) 454-0136
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2745 KILBOURNE AVE
43231
Business Phone Number: (614) 743-5604
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
389 PARK AVE EAST
44905
Business Phone Number: (419) 524-4342
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
53017 CARPENTER RD
45770
Business Phone Number: (740) 444-2137
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2037 NANTUCKET DRIVE
44053
Business Phone Number: (440) 320-6141
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5784 AMY BOYLE RD
44403
Business Phone Number: (330) 916-4414
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2931 HARKIE ST
45044
Business Phone Number: (513) 217-1062
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
513 N PARKWAY
43570
Business Phone Number: (419) 924-9103
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
37888 OLD ST ROUTE 344
44431
Business Phone Number: (330) 692-3425
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
653 MARYLAND AVE
45404
Business Phone Number: (801) 815-7474
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
222 EAST THIRD ST
45338
Business Phone Number: (937) 962-4678
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
222 N UNION ST
43506-1450
Business Phone Number: (419) 636-4217
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
822 OAKLEY DRIVE
43015
Business Phone Number: (614) 559-9915
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4007 STATESMAN PKWY
45806
Business Phone Number: (567) 371-1445
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4851 CHERRY HILL CT STE 5
43228
Business Phone Number: (614) 377-4008
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2936 CHATSWORTHWAY
43068
Business Phone Number: (614) 679-9528
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
625 NORTH STATE ROUTE 4
44807
Business Phone Number: (419) 426-0610
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
320 SYCAMORE STREET
43567-1100
Business Phone Number: (419) 337-9900
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1803 E FIFTH ST
45403
Business Phone Number: (937) 750-9394
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14363 NATIONAL RD
43076
Business Phone Number: (614) 928-6494
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4537 CH 43
43351-9155
Business Phone Number: (419) 927-2287
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3241 INDIAN HEAD CT
43224
Business Phone Number: (702) 759-9837
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
531 E 3RD STREET
45402
Business Phone Number: (937) 414-6924
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
50 HOLLYHOCK CT
45014
Business Phone Number: (513) 344-6745
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
136 TALBOT DRIVE
44146
Business Phone Number: (216) 390-2816
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
35970 CENTER RIDGE ROAD
44039
Business Phone Number: (440) 213-1807
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
911 KEEFER RD
44420
Business Phone Number: (330) 539-6496
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
911 KEEFER RD
44420
Business Phone Number: (330) 539-6496
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
911 KEEFER RD
44420
Business Phone Number: (330) 539-6496
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
433 BROADWAY
43604
Business Phone Number: (419) 351-4497
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1482 TURNBERRY DR
44512
Business Phone Number: (330) 518-8685
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers: