South Dakota is a sparsely populated state (only 11 people per square mile) that borders: Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wyoming. This state is home to Mount Rushmore the mammoth mountainside sculpture depicting four former United States presidents: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt.
In the city of Crazy Horse is the Crazy Horse Memorial Monument in honor of the Lakota leader of the same name. The sculpture is awe-inspiring. Both of these tributes are big tourist sites.
Most of the state’s population lives in eastern South Dakota where the soil is fertile enough to grow a variety of crops. Heading west, ranching is the predominant activity, along with tourism and defense spending. Many Native American reservations are in West River. The Black Hills are sacred mountains to the Sioux.
South Dakota’s yearly climate has four distinct seasons, while precipitation ranges from moderate in the east to semi-arid in the west.
The most populated cities in South Dakota are:
- Sioux Falls: 153,888
- Rapid City: 67,956
- Aberdeen: 26,091
- Brookings: 22,056
- Watertown: 21,482
South Dakota CDL Truck Driver Salary and Job Growth
Trucking jobs are fairly prevalent in South Dakota and will continue to be as projected growth from 2014 to 2024 is 9% while U.S. growth is estimated at 6%. Salaries are not quite as impressive as other parts of the country, but keep in mind your salary will be different depending on your knowledge, experience, and any endorsements you have.
The average yearly salary for a truck driver is $40,090. The range of salaries goes from the low of $28,100 to a high of $56,960. If you’re an owner-operator and charge by the hour, $19.27 is the average hourly rate, so start out asking for much higher.
The median numbers look much better when you break them down by city – or at least these cities (SOURCE):
- Sioux City: $40,240
- Sioux Falls: $39,000
- Rapid City: $38,420
Median rates are a bit different as they are figured differently. Average is figured by adding a column of salaries then dividing by the number of salaries you just added. To determine the median you look at all salaries and find the one exactly in the middle with 50% higher and 50% lower. The median salary for the entire U.S. is $41,340 while South Dakota is less at $37,840.
Applying For A CDL In South Dakota
You need a South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if you’re operating a vehicle:
- With a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds or any such vehicle towing a trailer with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or more (Class A)
- Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver) (Class B)
- Any size vehicle which requires hazardous material placards or is carrying material listed as a select agent or toxin in 49 CFR Part 73 (Class C)
First, you need to apply for and receive, your South Dakota CDL or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). In order to do that you need:
- A valid South Dakota Driver’s License: If your driver’s license or ID card doesn’t have a gold star in the upper right corner, you need to bring your social security card, W-2, 1099, or a paystub showing your social security number.
- Two documents that prove your residential/physical address. Documents must show your name, address, and be less than one year old. A few examples are: utility bill, paystub, phone bill, bank statement, homeowner’s policy, and tax document.
- New applicants, non-U.S. citizens and transfers from other states must show proof of lawful status in the U.S. Examples are: certified U.S. birth certificate, certificate of citizenship/naturalization, permanent resident card, U.S. passport, employment authorization card or a foreign passport with U.S. visa/I-94.
- If you were born in a U.S. territory (i.e. Guam, American Samoa, etc.) you’ll need to provide a U.S. passport, passport card, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad instead of a birth certificate.
- A completed license application form
- A completed medical certificate form (if applicable)
- Payment for the application fee and any endorsement tests you need to take.
After you’ve passed the written portion of the test(s) and have had your CLP for at least 2 weeks, you can take the CDL driving skills test at a third party testing site. Your driving skills test must be scheduled at least two business days in advance.
No testing is required to transfer a valid CDL from another state unless you’re applying for a hazardous materials endorsement.
Military Personnel
If you have recent experience driving large military vehicles, you may be eligible to get a CDL without a driving skills test by completing a military waiver. You will still need to take the written knowledge tests, however.
Endorsements Available For Truckers in South Dakota
Double & Triple Trailers (T)
If you’re qualified to drive Class A vehicles you might want or need to pull double or triple trailers. You need a fairly sizeable amount of additional knowledge and skill to do this job safely in all types of traffic conditions and environments. Therefore, there is an endorsement test that must be passed in order to pull multiple trailers.
Passengers Endorsement (P)
Endorsement P is necessary to drive a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver (usually buses or vans). You must pass a knowledge exam on safety considerations and pass a skills test in a passenger vehicle. This endorsement applies to applicants who want to drive a bus in any class.
Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N)
Drivers of vehicles used to haul liquids or gaseous materials in permanent tanks need specialized knowledge and skills to drive safely. Large amounts of liquids can cause driving control problems because the cargo is heavy, prone to shifting, and has a high center of gravity. You must pass the special knowledge examination on the problems posed by large volume liquid cargo.
Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H)
This endorsement applies to any driver, regardless of the class of vehicle (A, B or C), who will haul hazardous materials or waste in amounts large enough to require placards. You must be 21 years of age or older and pass a written exam on how to recognize, handle, and transport hazardous materials. In addition to the endorsement test, you’ll be fingerprinted and need to complete a federal background check.
Combination Hazardous Materials & Tank Vehicle Endorsement (X)
If you’ll be driving a tank vehicle with hazardous materials or hazardous waste you can add an X endorsement to your CDL. This way you don’t have to get the N & H endorsements separately but you will need to pass the written knowledge exams for both tank vehicles and hazardous materials. And just like with the H endorsement, a background check is required (SOURCE).
Trucking Companies Local to South Dakota
Habeck Trucking
Habeck Trucking is one of the top trucking companies in South Dakota and is offers dry and refrigerated transportation and FTL and LTL. They have 53 foot trailers equipped with tandem, spread, and sliding spread axles, thermo king reefer units, and pneumatic trailers. They mainly operate in Washington, Oregon, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri.
Britton Transport
Britton Transport is a top trucking company in South Dakota. This trucking company was founded by a veteran. They offer a wide range of services to different industries and transport steel, machinery, parts and supplies, building materials, temperature-controlled goods, metal, lumber, communications equipment, and oversized equipment. They use dry vans, flatbeds, reefers, and step-decks to provide these transportation services. They offer freight brokerage solutions, cross-docking, transloading, and trailer rental!
Colman Transportation
Colman Transportation is one of the most experienced flatbed trucking companies and a leading trucking companies in South Dakota. It is namely based in Colman, South Dakota. They specialize in flatbed truck loads and haul steel, machinery, and more. Their specialized equipment includes 48 foot step-deck trailers and 48 foot double-drops with double or triple axles. Their drivers provide A+ service and have an average of 20 to 30 years’ experience.
South Dakota Trucking Related News
A semi-truck tractor hauling two trailers filled with wheat crashed into a freight train at a crossing in Blunt, South Dakota. The driver, Colt Brink, 16, was taken away by ambulance to Avera St. Mary’s Hospital and was treated for his injuries.
Two men who came on the scene gave aid to Brink and pulled him out of the mangled cab before a fire engulfed it. Traffic was detoured for hours around Blunt because of the crash. At 9:15 p.m. that evening crews were still cleaning up grain and debris from the highway and railroad crossing.
The truck’s cab was so damaged it was difficult to recognize what make of truck it was. Most, if not all, of the 800 bushels of wheat from the front semi-trailer was piled on the highway. The second semi-trailer remained mostly intact with its load of wheat, upright and partly in the south ditch.
The truck had come from the west, down a long hill from the cemetery, it knocked the locomotive off the rails but not off the track bed, and the train moved about 50 feet or more after the collision.
There are no crossing arms or barriers at the crossing, just the “cross-buck” railroad signs with red lights that flash when a train is approaching. While it’s possible to see the red lights flashing from a distance, the long hill can make it hard to stop a loaded semi-tractor-and-trailer rig at the crossing.
Trucks hauling fuel or other flammable loads, and school buses must stop at the crossing (SOURCE).
Address:
3161 BEALE ST
57703
Business Phone Number: (605) 737-7861
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4257 PENROSE PLACE
57702
Business Phone Number: (605) 381-9220
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
12600 US HWY 85
57720
Business Phone Number: (605) 375-3255
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
12600 US HWY 85
57720
Business Phone Number: (605) 375-3255
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
17531 US HWY 281
57469
Business Phone Number: (605) 450-0644
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
30831 US HWY 212
57442
Business Phone Number: (605) 765-9703
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
48081 196TH ST
57213
Business Phone Number: (605) 832-3851
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1800 WEST 50TH STREET
57105
Business Phone Number: (605) 334-6090
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
20544 407TH AVE
57350
Business Phone Number: (605) 352-0602
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
30028 469TH AVE
57004
Business Phone Number: (605) 957-4608
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
30028 469TH AVE
57004
Business Phone Number: (605) 957-4608
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
803 E 2ND STR
57013
Business Phone Number: (605) 660-3962
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
48247 SD 105
57038
Business Phone Number: (605) 966-5350
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
48247 SD 105
57038
Business Phone Number: (605) 966-5350
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
102 2ND ST
57738
Business Phone Number: (605) 484-1950
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
45515 288TH ST
57070-6409
Business Phone Number: (605) 326-5710
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
914 E CHICAGO ST
57701-1740
Business Phone Number: (605) 343-5365
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3122 EAST FAIRGROUND LOOP
57783-6049
Business Phone Number: (605) 642-3305
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1209 WEST 23RD ST
57105
Business Phone Number: (502) 291-5724
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
40038 JAMES ROAD
57445
Business Phone Number: (605) 228-8130
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
12043 COYOTE RIDGE ROAD
57732
Business Phone Number: (605) 578-1991
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
25432 478TH AVE
57030
Business Phone Number: (605) 594-6321
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
36 DEER RUN CIRCLE
57049
Business Phone Number: (605) 242-4742
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
13082 CATTAIL PL
57785
Business Phone Number: (605) 347-5480
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
46204 261ST STREET
57033
Business Phone Number: (605) 335-0055
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
22497 ELK VALE RD
57701
Business Phone Number: (605) 388-0889
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
704 WEST HWY 14 & 34
57532
Business Phone Number: (605) 223-2732
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
706 BILL BAGGS ROAD
57078
Business Phone Number: (605) 665-0909
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1015 9TH AVENUE NORTH
57005
Business Phone Number: (605) 582-2402
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
45352 291 ST
57070
Business Phone Number: (605) 326-5520
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
7909 W WILSON DRIVE
57106
Business Phone Number: (605) 251-3971
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
514 AMERICAS WAY #8092
57719
Business Phone Number: (915) 355-9989
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1905 SUNSET ST
57785
Business Phone Number: (605) 490-3998
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
47323 292ND ST
57004
Business Phone Number: (605) 957-4238
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
29860 425TH AVE
57059
Business Phone Number: (605) 583-2987
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
47142 188TH ST
57234
Business Phone Number: (605) 881-3632
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10698 NORTHERN HILLS LANE
57783
Business Phone Number: (605) 642-5981
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
47605 285TH ST
57013
Business Phone Number: (605) 310-1453
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
345 INDUSTRIAL DR
57783-3228
Business Phone Number: (605) 642-4716
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1701 W 12TH ST
57104
Business Phone Number: (605) 331-3644
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2091 B RAND ROAD
57702
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1700 NORTH HIGHWAY 281
57401
Business Phone Number: (605) 225-7315
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1700 NORTH HIGHWAY 281
57401
Business Phone Number: (605) 225-7315
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
28724 483RD AVE
57013
Business Phone Number: (605) 351-2507
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
945 ENCHANTMENT ROAD
57701
Business Phone Number: (605) 791-2520
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3108 1ST AVE E
57638
Business Phone Number: (605) 374-4133
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4700 N I-90 SERVICE ROAD
57701
Business Phone Number: (605) 348-8638
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
20412 OYSTER MOUNTAIN LANE
57793
Business Phone Number: (605) 431-3073
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
115 N MAPLE
57201
Business Phone Number: (605) 882-2663
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
006 OHIO STREET
57073
Business Phone Number: (605) 267-4731
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
29533 476TH AVE
57004
Business Phone Number: (605) 310-7875
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2090 DEADWOOD AVE
57702
Business Phone Number: (605) 342-3275
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4609 WEST 38TH ST
57106
Business Phone Number: (605) 362-9415
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4609 WEST 38TH ST
57106
Business Phone Number: (605) 362-9415
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
517 JAY STREET
57220
Business Phone Number: (605) 627-5621
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
47071 253RD ST
57003-5833
Business Phone Number: (605) 543-5452
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
23075 RADAR HILL ROAD
57703
Business Phone Number: (605) 393-2079
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1421 CHERRY AVE LOT 45
57701
Business Phone Number: (605) 391-9140
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
106 EAST MAPLE ST
57366
Business Phone Number: (605) 928-3924
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
605 ROSEWOOD DR
57032
Business Phone Number: (605) 213-3663
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
609 WEST 9TH STREET
57580
Business Phone Number: (515) 338-0359
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
41834 246TH STREET
57340
Business Phone Number: (605) 996-8708
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2444 EMERSON LANE
57701
Business Phone Number: (605) 341-6210
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
115 S FIRST
57366
Business Phone Number: (605) 928-3381
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
47453 SD HWY 22
57226
Business Phone Number: (605) 874-2550
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1801 N CLIFF AVE
57103
Business Phone Number: (605) 334-6723
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2609 S LILLIAN AVE
57106
Business Phone Number: (605) 728-7404
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1222 PASQUE CIR
57078
Business Phone Number: (605) 660-1789
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
503 E WOLD
57270
Business Phone Number: (605) 738-2155
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14347 MAHAFFEY DR
57769
Business Phone Number: (605) 390-6515
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
12897 407TH AVE
57445-5503
Business Phone Number: (605) 380-8193
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
46553 SD HWY 44
57039
Business Phone Number: (605) 214-5686
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
47520 258TH
57055
Business Phone Number: (605) 941-7889
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
30474 108TH ST
57632
Business Phone Number: (701) 425-8119
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
19004 MEADOW LN
57717
Business Phone Number: (605) 641-4017
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4013 W 92ND ST
57108
Business Phone Number: (605) 809-5762
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
47062 98TH STREET
57108
Business Phone Number: (202) 521-1484
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
309 E 20TH ST
57105-0832
Business Phone Number: (701) 290-1219
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
22506 474TH AVE
57028
Business Phone Number: (605) 997-5003
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
HC75 BOX 436
57785
Business Phone Number: (605) 347-4324
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
23128 408TH AVE
57314
Business Phone Number: (605) 770-8512
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3200 N GALAXY LN
57107
Business Phone Number: (605) 332-1119
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1221 E FAIRMONT BLVD
57701
Business Phone Number: (605) 343-6042
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
414 JEFFERSON ST
57069
Business Phone Number: (712) 899-7139
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
33788 121ST ST
57448
Business Phone Number: (605) 283-2323
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
26985 S TALLGRASS
57108
Business Phone Number: (605) 519-8318
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
25940 486TH AVE
57068
Business Phone Number: (605) 261-5266
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
305 W INDUSTRIAL RD
57013
Business Phone Number: (605) 764-8000
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
47061 CHARLOTTE CT
57108-8166
Business Phone Number: (605) 368-9929
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
100 N SANBORN
57301
Business Phone Number: (605) 996-5002
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
46122 268TH ST
57015-6702
Business Phone Number: (605) 526-4060
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1937 COUNTRY LANE
57401
Business Phone Number: (701) 648-9012
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1937 COUNTRY LANE
57401
Business Phone Number: (701) 648-9012
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1111 N CLIFF AVE
57103
Business Phone Number: (605) 338-7021
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
704 N SHAWNEE
57103
Business Phone Number: (605) 376-7167
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
704 N SHAWNEE
57103
Business Phone Number: (605) 376-7167
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2100 S ACACIA CIR
57106
Business Phone Number: (605) 275-8373
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2100 S ACACIA CIR
57106
Business Phone Number: (605) 275-8373
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
23478 BRADSKY RD
57703
Business Phone Number: (605) 393-9605
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1007 COTTAGE AVE
57069
Business Phone Number: (605) 321-2236
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers: