The old adage “Everything’s bigger in Texas” seems to be true. Texas is the second largest state in the U.S. Only Alaska is larger. Texas produces more crude oil and natural gas than any other state in the nation. Texas employs more truckers than any other state 175,780 and Texas has the highest highway speed limit on a stretch of toll road between Austin and San Antonio. Drivers can go 85 miles per hour.
Besides hiring the most truck drivers, future projections for Texas truck drivers are astounding. The U.S. has a projected increase of 6% between 2014 and 2024 while Texas’ projection for that same time period is 21%. A quick look at open positions in Texas brought up these gems:
- Local, Regional, OTR Truck drivers
- CDL Flatbed Truck driver – oil & gas
- Dedicated Owner-Operator – Class A owner operators to run dry van, live load/unload freight
- Frac Sand Driver Hauler
- Solid Waste Truck Operator – Operates automated side-load, rear-load, claw truck or delivery vehicles.
- Tanker
- Fuel hauler
- HAZMAT tanker
- And many of these have signing bonuses
The average yearly salary for a truck driver in Texas is $42,830 and an average hourly rate of $20.59. Even though your salary will vary depending on experience, skills, endorsements and more the low end is $26,060 and the high end is $63,050. The median salary varies by city with an overall $41,340 for the U.S. and $39,230 for Texas:
- Abilene: $44,080
- Dallas/Plan: $44,080
- Midland: $43,780
- Amarillo: $43,700
- Odessa: $43,270
- San Antonio: $41,480
- Longview: $40,980
- Houston: $39,080
- Fort Worth: $38,860
- Lubbock: $38,010
The larger land mass tends to mean there are more people and that’s true in Texas – hence the need for more drivers. The top five populated cities are:
- Houston 2,145,146
- San Antonio 1,359,758
- Dallas 1,223,229
- Austin 820,611 – capital
- Fort Worth 758,738
Texas CDL License Information and Insights
A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is a type of license needed by truck drivers, school bus drivers, and HAZMAT drivers. Individuals are required to have a CDL if they operate a motor vehicle:
1. With a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more,
2. Which transports quantities of hazardous materials requiring placards or
3. Designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver
Any individual whose license is currently suspended, cancelled, or revoked in Texas or any other state is not eligible for a CDL.
Drivers who have a valid CDL can drive all vehicles in the class for which the license is issued, including their personal vehicle, so long as all applicable restrictions and endorsements are adhered to. A vehicle that requires an endorsement may not be driven unless the proper endorsement appears on the CDL.
You will either transport goods interstate (going to different states) or intrastate (within state lines) and this is what you need to determine when you self-certify.
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)
A Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) will be issued to individuals applying for a CDL for the first time or are upgrading from one class to another.
– Must hold a valid Texas Driver License
– CLP must be presented with the base license, this is not an identification document
– CLP restricts holder to operating a CMV with a license operator, 21 years of age or older, in the front passenger seat
– CLP must be held for 14 days before taking skills exams
– CLP is valid for 180 days or expiration of base license or lawful presence, whichever is earliest
– CLP is eligible to be renewed one time, 30 days prior to expiration
Steps To Applying For A CDL in Texas
To apply for a Texas CDL or CLP, an individual must:
1. Apply in-person at any driver’s license office and complete the appropriate application.
2. Present documents to verify your identity: Different documents are required depending on if the individual is a U.S. citizen of has lawful presence in this country. Individuals may be required to present more than one document to verify identity, and the information on all documents must match. Additional documentation may be required to verify conflicting information such as incomplete names or date of birth.
3. Verify Texas residency
4. Show your Social Security Card
5. Depending on your type of certification, you may need to present a medical examiner’s certificate.
6. Meet the nonresident/non-domicile commercial requirements if you are from a foreign jurisdiction other than Canada or Mexico.
7. Present proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance on all vehicles registered in your name.
8. Complete the Supplement Application Texas Commercial Driver License Certifications and Record of CDL Examination.
9. Consent to be photographed, fingerprinted and provide your signature.
10. Pass the vision test.
11. Pass the knowledge tests for the appropriate driver license including endorsements. Knowledge exams must be taken in order:
- Texas Commercial Rules
- General Knowledge
- Combination (Class A Only)
- Air Brake (If applicable)
- Endorsements
12. Pay the required fee
13. Provide a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for the driving skills test. The CMV must be representative of the type of license in which the individual is applying for. The Skills Test be comprised of: Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Vehicle Control Test, Road Test
Applicant must present a valid driver’s license and valid CLP (if required) prior to taking the Skills Test (SOURCE).
Trucking Companies Local to Texas
Stevens Transport
Stevens Transport is the largest refrigerated trucking company in the Texas region. They are based in Dallas, Texas. Their fleet has over 2100 trucks and 2500 trailers. They haul sand, refrigerated food, and hazardous materials and have a satisfactory safety rating.
Trimac Transportation Inc.
Trimac Transportation Inc. is based in Houston, Texas with a fleet consisting of 975 power units and 926 trailers. Their safety rating is satisfactory. The type of goods they haul include latex, liquid resins, petroleum, and other chemicals, dry bulk products, food products like sugar and alcohol, gas, and coal.
Summit Trucking
Summit Trucking is based in Dallas, Texas and has a fleet of over 100 trucks. Their safety rating is satisfactory according to their SAFER profile. They haul paper products and beverages. Their equipment includes dry van, flatbed, and reefers. They also do dedicated runs and heavy hauls.
Russell Transport
Russell Transport, based in El Paso, Texas, has a fleet of over 165 trucks. They transport anything from small packages to palletized goods to hazardous materials. The company was founded in 1993 and is a leading trucking company in Texas. It is one of the top 100 Hispanic-American owned trucking companies in America and one of the top 500 trucking companies that are owned by women.
Ceva Logistics
Ceva Logistics is based in Houston and has a large fleet of over 600 trucks and 1000 drivers. They haul steel containers, building materials, hazardous materials, liquids and gases.
Texas Trucking Related News
In spring of 2017, Uber launched Uber Freight, which is an app that matches truck drivers with loads of goods to pick up and deliver. Even though the company is based in San Francisco, Texas played a key role in testing the app. Routes between Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio served as the testing ground before the launch. Texas’ large trucking business is what makes it the obvious place to start. Fourteen percent of U.S. freight comes in and out of Texas.
At present about 70 percent of Uber Freight’s loads and drivers are based in Texas. Analysts warn that Uber needs to offer something new in this industry and prove itself to truck drivers who may be skeptical of an unfamiliar player. Think how many drivers don’t even want the new ELDs.
Mike Ramsey, a transportation and mobility analyst for Gartner, says Uber has an edge with brand recognition, talent and capital, but he warned that the June resignation of CEO Travis Kalanick after months of reports of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, and practices that defy law enforcement.
Uber Freight allows truck drivers to pick up extra work when they want to. They also can find a job that fills up their truck on the way home. For Sam Carrillo, an independent truck driver, apps have made his work simpler and more lucrative. For almost 20 years he’s relied on brokers to match him with freight. Now, he gets the majority of his business from Uber Freight and another app.
Uber Freight wants to stand out from load boards and brokers by providing better customer service and faster pay. It plans to offer perks, such as reserved parking spots, passes that allow them to skip weigh stations, and discounts on fuel and tires (SOURCE).
Address:
4767 CO RD 26
79098
Business Phone Number: (806) 426-3419
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6400 PARADISE VALLEY RD
76112
Business Phone Number: (817) 471-7354
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4117 MACKEY RANCH ROAD
76557
Business Phone Number: (254) 231-8874
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8239 CR 473
79526
Business Phone Number: (325) 207-0260
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9290 US MILITARY HWY 281
78520
Business Phone Number: (956) 546-1075
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5801 S CO RD 1160
79706
Business Phone Number: (432) 301-4022
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3020 FM 621
78666
Business Phone Number: (512) 392-0373
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6219 GRIGGS # 48
77023
Business Phone Number: (713) 371-8764
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
20263 FM SOUTH
77871
Business Phone Number: (936) 396-5144
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9666 RICHMOND AVE
77063
Business Phone Number: (713) 334-3039
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
215 GLASS AVE
78204
Business Phone Number: (210) 209-5369
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
307 LIPAN DRIVE
78045
Business Phone Number: (956) 635-1262
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1003 STONEWOOD DRIVE
75104
Business Phone Number: (214) 502-0232
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1003 STONEWOOD DRIVE
75104
Business Phone Number: (214) 502-0232
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14212 TRANSPORTATION AVE
78045
Business Phone Number: (956) 796-9002
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1421 HIDDEN OAKS CIRCLE
76210
Business Phone Number: (214) 533-5572
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
105 HERB RD
76539
Business Phone Number: (254) 245-4990
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
7617 HOMESTEAD RD
77028
Business Phone Number: (281) 876-7500
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2100 CITY VIEW
79701
Business Phone Number: (432) 210-6364
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2100 CITY VIEW
79701
Business Phone Number: (432) 210-6364
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
512 E DALLAS RD STE 200
76051
Business Phone Number: (817) 310-0222
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3916 GATWICK CIRCLE #2301
76155
Business Phone Number: (469) 316-3409
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1023 MALLARD POINTE DR
75104
Business Phone Number: (682) 559-6819
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1023 MALLARD POINTE DR
75104
Business Phone Number: (682) 559-6819
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
209 INDUSTRIAL DR
75126
Business Phone Number: (972) 722-1929
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1004 W16TH
77803
Business Phone Number: (979) 255-5249
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1630 STRAWBERRY CITY RD
78065
Business Phone Number: (325) 655-9391
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1022 TEXAN TRAIL APT 5206
76051
Business Phone Number: (817) 403-1832
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
101 CENTER COURT #2
76452
Business Phone Number: (940) 683-2521
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5447 EVERGREEN CANYON RD
77066
Business Phone Number: (281) 880-9757
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3180 2ND ST
78064
Business Phone Number: (830) 268-8802
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6639 HALCYON DAYS DRIVE
77338
Business Phone Number: (832) 233-4653
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6639 HALCYON DAYS DRIVE
77338
Business Phone Number: (832) 233-4653
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2501 FERRELL
79072
Business Phone Number: (806) 685-3736
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2762 VZ CR 4702
75754
Business Phone Number: (903) 952-7660
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
680 IH 37 ACCESS
78368
Business Phone Number: (361) 547-5527
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
CR 103
78384
Business Phone Number: (361) 668-1984
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2108 E 16TH ST
78702
Business Phone Number: (512) 469-0597
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2108 E 16TH ST
78702
Business Phone Number: (512) 469-0597
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
11031 PERRIN BEITEL
78217
Business Phone Number: (210) 650-4911
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
38 COUNTY ROAD 438
77535
Business Phone Number: (832) 644-5850
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1203 TINDALL ST
75964
Business Phone Number: (936) 652-0225
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4600 FM 123
75639
Business Phone Number: (903) 622-4144
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5974 FM 1430
78582
Business Phone Number: (956) 353-7622
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9330MARBLEMOUNT
77064
Business Phone Number: (713) 210-9969
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2514 DOVE CREEK DR
75088
Business Phone Number: (214) 837-2889
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2514 DOVE CREEK DR
75088
Business Phone Number: (214) 837-2889
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
181 COUNTY ROAD 2341
76621
Business Phone Number: (512) 618-2998
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
509 W1ST
79052
Business Phone Number: (806) 401-3899
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
509 W1ST
79052
Business Phone Number: (806) 401-3899
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
13447 N CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY NO 1122
75243
Business Phone Number: (917) 246-7949
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
828 LUXOR COURT
75052-1695
Business Phone Number: (972) 408-3830
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
5371 FM 156
76249
Business Phone Number: (940) 482-8282
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1711 EAST CESAR CHAVEZ
78702
Business Phone Number: (512) 524-5076
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
6900 IMPERIAL RIDGE
79912
Business Phone Number: (915) 892-4762
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1787 RHONDA B RD
76020
Business Phone Number: (817) 367-3221
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4825 S ACRES DR
77048
Business Phone Number: (832) 384-9912
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
12499 S US HWY 181
78233
Business Phone Number: (210) 584-9546
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
12621 US HWY 181 SOUTH
78223
Business Phone Number: (210) 633-0429
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
15500 HIGHWAY 183 SOUTH
76550
Business Phone Number: (512) 739-3133
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1995 RANGER HIGHWAY
76088
Business Phone Number: (817) 441-9900
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1995 RANGER HWY
76088
Business Phone Number: (817) 441-9900
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1995 RANGER HWY
76088
Business Phone Number: (817) 441-9900
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2226 FALLENWOOD DR
75181
Business Phone Number: (469) 401-0597
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3032 SOUTH FORT HOOD STREET
76542
Business Phone Number: (254) 634-2188
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3144 OLD HWY 67N
76065
Business Phone Number: (469) 337-1983
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1951 E I 20
79761
Business Phone Number: (432) 333-2222
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9522 TELEPHONE RD #118
77075
Business Phone Number: (832) 808-9008
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4608 WENDOVER ST
76309
Business Phone Number: (972) 965-3758
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
134 PITTSBURG ST
75207
Business Phone Number: (214) 934-5625
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
8043 CR 927
77511
Business Phone Number: (832) 273-0797
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2325 FM 1191 N
76427
Business Phone Number: (940) 393-6622
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
2325 FM 1191 N
76427
Business Phone Number: (940) 393-6622
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3806 GRASSHOPPA LN
75189
Business Phone Number: (972) 670-5258
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
100 STONERIDGE TR
76087
Business Phone Number: (817) 304-9007
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1011 RIC MAR
78541
Business Phone Number: (956) 279-9966
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
26800 BRENTWOOD ROAD
77372
Business Phone Number: (713) 402-8350
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
269 CR 3893 EAST
77357
Business Phone Number: (832) 445-6582
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
159 CR 6768
78059
Business Phone Number: (830) 538-4046
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
175 ALABAMA AVE
77573
Business Phone Number: (405) 283-0698
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3214 NORTH AVE
77461
Business Phone Number: (979) 793-7558
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
14000 THE LAKES BLVD APT 328
78660
Business Phone Number: (978) 705-1178
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
11915 EDGAR STREET
77047
Business Phone Number: (832) 704-8906
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10101 HARWIN STE 100D
77036
Business Phone Number: (832) 205-3188
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
10101 HARWIN STE 100D
77036
Business Phone Number: (832) 205-3188
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
4700 RATLIFF LANE
75001
Business Phone Number: (972) 447-0555
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3923 SHADY HOLLOW LN
75233
Business Phone Number: (214) 799-0964
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1975 WEST NORTHWEST HWY
75220
Business Phone Number: (972) 880-6458
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
9606 LASBURY DRIVE
77083
Business Phone Number: (281) 300-1690
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
535 MEADOW HEATH LN
75232
Business Phone Number: (469) 500-2366
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
535 MEADOW HEATH LN
75232
Business Phone Number: (469) 500-2366
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1232 N HWY 67
75104
Business Phone Number: (214) 854-6558
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
1232 N HWY 67
75104
Business Phone Number: (214) 854-6558
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3401 E HWY 281
78557
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
3401 E HWY 281
78557
Type of Hauling: Interstate
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
27904 N HWY 281 #103
78260
Business Phone Number: (830) 980-3608
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Non-Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
39 US HIGHWAY 380 WEST
76426
Business Phone Number: (940) 627-3303
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
39 US HIGHWAY 380 WEST
76426
Business Phone Number: (940) 627-3303
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
23440 US HWY 59 SOUTH
77365
Business Phone Number: (281) 601-4640
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers:
Address:
23440 US HWY 59 SOUTH
77365
Business Phone Number: (281) 601-4640
Type of Hauling: Intrastate Hazmat
Estimated Number of Drivers: