Amazon Freight Driver Pay
Above Average — #11 of 40$60,000 - $95,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Amazon Freight Pay Overview
Amazon's freight operation is rapidly growing, and pay has increased significantly to attract CDL drivers in a competitive market. Most Amazon CDL positions involve shuttling trailers between fulfillment centers, sortation facilities, and delivery stations — these are predictable local/regional routes with home-daily schedules. Some positions are through Amazon directly, while others are through contracted carriers (DSPs).
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $24 - $28/hr |
| 1-3 years | $28 - $32/hr |
| 3-5 years | $32 - $36/hr |
| 5-10 years | $36 - $40/hr |
| 10+ years | $40 - $44/hr |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dry Van (Middle-Mile) | $24 - $40/hr |
| Yard Jockey | $22 - $32/hr |
| Dedicated Routes | $26 - $42/hr |
| Regional | $28 - $44/hr |
Pay by Job Type
Local (Middle-Mile)
$60,000 - $85,000
per year
Regional
$65,000 - $95,000
per year
Dedicated
$62,000 - $92,000
per year
Yard Jockey
$50,000 - $72,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $5,000 in select markets
Safety Bonus
Performance bonuses tied to safety metrics
Referral Bonus
$1,000 - $3,000 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
Not standard — hourly pay structure
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Full medical from day one — PPO and HDHP options |
| Dental | Dental coverage from day one |
| Vision | Vision coverage from day one |
| Retirement | 401(k) with company match + RSUs for eligible roles |
| Paid Time Off | Paid vacation, holidays, personal time |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Amazon Career Choice — up to $5,250/year for qualifying programs |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly or bi-weekly direct deposit (varies by position)
Home Time
Most positions are home daily — middle-mile shuttle routes
Per Diem
Not typically applicable — most routes are local/regional
How Amazon Freight Pay Compares
Amazon Freight ranks #11 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Above Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Amazon Freight (this carrier) | $60,000 - $95,000 |
| Werner Enterprises | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| Schneider National | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation | $50,000 - $85,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Amazon truck drivers make?
Amazon CDL drivers earn $60,000-$95,000 annually. Hourly rates range from $24-$44/hr depending on experience and market. Amazon has been aggressively raising driver pay to compete with LTL carriers and private fleets.
Are Amazon truck drivers home daily?
Yes, most Amazon CDL positions are local middle-mile routes (shuttling trailers between Amazon facilities) where drivers are home daily. Regional positions may involve occasional overnight stays but are designed for regular home time.
Does Amazon hire CDL drivers directly?
Yes, Amazon hires CDL-A drivers directly for its internal freight network. Additionally, Amazon contracts with carrier partners and DSPs (Delivery Service Partners) who employ their own drivers. Direct Amazon positions typically offer the best pay and benefits.
What benefits do Amazon CDL drivers get?
Direct-hire Amazon CDL drivers receive full benefits from day one: medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, Career Choice tuition benefit ($5,250/year), and RSUs (restricted stock units) for eligible roles. Benefits are among the best in the industry.
Does Amazon require CDL experience?
Most Amazon CDL positions require 1 year of CDL-A experience, though some locations accept recent graduates. Yard jockey positions may have lower experience requirements. Amazon does not currently operate its own CDL training school.
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