Skip to content
Virginia · VA

Trucking Jobs in Roanoke, VA

CDL driver opportunities, local salary data, top industries, and major employers in Roanoke, Virginia.

Avg CDL Salary

$46,000 - $64,000

Population

310,000

Truck Stops

12

Cost of Living

Below Average

Top Industries in Roanoke

These industries drive freight demand and create the most CDL trucking jobs in the Roanoke metropolitan area.

1
Transportation & Logistics
2
Healthcare
3
Higher Education
4
Railroad (Norfolk Southern)
5
Manufacturing

Major Trucking Employers in Roanoke

These companies and facilities employ CDL truck drivers and logistics professionals in the Roanoke, VA area.

Carilion Clinic
Norfolk Southern (major operations)
Virginia Tech (nearby Blacksburg)
Advance Auto Parts (HQ)
Kroger Distribution

Nearby Interstates & Freight Corridors

These major highways serve Roanoke and carry the highest volumes of commercial truck traffic through the area.

I-81
I-581
US-220
US-460

Trucking in Roanoke, VA

Roanoke is a railroad town at heart — Norfolk Southern's major operations center reflects the city's century-long relationship with rail freight. But it's the I-81 highway corridor that drives the modern trucking economy. I-81 through the Shenandoah Valley carries more truck traffic per mile than almost any other non-urban interstate segment in America, creating a constant flow of freight between the Southeast and Northeast that makes Roanoke a natural relay and service point. Advance Auto Parts distributes automotive parts from Roanoke-area operations to thousands of stores across the eastern U.S. Kroger operates a major distribution center serving grocery stores in Virginia and West Virginia. Carilion Clinic is the region's dominant healthcare system, generating medical supply freight. The Blue Ridge Mountains that make Roanoke scenically beautiful also create trucking challenges — grades exceeding 5% are common on connecting routes, and winter weather on the mountain passes can surprise drivers more accustomed to the gentler terrain of the coastal plain. Roanoke's affordable cost of living and access to outdoor recreation make it an attractive home base for drivers working the I-81 corridor.

See all trucking jobs in Virginia

CDL salary data, freight corridors, and industries across VA

Ready to Start Driving?

Submit your profile and we will match you with companies hiring drivers in Roanoke, VA.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Roanoke

How does I-81 freight affect Roanoke?

I-81 through the Shenandoah Valley is one of the most heavily traveled truck corridors in the eastern U.S. Roanoke is a natural service and relay point for the massive volume of freight moving between the Southeast and Northeast on this route.

What is Advance Auto Parts' role?

Advance Auto Parts, headquartered in Raleigh but with major operations in Roanoke, distributes auto parts to over 4,700 stores. The distribution network generates dry van freight from Roanoke-area facilities.

What are the mountain driving challenges near Roanoke?

The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Roanoke create steep grades on I-81 and connecting highways. The Christiansburg grade on I-81 south of Roanoke and the Afton Mountain grade on I-64 are particularly challenging for loaded trucks.