Agriculture & Farm Trucking Jobs
Agriculture trucking encompasses the transport of grain, livestock, produce, feed, fertilizer, and farm equipment across the American heartland and beyond. This sector is deeply seasonal — harvest seasons in the Midwest and Great Plains create massive spikes in demand for hopper bottom trailers, gra...
Avg Pay
$50,000 - $80,000
Growth
+5% through 2028
Seasonality
Seasonal
Top States
10 States
About Agriculture & Farm Trucking
Agriculture trucking encompasses the transport of grain, livestock, produce, feed, fertilizer, and farm equipment across the American heartland and beyond. This sector is deeply seasonal — harvest seasons in the Midwest and Great Plains create massive spikes in demand for hopper bottom trailers, grain trucks, and flatbeds. Drivers in agriculture often work for cooperatives, feed mills, ethanol plants, or independent farmers during peak periods. The work involves loading at grain elevators, navigating rural roads to farms, and delivering to processing facilities or export terminals. Livestock haulers need specialized knowledge of animal welfare regulations and loading procedures. Produce drivers in California, Washington, and Florida operate refrigerated trailers under strict temperature and timing requirements. Many agricultural trucking positions are local or regional, offering good home time compared to OTR freight. The sector provides critical infrastructure — without truck drivers, American agriculture simply does not function.
Requirements & Qualifications
Equipment Used
Top Employers
Top States for Agriculture & Farm Trucking
These states have the highest demand for agriculture & farm trucking drivers based on employer activity, freight volume, and industry presence.
Iowa
$47,000 - $70,000 avg CDL
Illinois
$52,000 - $80,000 avg CDL
Indiana
$49,000 - $74,000 avg CDL
Nebraska
$47,000 - $70,000 avg CDL
Kansas
$46,000 - $68,000 avg CDL
Minnesota
$50,000 - $76,000 avg CDL
Wisconsin
$50,000 - $75,000 avg CDL
California
$55,000 - $85,000 avg CDL
Washington
$55,000 - $82,000 avg CDL
Oregon
$52,000 - $78,000 avg CDL
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Frequently Asked Questions About Agriculture & Farm Trucking
When is peak season for agriculture trucking?
Grain harvest season runs from September through November in the Midwest, with wheat harvest earlier (June-July) in Kansas and Oklahoma. Produce season peaks March through October depending on the crop and region. Spring planting season (March-May) also creates demand for fertilizer and seed hauling.
Do I need special training for livestock hauling?
While no formal certification is required beyond a CDL, livestock haulers must understand animal welfare transportation regulations, proper loading density, ventilation requirements, and the 28-hour law for animal transport. Most livestock carriers provide in-house training on humane handling procedures.
Can I make full-time income from seasonal agriculture trucking?
Many drivers work agriculture during harvest season ($15,000-$30,000 in 2-3 months) and switch to construction, flatbed, or dry van freight in the off-season. Some large agricultural operations like Cargill and ADM offer year-round positions at grain elevators and processing facilities.
What is the difference between a hopper bottom and a grain trailer?
Hopper bottom trailers have sloped floors with gates at the bottom for gravity-unloading grain. Traditional grain trailers (straight-side) require tipping or auger unloading. Hopper bottoms are more common for commercial grain hauling due to faster unload times at elevators and processing plants.
Is agriculture trucking hard on equipment?
Yes. Farm roads, muddy fields, grain dust, and heavy loads accelerate wear on trucks and trailers. Drivers should expect dusty conditions, unpaved surfaces, and the need for frequent washouts between loads. Equipment maintenance costs are typically higher than standard dry van operations.