Dry Van Driver Salary in North Carolina
2026 pay data for dry van truck drivers in North Carolina (NC).
North Carolina Pay
$50,000 - $75,000
National Average
$52,000 - $78,000
vs National
-$2,000
CDL Required
CDL-A
Dry Van Pay in North Carolina
Dry Van truck drivers in North Carolina earn $50,000 - $75,000 annually — slightly below the national average of $52,000 - $78,000. The southeast region's freight market, cost of living, and carrier competition all influence local pay rates. Dry van is the backbone of American freight, hauling everything from retail goods to packaged foods inside fully enclosed 53-foot trailers. It accounts for roughly 70% of all truckload freight in the U.
Dry Van Market Insight: North Carolina Region
Dry van freight dominates the Southeast's trucking landscape. Atlanta serves as the region's primary distribution hub, with massive warehousing clusters along I-285 and I-20. Consumer goods flow from Atlanta to every corner of the region, while e-commerce fulfillment centers in the Carolinas and Tennessee keep dry van demand consistently high. The I-75 corridor between Atlanta and Florida is one of the busiest dry van lanes in the country.
Pay by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated North Carolina Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-1 yr) | $43k - $56k |
| Mid-Level (1-3 yrs) | $50k - $68k |
| Experienced (3-5 yrs) | $55k - $75k |
| Veteran (5+ yrs) | $60k - $86k |
Top Dry Van Companies in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dry van drivers make in North Carolina?
Dry Van truck drivers in North Carolina earn approximately $50,000 - $75,000 per year. This is below the national average of $52,000 - $78,000 for dry van drivers.
What companies hire dry van drivers in North Carolina?
Top dry van carriers hiring in North Carolina include Old Dominion Freight Line (Thomasville HQ), FedEx Freight, Werner Enterprises. Many offer sign-on bonuses and benefits for experienced drivers.
Is North Carolina a good state for dry van trucking?
North Carolina pays slightly below the national average for dry van drivers, but lower cost of living may offset the difference. The state's freight volume and carrier presence create steady opportunities.
Dry Van Jobs in North Carolina
Find dry van positions paying $50,000 - $75,000 in NC.