Dry Van Driver Salary in Tennessee
2026 pay data for dry van truck drivers in Tennessee (TN).
Tennessee Pay
$48,500 - $72,500
National Average
$52,000 - $78,000
vs National
-$3,500
CDL Required
CDL-A
Dry Van Pay in Tennessee
Dry Van truck drivers in Tennessee earn $48,500 - $72,500 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: Tennessee 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 Tennessee Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-1 yr) | $41k - $54k |
| Mid-Level (1-3 yrs) | $49k - $65k |
| Experienced (3-5 yrs) | $53k - $73k |
| Veteran (5+ yrs) | $58k - $83k |
Top Dry Van Companies in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dry van drivers make in Tennessee?
Dry Van truck drivers in Tennessee earn approximately $48,500 - $72,500 per year. This is below the national average of $52,000 - $78,000 for dry van drivers.
What companies hire dry van drivers in Tennessee?
Top dry van carriers hiring in Tennessee include Werner Enterprises, Averitt Express, Western Express. Many offer sign-on bonuses and benefits for experienced drivers.
Is Tennessee a good state for dry van trucking?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Find dry van positions paying $48,500 - $72,500 in TN.