Truck Driver Jobs in Hilo, HI

Hilo is a low-demand market for truck drivers with a metro population of 45K city (Big Island, Hawaii County). Major employers in the area include Big Island Freight, Aloha Petroleum, HC&S Transport, Hawaii Electric Light. Key freight corridors like HI-19 Hawaii Belt Road North keep loads moving consistently. Across Hawaii, there are approximately 5,000+ active truck drivers. Stable with niche growth — Mauna Kea observatory projects require specialized heavy-haul up the summit access road. Puna geothermal expansion is generating equipment transport demand. Agricultural exports (especially high-value tropical flowers and specialty crops) are growing. Tourism recovery drives hospitality supply chain needs.

Truck drivers in the Hilo area typically earn $55,000 - $82,000 annually, depending on equipment type, experience, and routes. The cost of living in Hilo is 55% above national average, meaning your take-home pay stretches further here. The statewide average for Hawaii is $52,000 - $70,000. Actual earnings depend on your equipment, lane selection, and weekly miles. Typical weekly miles: Local: 200-400 | Big Island-wide: 400-700 (island is 93 miles across).

Major carriers and logistics companies hiring in Hilo include Big Island Freight, Aloha Petroleum, HC&S Transport, Hawaii Electric Light. These companies hire CDL-A, CDL-B, and non-CDL drivers for a variety of positions — from local delivery to OTR routes. Key industries driving freight demand include agriculture and astronomy and observatory logistics. O Trucking connects you with loads from these carriers and many others, letting you choose which freight to haul.

Key freight corridors near Hilo include HI-19 Hawaii Belt Road North, HI-11 Hawaii Belt Road South, Saddle Road Cross-Island. These routes carry tourism logistics and military freight and provide consistent load availability for local, regional, and OTR drivers. Nearby trucking hubs include Kona, HI (92 mi via Hwy 19 — Big Island's west side) and Waimea/Kamuela, HI (54 mi via Hwy 19), giving you multiple directional options for outbound loads.

CDL training facilities near Hilo include Hawaii Community College CDL and Big Island CDL Training. Most CDL-A programs take 3-7 weeks to complete and cost $3,000-7,000. Some programs offer financing or payment plans. Once you have your CDL, apply with O Trucking and start driving within 48 hours — no weeks of mandatory orientation.

No — your CDL works in all 50 states, and many drivers based elsewhere run loads into and out of Hilo. However, living near Hilo gives you access to local routes (home nightly) and lets you build relationships with area shippers and receivers. Hilo's cost of living is 55% above national average, which is worth factoring into your decision. If Hilo isn't your home base, we can still match you with freight that routes through the area.

The top equipment types for Hilo are: Flatbed, Reefer, Dry van, Tanker. Flatbed — oversized observatory equipment to Mauna Kea summit. The tourism logistics sector drives specialized equipment demand. Tell us your equipment type and we'll show you what's available.

Very limited — no chain truck stops on the Big Island. Drivers stage at the industrial area near the Port of Hilo on Kanoelehua Avenue or at Hilo's Puainako industrial strip. Kona side has some commercial parking near the Kona Industrial Area on Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Diesel prices are $1.10-1.60/gal above national average — the highest on the Big Island due to additional barge transport costs from Honolulu. Fuel up in Hilo before heading to remote areas; Kona-side fuel is slightly cheaper.

Mauna Kea summit access road requires a special permit for vehicles over 10 tons. Highway 19 through the Hamakua Coast has narrow bridges with weight restrictions and single-lane sections. Saddle Road (Hwy 200) was recently improved but still has steep grades (7%+). No trucks over 40 feet on Highway 11 through Volcanoes National Park without advance NPS authorization. Always check local signage for recent changes, especially in construction zones.

Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the United States — averaging 130+ inches of rain annually. Drivers must deal with constant wet roads, especially on Highway 19 north of town. Fog on Saddle Road near Mauna Kea can reduce visibility to near zero. Volcanic smog (vog) from Kilauea can affect air quality and visibility on the south side of the island. No cold weather, but rain gear and waterproof load securement are essential. Plan your routes and schedule around these seasonal patterns for the best experience driving out of Hilo.