Truck Driver Jobs in Jackson, MS
Jackson is one of the top trucking markets in Mississippi. CDL and non-CDL positions available. Average driver pay: $48,000 - $72,000.
Jackson Driver Job Market
Avg Driver Pay
$48,000
to $72,000
Job Demand
High Demand
Major Employers
4
carriers hiring
Key Corridors
3
freight routes
Driving in Jackson
Jackson is Mississippi's capital and the state's primary freight crossroads, sitting where I-55 meets I-20. The city's freight profile is diverse — government shipments, medical logistics from UMMC (the state's only Level I trauma center), and poultry processing from the massive Scott and Rankin County chicken operations. The Lakeland Drive and I-55 North corridors have the heaviest commercial traffic. The industrial district along Medgar Evers Boulevard and Highway 80 west of town houses most trucking terminals. Jackson's cost of living is among the lowest of any state capital, meaning your take-home stretches far. Drivers should note that the I-20/I-55 downtown interchange (the "Stack") is under long-term reconstruction.
Jackson Trucking Market Intelligence
Population
580K metro
Cost of Living
18% below national average
Diesel Prices
Mississippi has among the lowest diesel prices in the nation — $0
Weekly Miles
Local: 700-1,100
Industries Driving Freight in Jackson
Best Equipment Types for Jackson
Reefer — poultry from Sanderson Farms and Tyson processing plants
Dry van — government supply runs and retail distribution
Tanker — petroleum products from Yazoo City refinery
Flatbed — Continental Tire manufacturing materials and construction freight
Market Outlook
Moderate — Continental Tire opened a $1.45B manufacturing plant in Clinton (west of Jackson), adding 2,500 jobs and significant outbound freight. Amazon delivery station in Pearl. UMMC campus expansion continues through 2027.
Jackson's extremely low cost of living means owner-operators keep more net income here than almost any other state capital — housing costs are 35-40% below the national median.
Major Employers in Jackson
These carriers and logistics companies are actively hiring CDL-A, CDL-B, and non-CDL drivers in the Jackson area.
Freight Corridors Near Jackson
These corridors provide consistent freight for drivers based in and around Jackson.
Driver Logistics in Jackson
Weather & Seasonal Factors
Mild winters with occasional ice storms that shut down elevated highway ramps. Summer heat and humidity are extreme — 95°F+ with 80% humidity from June through September. Thunderstorms and tornado watches are common March-May. The Pearl River floods periodically, affecting access to east Jackson industrial areas.
Truck Parking
Good — Love's at I-55 Exit 99 (Byram) and Pilot at I-20 Exit 47 (Pearl) are the main options. TA at I-55 Exit 108 (North Jackson). Rest area on I-55 south of Jackson has 25+ truck spaces.
Local Restrictions
I-20/I-55 Stack interchange has ongoing construction with lane shifts and reduced speed limits through 2027. Capitol Street downtown is restricted to trucks under 10,000 lbs. Hazmat loads must use the I-220 bypass around Jackson — no hazmat on I-55 through downtown.
Nearby Trucking Hubs
- Memphis, TN (210 mi via I-55)
- Birmingham, AL (195 mi via I-20)
- New Orleans, LA (190 mi via I-55)
- Hattiesburg, MS (110 mi via US-49)
Typical Weekly Miles from Jackson
Local
700-1,100
Regional
2,000-2,500
OTR
2,600-3,200
Available Positions by Equipment
Browse Jackson driving jobs by equipment type.
CDL Training Near Jackson
Most CDL programs take 3-7 weeks. Once you have your CDL, apply with O Trucking and start driving within 48 hours.
Apply for Driving Jobs in Jackson
Takes less than 60 seconds. Our team responds within 24 hours.
More Driver Jobs in Mississippi
Truck Driver Jobs in Jackson — FAQ
Have questions? We've got answers. If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.
How many truck driver jobs are available in Jackson?
Jackson is a high-demand market for truck drivers with a metro population of 580K metro. Major employers in the area include Ergon Trucking, Cal-Maine Foods, Sanderson Farms, KLLM Transport. Key freight corridors like I-55 North-South Corridor keep loads moving consistently. Across Mississippi, there are approximately 28,000+ active truck drivers. Moderate — Continental Tire opened a $1.45B manufacturing plant in Clinton (west of Jackson), adding 2,500 jobs and significant outbound freight. Amazon delivery station in Pearl. UMMC campus expansion continues through 2027.
How much do truck drivers earn in Jackson, MS?
Truck drivers in the Jackson area typically earn $48,000 - $72,000 annually, depending on equipment type, experience, and routes. The cost of living in Jackson is 18% below national average, meaning your take-home pay stretches further here. The statewide average for Mississippi is $42,000 - $62,000. Jackson's higher demand often pushes local rates above the state average. Typical weekly miles: Local: 700-1,100 | Regional: 2,000-2,500 | OTR: 2,600-3,200.
Who are the major trucking employers in Jackson?
Major carriers and logistics companies hiring in Jackson include Ergon Trucking, Cal-Maine Foods, Sanderson Farms, KLLM Transport. 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 government and state agency logistics and healthcare. O Trucking connects you with loads from these carriers and many others, letting you choose which freight to haul.
What freight corridors run through Jackson?
Key freight corridors near Jackson include I-55 North-South Corridor, I-20 East-West Corridor, US-49 South Route. These routes carry agriculture and automotive freight and provide consistent load availability for local, regional, and OTR drivers. Nearby trucking hubs include Memphis, TN (210 mi via I-55) and Birmingham, AL (195 mi via I-20), giving you multiple directional options for outbound loads.
Where can I get CDL training near Jackson?
CDL training facilities near Jackson include Hinds Community College CDL and Mississippi Truck Driving School. 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.
Do I need to live in Jackson to drive here?
No — your CDL works in all 50 states, and many drivers based elsewhere run loads into and out of Jackson. However, living near Jackson gives you access to local routes (home nightly) and lets you build relationships with area shippers and receivers. Jackson's cost of living is 18% below national average, which is worth factoring into your decision. If Jackson isn't your home base, we can still match you with freight that routes through the area.
What equipment types are in demand in Jackson?
The top equipment types for Jackson are: Reefer, Dry van, Tanker, Flatbed. Reefer — poultry from Sanderson Farms and Tyson processing plants. The agriculture sector drives specialized equipment demand. Tell us your equipment type and we'll show you what's available.
What's the truck parking situation in Jackson?
Good — Love's at I-55 Exit 99 (Byram) and Pilot at I-20 Exit 47 (Pearl) are the main options. TA at I-55 Exit 108 (North Jackson). Rest area on I-55 south of Jackson has 25+ truck spaces. Mississippi has among the lowest diesel prices in the nation — $0.15-0.20/gal below national average. Jackson fuel prices are even cheaper than the state average at I-55 corridor stops.
Are there any truck route restrictions in Jackson?
I-20/I-55 Stack interchange has ongoing construction with lane shifts and reduced speed limits through 2027. Capitol Street downtown is restricted to trucks under 10,000 lbs. Hazmat loads must use the I-220 bypass around Jackson — no hazmat on I-55 through downtown. Always check local signage for recent changes, especially in construction zones.
What's the weather like for trucking in Jackson?
Mild winters with occasional ice storms that shut down elevated highway ramps. Summer heat and humidity are extreme — 95°F+ with 80% humidity from June through September. Thunderstorms and tornado watches are common March-May. The Pearl River floods periodically, affecting access to east Jackson industrial areas. Plan your routes and schedule around these seasonal patterns for the best experience driving out of Jackson.
Need dispatch services in Jackson? See our dry van dispatch or browse reefer, flatbed, and more equipment types.