Truck Driver Jobs in Springfield, MO

Springfield is a high-demand market for truck drivers with a metro population of 470K metro. Major employers in the area include Prime Inc, Bass Pro Shops Distribution, Jack Henry & Associates, O'Reilly Auto Parts DC. Key freight corridors like I-44 East-West Corridor keep loads moving consistently. Across Missouri, there are approximately 55,000+ active truck drivers. Steady growth — Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's consolidating distribution operations in Springfield. O'Reilly expanding their DC network using Springfield as the hub. John Deere Reman facility adding capacity. Springfield Underground attracting new tenants.

Truck drivers in the Springfield area typically earn $50,000 - $76,000 annually, depending on equipment type, experience, and routes. The cost of living in Springfield is 14% below national average, meaning your take-home pay stretches further here. The statewide average for Missouri is $48,000 - $70,000. Springfield's higher demand often pushes local rates above the state average. Typical weekly miles: Local: 600-1,000 | Regional: 1,800-2,300 | OTR: 2,500-3,000.

Major carriers and logistics companies hiring in Springfield include Prime Inc, Bass Pro Shops Distribution, Jack Henry & Associates, O'Reilly Auto Parts DC. 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 retail and grocery distribution and healthcare. O Trucking connects you with loads from these carriers and many others, letting you choose which freight to haul.

Key freight corridors near Springfield include I-44 East-West Corridor, US-65 North-South Route, US-60 East Route. These routes carry distribution and automotive freight and provide consistent load availability for local, regional, and OTR drivers. Nearby trucking hubs include Joplin, MO (70 mi via I-44) and St. Louis, MO (215 mi via I-44), giving you multiple directional options for outbound loads.

CDL training facilities near Springfield include OTC CDL Program - Springfield and Prime Truck Driving Academy. 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 Springfield. However, living near Springfield gives you access to local routes (home nightly) and lets you build relationships with area shippers and receivers. Springfield's cost of living is 14% below national average, which is worth factoring into your decision. If Springfield isn't your home base, we can still match you with freight that routes through the area.

The top equipment types for Springfield are: Dry van, Reefer, Box truck, Flatbed. Dry van — Bass Pro Shops and O'Reilly Auto Parts distribution. The distribution sector drives specialized equipment demand. Tell us your equipment type and we'll show you what's available.

Good — Love's at I-44 Exit 70 and Pilot at I-44 Exit 82 are convenient. The TA at I-44/US-65 interchange is well-positioned. Independent lots along Kearney Street serve O'Reilly distribution drivers. Diesel in Springfield is among the cheapest in the Midwest — $0.12-0.18/gal below national average. I-44 corridor stations compete aggressively on price.

US-65 (James River Freeway) through Springfield has a 60-mph truck speed limit. Downtown Springfield has designated truck routes — Commercial Street and Campbell Avenue are the main ones. Oversize loads on I-44 through the Ozarks require advance MODOT permits for bridge clearances. Springfield Underground has specific delivery windows and vehicle height restrictions at mine entrances. Always check local signage for recent changes, especially in construction zones.

Ozarks weather is volatile — ice storms are the #1 winter hazard (more dangerous than snow). I-44 east toward Rolla through the Ozark hills sees frequent black ice. Spring brings severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. US-65 south toward Branson has steep grades and curves. Plan your routes and schedule around these seasonal patterns for the best experience driving out of Springfield.