Truck Driver Jobs in Lincoln, NE

Lincoln is a medium-demand market for truck drivers with a metro population of 340K metro. Major employers in the area include Kawasaki Motors, Goodyear Tire, Duncan Aviation, Nelnet Logistics. Key freight corridors like I-80 East-West Corridor keep loads moving consistently. Across Nebraska, there are approximately 22,000+ active truck drivers. Moderate growth — Lincoln is steadily growing as Omaha overflow. Costco considering distribution expansion. University of Nebraska Innovation Campus attracting ag-tech companies. State government building projects ongoing.

Truck drivers in the Lincoln area typically earn $50,000 - $76,000 annually, depending on equipment type, experience, and routes. The cost of living in Lincoln is 10% below national average, meaning your take-home pay stretches further here. The statewide average for Nebraska is $48,000 - $68,000. Actual earnings depend on your equipment, lane selection, and weekly miles. Typical weekly miles: Local: 600-1,000 | Regional: 1,800-2,400 | OTR: 2,500-3,000.

Major carriers and logistics companies hiring in Lincoln include Kawasaki Motors, Goodyear Tire, Duncan Aviation, Nelnet Logistics. 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 university of nebraska logistics. O Trucking connects you with loads from these carriers and many others, letting you choose which freight to haul.

Key freight corridors near Lincoln include I-80 East-West Corridor, US-77 North-South Route, US-34 East Route. These routes carry agriculture and food processing freight and provide consistent load availability for local, regional, and OTR drivers. Nearby trucking hubs include Omaha, NE (55 mi via I-80) and Grand Island, NE (100 mi via I-80), giving you multiple directional options for outbound loads.

CDL training facilities near Lincoln include Southeast Community College CDL - Lincoln and Capital City CDL 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 Lincoln. However, living near Lincoln gives you access to local routes (home nightly) and lets you build relationships with area shippers and receivers. Lincoln's cost of living is 10% below national average, which is worth factoring into your decision. If Lincoln isn't your home base, we can still match you with freight that routes through the area.

The top equipment types for Lincoln are: Dry van, Reefer, Flatbed, Hopper/grain. Dry van — government supply runs and university logistics. The agriculture sector drives specialized equipment demand. Tell us your equipment type and we'll show you what's available.

Good — Pilot at I-80 Exit 388 (Pleasant Dale) and Bosselman's at I-80 Exit 379 (York area). Sapp Bros at I-80 Exit 401 is the closest major stop to Lincoln proper. Independent lots along Cornhusker Highway. Diesel in Lincoln is $0.03-0.05/gal cheaper than Omaha and $0.08-0.12/gal below national average. Best prices at Bosselman's and Sapp Bros on I-80.

Downtown Lincoln has a truck route ordinance — O Street and 27th Street are the primary permitted routes. University of Nebraska campus area restricts trucks on game days (entire day, not just game time). I-80 through Lincoln has a 60-mph truck speed limit. Weight restrictions on many Lancaster County roads during spring thaw. Always check local signage for recent changes, especially in construction zones.

Classic Great Plains weather — blizzards in winter (30 inches of snow average), severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in spring/summer, and 100°F+ heat in July-August. I-80 is a wind tunnel — high-profile loads get blown around regularly. Ice storms hit 2-3 times per winter. Plan your routes and schedule around these seasonal patterns for the best experience driving out of Lincoln.