Truck Driver Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville is a high-demand market for truck drivers with a metro population of 900K metro. Major employers in the area include Pilot Flying J, Denso Manufacturing, Bush Brothers, Roper Corporation. Key freight corridors like I-40 East-West Corridor keep loads moving consistently. Across Tennessee, there are approximately 58,000+ active truck drivers. Growing — Oak Ridge is receiving billions in DOE funding for nuclear modernization. Denso expanded its Maryville manufacturing plant. Amazon built a fulfillment center in Alcoa. The Pellissippi Parkway corridor is attracting new distribution tenants. Pilot Company (HQ'd here) continues investing in the region.

Truck drivers in the Knoxville area typically earn $51,000 - $77,000 annually, depending on equipment type, experience, and routes. The cost of living in Knoxville is 11% below national average, meaning your take-home pay stretches further here. The statewide average for Tennessee is $48,000 - $72,000. Knoxville'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.

Major carriers and logistics companies hiring in Knoxville include Pilot Flying J, Denso Manufacturing, Bush Brothers, Roper Corporation. 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 energy and nuclear and manufacturing. O Trucking connects you with loads from these carriers and many others, letting you choose which freight to haul.

Key freight corridors near Knoxville include I-40 East-West Corridor, I-75 North-South Corridor, I-81 Northeast Corridor. These routes carry distribution and automotive freight and provide consistent load availability for local, regional, and OTR drivers. Nearby trucking hubs include Chattanooga, TN (110 mi via I-75) and Nashville, TN (180 mi via I-40), giving you multiple directional options for outbound loads.

CDL training facilities near Knoxville include Pellissippi State CDL Program and Knoxville CDL Training 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 Knoxville. However, living near Knoxville gives you access to local routes (home nightly) and lets you build relationships with area shippers and receivers. Knoxville's cost of living is 11% below national average, which is worth factoring into your decision. If Knoxville isn't your home base, we can still match you with freight that routes through the area.

The top equipment types for Knoxville are: Dry van, Flatbed, Step deck, Reefer. Dry van — I-40/I-75 corridor distribution to Southeast and Midwest. The distribution sector drives specialized equipment demand. Tell us your equipment type and we'll show you what's available.

Good along the I-40/I-75 corridor — Pilot (headquartered in Knoxville) has multiple locations including Exit 374 and Exit 398. Love's at I-75 Exit 108 (Watt Road) is well-positioned. The Watt Road truck corridor near I-40/I-75 has fuel, parking, and services. Diesel in Knoxville tends to be $0.05-0.10/gal below national average. Pilot Company's home-market pricing on Watt Road and Strawberry Plains is typically the cheapest in East Tennessee.

I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge (east toward NC) has chain requirements during winter advisories. Oak Ridge DOE facilities require DOE-issued security credentials. Neyland Drive near UT campus is restricted to trucks during football game days (7 home Saturdays/year). Height restriction of 13'9" on the Broadway viaduct downtown. Always check local signage for recent changes, especially in construction zones.

Mountain weather influence — sudden temperature drops and fog in the Smoky Mountain valleys. I-40 east through the Pigeon River Gorge is notorious for fog, ice, and truck accidents in winter. Summer thunderstorms with flash flooding in creek valleys. Ice storms happen 2-3 times per winter and paralyze the hilly city. Plan your routes and schedule around these seasonal patterns for the best experience driving out of Knoxville.