Hire Truck Drivers in Kentucky
Access our network of 36,000+ CDL drivers in Kentucky. Average wages of $48,000-$64,000/year with very high demand across all equipment types.
Kentucky Driver Market Overview
Driver Pool
36,000+
Avg. Wage
$48,000-$64,000/year
Demand Level
very high
CDL Schools
50+ CDL schools
Our Turnover
64%
Top Hiring Cities in Kentucky
#1
Louisville
#2
Lexington
#3
Covington
#4
Bowling Green
#5
Richmond
Major Employers in Kentucky
UPS Worldport (Louisville)
Toyota (Georgetown)
Ford (Louisville)
Amazon SDF1-SDF9
Jim Beam
Hire Drivers in Kentucky by Equipment
Select an equipment type to see Kentucky-specific driver availability and requirements.
Dry Van
Class A
Demand: very high
Reefer
Class A
Demand: very high
Flatbed
Class A
Demand: very high
Step Deck
Class A
Demand: very high
Hotshot
Class A or B (varies by GVWR); some non-CDL under 26,000 lbs
Demand: very high
Box Truck
Class B (26,001+ lbs GVWR); non-CDL for under 26,000 lbs
Demand: very high
Car Hauler
Class A
Demand: very high
Tanker
Class A
Demand: very high
Power Only
Class A
Demand: very high
Intermodal
Class A
Demand: very high
CDL Training Pipeline in Kentucky
50+ CDL schools
CDL training programs in Kentucky
Kentucky's CDL training infrastructure produces a steady pipeline of new drivers. Combined with our national network, we can match your Kentucky-based positions with both local graduates and experienced drivers from neighboring states.
Why Hire Drivers in Kentucky
UPS Worldport makes Louisville the air-freight-to-ground connection hub
Automotive manufacturing creates constant flatbed and dry van demand
I-65/I-71/I-75/I-64 intersection provides exceptional freight connectivity
Bourbon industry generates unique specialized freight
Lower cost of living than Cincinnati or Nashville competitors
Hiring Drivers in Kentucky — FAQ
UPS Worldport in Louisville is the world's largest automated package-handling facility. This creates massive overnight freight demand — trailers need to move between 11 PM and 6 AM. Combined with Ford and Amazon operations, Louisville is a top-10 US freight market.
Kentucky drivers earn $48,000-$64,000 per year. UPS feeder driver positions and automotive freight lanes often pay above this range. The KYU weight-distance tax is an additional cost for owner-operators to consider.
Kentucky's KYU (Kentucky Usage) tax is a weight-distance tax unique to the state. It affects owner-operators and small fleets operating in Kentucky. Companies hiring through our staffing service handle this as part of fleet operations.
Dry van (UPS, Amazon, bourbon), flatbed (auto manufacturing), and reefer (food processing) lead demand. The overnight UPS feeder operation creates unique demand for drivers willing to work night shifts.
Very competitive, especially in Louisville. UPS, Amazon, Toyota, and Ford all recruit aggressively. Smaller companies need to differentiate with flexibility, home-time, or specialized freight to attract experienced drivers.