Iowa is One of The Top States For Truckers and Here’s Why

I thought about making a change a few years back. After 25 years in radio, I figured I’d try something new. So, I went back to college and took a bunch of courses to see if I had a knack for anything else.

I dabbled in welding, truck driving, and some other book-learning classes. How did that turn out? Well, I’m still in radio, so not great! Welding definitely has its art, and let’s just say I’m not that kind of artist. And surprise, surprise: Iowa DOT and other state DOTs aren’t fans of CDL drivers who like to nap while driving. So, maybe don’t install a bed in the back if you’re going to have cruise control! A day cab is a bit trickier for snoozing, but hey, with enough effort, anything’s possible, right? Strike Two!

As for the book learning? Yeah, that was a strike three.

But if you’re into trucking—or if you already are—a tip: the Midwest is one of the best places for that career path. We’ve got all the states you need!

Why is the Midwest a Good Place for Trucking?

My buddy Shane has been a trucker for over 20 years and now runs a daily route twice a day in Texas. He used to live on the East Coast, just like I did, and even moved his family to the Midwest for a bit.

Shane always says that trucking on the East Coast can be a real challenge. It’s costly and super congested. If you’ve got a load, making sure it gets to its destination safely and on time while still turning a profit is getting harder by the day. Tolls for tractor-trailers can really add up, and when you throw in constant traffic and bad weather? Forget it! It was clear a change was needed.

Where Can Truckers Do the Best?

The researchers at Freight Run have come up with the 10 Best States for Truckers.  Iowa is at #5 on that list.

TOP 10 Best States for Truckers

1. North Dakota

2. Nebraska

3. Wyoming

4. Arkansas

5. IOWA!!!! (woot, woot)

6. New Jersey, 7. Indiana, 8. Alaska, 9. Mississippi 10. Tennessee

Freight Run says Iowa is a "prime" state for truck drivers. It offers a great balance of jobs with decent wages, and its central location in the Midwest makes it ideal for trucking.

But I was surprised to see New Jersey on that list! Have you ever driven on the New Jersey Turnpike? You don’t just drive there; it feels like a race! As soon as you grab your toll ticket, the race flag drops, and you better hit the gas. It's 5 to 6 lanes of fast-moving traffic, and people love to change lanes at 90 to 100 mph. I swear that must be part of the NJ driving test because it happens all the time!

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Truck driving there? No thanks! I guess there might be a few spots in the Garden State that are easier to navigate, but I wouldn’t bet on it!

How Do They Come Up With These Numbers?

Freight Run looked at Job Availability, Industry Demand, and What kind of wages you would bring in. They refer to that as the Annual Mean Wage and in Iowa, that's $53,470.

You can Find Out What It's Like

You can get a very good look at trucking life by stopping by Youtube.com.  Many, many truckers live their lives for all to see on the internet while driving the highways and byways all over this great country.  You can also see some very nice-looking rigs.

If you see something on a store shelf it most likely got there by truck.