CDL A Trucking Jobs in Roanoke, VA
Roanoke sits on the I-81 corridor—one of the busiest freight arteries on the East Coast. That location gives CDL A drivers leverage: steady freight, multiple route types, and predictable home time options. Whether you want a local schedule, a regional loop with weekly resets, or higher-earning OTR, Roanoke is a practical base for a strong trucking career.
In this guide, you’ll get a fast read on the market, the types of CDL A jobs available, typical pay and benefits, entry and experience requirements, and what makes driving in the Blue Ridge region different—plus how MigWay keeps drivers moving with reliable planning, modern equipment, and weekly home time.
Current Job Market Overview
- Local landscape: Roanoke’s position along I-81 with access to US-220 and US-460 makes it a manufacturing and distribution hub serving the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
- Driver demand: Consistent need for CDL A drivers across local, regional, and OTR lanes—especially foodservice, building materials, retail distribution, and flatbed freight.
- Major employers: MigWay (asset-based OTR and regional), Old Dominion Freight Line, Sysco, and multiple local carriers operate daily in and around the valley.
- Growth drivers: Proximity to ports and interstates, steady industrial output, and year-round consumer distribution keep Roanoke lanes active.
Types of CDL A Jobs Available
Local Routes (Home Daily)
Day cabs and slip-seat options hauling foodservice, retail, or building materials. Typical start times are early morning with predictable stop counts. Hourly or route-day pay is common.
Regional Routes (Home Weekly)
Out 3–5 nights, back for resets. Coverage often includes VA, NC, WV, MD, and TN. Strong fit for drivers seeking consistency without full OTR.
Long-Haul / OTR Opportunities
Nationwide dry van and full truckload freight with higher earning potential. At scale miles, many experienced drivers target 2,500–3,000+ mi/week with performance bonuses.
Specialized Hauling
Flatbed (steel, lumber, construction materials), refrigerated (food and pharma), and tanker (where available). Extra endorsements and securement skills can increase pay.
Dedicated Routes
Steady customer lanes with set pickup/delivery windows, familiar routes, and consistent planning—less variability, more routine.
Salary and Compensation
Typical Roanoke range: $50,000–$75,000 per year, depending on experience, lane type, endorsements, and weekly miles. Actual earnings vary by carrier, freight mix, and schedule.
| Comp Model | Where You’ll See It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per-Mile (CPM) | Regional & OTR | Common structure with performance bonuses and accessorial pay. |
| Hourly / Route Day | Local | Useful for multi-stop, city routes with dwell and traffic time. |
| Salary (select roles) | Dedicated / Private Fleet | Stability and predictability; fewer fluctuations by week. |
- Bonuses & incentives: Many carriers offer safety bonuses, fuel/idle incentives, and occasional sign-on programs.
- Benefits: Medical/dental/vision, paid time off, 401(k), and referral bonuses are common in the market.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Valid CDL A with active medical certification (DOT physical).
- Clean MVR & safety record: Limited recent violations and no serious preventables (carrier policies vary).
- Experience: Entry-level options exist locally; most regional/OTR roles prefer recent experience. MigWay hires experienced OTR drivers (typically 2+ years recent experience) for top performance and pay.
- Background & drug screen: DOT-compliant pre-employment screening is standard.
- Endorsements (optional): T, N, or X and flatbed securement skills can expand your options and pay.
Note: Requirements can vary by company and account. Always confirm specifics with the hiring team.
Benefits of Driving in Roanoke, VA
- Strategic highways: I-81 with quick connectors to US-220 and US-460 keeps you close to freight.
- Quality of life: Access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, parks, and outdoor recreation between runs.
- Cost of living: Generally lower than large metros, so your paycheck goes further.
- Seasonal awareness: Mountain grades and winter weather require smart trip planning and speed management.
Work with MigWay
MigWay is an asset-based carrier running a modern fleet and precision planning. We pay competitively on all miles, provide weekly home time, and keep dispatch 24/7—no outsourcing. You get clear loads, real support, and the equipment to do the job right.
- Performance-driven pay with bonus potential
- Weekly home time; strong Mid-Atlantic & East-of-I-35 lanes
- Modern equipment, proactive maintenance, and live tracking
- Referral bonus programs
Apply now to speak with recruiting.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Roanoke is a smart base for CDL A drivers—strong freight, flexible route types, and cost-of-living advantages. If you’re targeting local schedules, regional consistency, or OTR pay, the valley puts you on the right lanes.
Ready to move? Join MigWay and run with a team that plans well, communicates clearly, and keeps your wheels turning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical CDL A salaries in Roanoke?
Many drivers see $50,000–$75,000 per year depending on experience, endorsements, lane type, and weekly miles. Specialized and high-mileage roles can exceed that range.
Are there home-daily CDL A jobs in Roanoke?
Yes. Foodservice, retail distribution, and building materials support multiple local, home-daily options, often with hourly or route-day pay.
Is regional work available with weekly home time?
Yes. Regional loops across VA/NC/WV/MD/TN are common, offering home weekly schedules and consistent planning.
Do I need endorsements to get hired?
No. Endorsements aren’t required for many dry-van roles, but T/N/X and flatbed securement can unlock higher-paying lanes.
What are the key highways for Roanoke drivers?
I-81 is the primary corridor, with fast access to US-220 and US-460—great for reaching nearby DCs and regional customers.
How do I apply with MigWay?
Call +1-980-255-3200 or use the “Apply now” link to connect with recruiting.