Truck Driving in Colorado

State Overview

There are over 12,660 trucking companies in Colorado and the industry employs 25,350 drivers. The highest paid truck drivers earn $54,750 ($26.32 hourly). The highest paying areas are the Northcentral Colorado non-metropolitan area with a Median Annual Salary of $49,930, Denver-Aurora-Broomfield ($47,740), and Greeley ($44,970).

Pros and Cons of Truck Driving in Colorado

GOOD: 

• Work is available for all types of truckers
• Main thoroughfares are well maintained
• Long stretches of highway with beautiful views

BAD: 

• Lots of restricted routes and strict state patrols
• Denver traffic is heavy and getting heavier by the month
• Driving in the mountains, blizzards, rain storms and floods

Truck Driving Tips for Colorado

• Get into the oil field. That’s where you will get a ton of experience
• Understand the fatigue that accompanies night driving
• Highway 287-N/S between I-80 and I-25 is not a hazmat route
• Tri-state is a great way to start i.e. UT, WY, CO, or OK, TX, CO
• Learn how to drive in harsh winter conditions

Fellow Truck Drivers in Colorado Say:

“You get a ton of experience driving around Colorado”

Francisco F. – 4 years of experience with 100,000 miles

GOOD
You get a ton of experience driving around Colorado. Highways, city streets, neighborhoods, driving incline and declines in the mountains, blizzards, rain storms and floods.

BAD
Initially, it will be driving in a blizzard on I-70 through the mountains or driving along truck trailer. You always have to be careful civilians some just don’t care.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Get into the oil field. That’s where you will get a ton of experience versus driving box truck throughout Colorado.

 

“Gorgeous state”

Scott D. – 5 years of experience and 500,000 miles

GOOD
1. Windshield time is very relaxing, long stretches of highway with beautiful views.

2. All types of truck work is available for all types of truckers.

3. Many of the main thoroughfares are well maintained.

BAD
Denver traffic is heavy and getting heavier by the month get an express toll and pre-pass if you can. There are allot of restricted routes (depending on your cargo/product) and state patrol is not very lenient about off route violations.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Tri-state is a great way to start i.e. UT, WY, CO, or OK, TX, CO. You get through the house frequently and you get the feel of longer hauls. Understand the fatigue that accompanies night driving and use your breaks for a quick nap.

 

“Beautiful and wide open spaces”