Truck Driving in Kentucky

Kentucky road with sky and clouds in background

State Overview

There are over 11,550 trucking companies in Kentucky and the industry employs 28,410 drivers. The highest paid truck drivers earn $49,800 ($23.94). The highest paying areas are Elizabethtown with a Median Annual Salary of $44,610, Louisville-Jefferson County ($44,030), and Lexington-Fayette ($43,910).

Pros and Cons of Truck Driving in Kentucky

GOOD: 

  • Huge logistics hub. Plenty of regional and local work
  • Lots of 4 lane roads for side roads, quite a few truck stops
  • Moderate winter weather, beautiful scenery

BAD: 

  • Downtown Louisville has been under road construction for years
  • Especially bad traffic in Louisville, lots of slowdowns in rural areas
  • Strict DOT regulations

Truck Driving Tips for Kentucky

  • Hang in there, don’t be afraid to ask a veteran for help if you need it
  • Watch your speed around curves and never be in a rush to back up
  • Don’t let dispatchers push you to run more than is legal
  • Hang in there. It will pay off in the long run
  • Be careful when merging. People don’t know how to merge onto the interstate

Fellow Truck Drivers in Kentucky Say:

“Never risk hurting yourself or anyone else over any load”

Dwight A. – 8 years driving experience

GOOD
Lots of nice scenery, lots of 4 lane roads for side roads, quite a few truck stops, most highways have easy access, signs telling other drivers to leave more room for trucks when passing.

BAD
heavy traffic, bad roads, crazy drivers, lots of construction, Louisville has lots of road construction, especially bad traffic from 7-9 A.M and 4-6 P.M. in Louisville, lots of slow moving traffic in rural farm areas.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Be as safe as possible, watch your speed around curves, never be in a rush to back up, If you start feeling tired pull over and get out for a few minutes, never risk hurting yourself or anyone else over any load, be courteous to other drivers. Slow down always use extra caution, watch following distance, always watch as far ahead as possible for trouble ahead, Don’t let dispatchers push you to run more than is legal.

 

“Good luck!”

Mike H. – 20 years under my belt

GOOD
The people and the scenery..

BAD
In Louisville and Northern KY area mainly a headache…

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Keep your eyes forward and sometimes backward

 

“Keep your eyes on the road and hands upon the wheel”

Frank A. – 20 years of driving experience

GOOD
Good interstates ( when there is no construction ) beautiful scenery…

BAD
Construction, DOT…

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Keep your eyes on the road and hands upon the wheel… ask all the questions you can when you get around old timers…Speed limit…

 

“Never think you know it all”

Robert K. – 22 years on the road

GOOD
Good roads, Moderate winter weather

BAD
Reckless drivers, They’re everywhere!

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
People don’t know how to merge onto the interstate.

 

“Remember GOAL.”

Don B. – 3 years driving OTR

GOOD
Most establishments are trucker friendly. Also, weigh stations allow trucks to park overnight.

BAD
Downtown Louisville has been under road construction for years, with no end in sight.

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Hang in there, it gets easier. And don’t be afraid to ask a veteran for help if you need it.

 

“Cherish your license”

Jeremiah F. – 1 year driving OTR

GOOD
Good loving

BAD
A lot of DOT regulations

TIP TO NEW DRIVERS
Hang in there. It will pay off in the long run. Always abide by the law