Iowa Trucking Jobs

You have many trucking jobs in Iowa to choose from. By exploring the many opportunities, you can find a very satisfying career as a trucker. The best part is that you will only need a CDL in order to access the majority of jobs out there.

Salary and Career Outlook

Like any other state, Iowa requires a Class A CDL for driving the largest trucks.  Additional endorsements may be required depending on the freight being hauled.  There are over 35,000 residents employed as heavy haul drivers, making an average of $37,720 per year (data from BLS.gov).

There is a lot of stability with a career in trucking in Iowa. Not only are there many employers now looking for drivers but that will only increase, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth for truckers will be at 21 percent by 2020. This means there will be 21 percent more opportunities for you to explore.

Some of the top trucking industries in Iowa include petrol and oil, manufacturing, general trucking and others. Take the time to see what each industry has to offer so you can be sure you will enjoy your career for the long haul.

Important Laws and Regulations

In Iowa, it’s not uncommon to come across ice and snow on the roads in the winter. Although there are no specific laws regarding them, you will need them in certain areas to avoid skidding. The state also asks that you don’t use snow chains on the roads unless the conditions warrant them.

You don’t have to abide by any anti-idling laws like some states, but you can still earn points on your license with other violations. Speeding, changing lanes without signaling, failure to yield and other traffic violations can be added to your driving record. If you obtain too many points in a year, your license could be suspended. Employers will run your driving record before making an offer to you – and too many points can cost you your employment.

When you are in Iowa, you will need a commercial driver’s license. You must be 18 in order to apply for the license and you will also need to supply a medical certificate. Additionally, if your employer wishes to have you drive across state borders, you must be 21 or older in order to comply with this request.

If you need CDL training, view our list of truck driving schools in Iowa for a school near you.