Skip to content
MS

Trucking Jobs in Mississippi

Mississippi's trucking industry is supported by its position along the Mississippi River, growing automotive manufacturing, and extensive agricultural production. The state offers lower operating costs but also lower pay compared to neighboring states.

Avg CDL Salary

$42,000 - $64,000

Key Industries

5 Sectors

Freight Corridors

3 Major Routes

Key Industries in Mississippi

These industries drive the majority of freight demand in Mississippi, creating consistent trucking jobs for CDL drivers across multiple equipment types.

1
Automotive manufacturing (Nissan, Toyota)
2
Agriculture (cotton, catfish, poultry)
3
Forestry & paper products
4
Petroleum refining (Pascagoula)
5
Shipbuilding (Ingalls, Pascagoula)

Major Trucking Cities in Mississippi

These cities serve as primary freight hubs, distribution centers, and terminal locations for trucking companies operating in Mississippi.

Jackson, MS
Gulfport, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Tupelo, MS
Meridian, MS

Top Freight Corridors in Mississippi

These interstate highways and freight corridors carry the highest volume of commercial truck traffic through Mississippi.

I-55 (Jackson to Memphis and New Orleans)
I-20 (Jackson to Meridian and Vicksburg)
I-10 (Gulf Coast)

CDL Requirements in Mississippi

Mississippi DPS issues CDLs. The state has relatively straightforward licensing requirements. Lower insurance costs make Mississippi popular for new owner-operators establishing authority.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Mississippi

What is the trucking job market like in Mississippi?

Mississippi has steady trucking demand driven by Nissan (Canton) and Toyota (Blue Springs) plants, extensive agricultural operations, and Gulf Coast port activity. While pay averages are lower than the national mean, the state's very low cost of living helps offset the difference.

What industries need drivers in Mississippi?

Automotive parts hauling between plants is a major freight type. Poultry processing (Sanderson Farms, headquartered in Laurel) ships refrigerated loads nationwide. Pine timber harvesting feeds paper mills and sawmills throughout the state. Gulf Coast refineries need tanker drivers.

Is Mississippi a good state for new owner-operators?

Mississippi's low cost of living, lower insurance rates, and no vehicle inspection requirement make it relatively affordable to start an owner-operator business. The state's central Southeast location provides good access to freight in all directions. Many load board posts originate from Jackson and Gulfport.