Mercer Transportation
$150,000 - $280,000+ gross (owner-operators)OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
Moderate Demand
Over-the-Road (OTR) Jobs in Kentucky
Browse otr trucking positions across Kentucky with top carriers hiring now.
Average Pay
$52,000 - $81,000
Demand Level
Moderate
Top Carriers
5+ Hiring
Key Cities
5+ Markets
OTR Trucking in Kentucky
Kentucky benefits from a growing distribution network and year-round mild weather that keeps freight moving. OTR drivers based here haul consumer goods, automotive parts, and agricultural products throughout the eastern U.S. Demand for OTR drivers in Kentucky is moderate, with carriers actively recruiting experienced drivers and offering competitive sign-on bonuses. The state's strategic location keeps freight volumes consistent year-round.
Top Companies Hiring OTR Drivers in KY
View Company
Anderson Trucking Service
$65,000 - $95,000OTR, Regional, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
Covenant Transport
$50,000 - $80,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Team, Expedited
Crete Carrier Corporation
$55,000 - $85,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Flatbed
CRST International
$48,000 - $80,000OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Team, Flatbed
Driving jobs we are recruiting for in Kentucky
Each of these is a live posting with the pay, home time and requirements set out in full. Applying takes about a minute.
OTR Dry Van Driver
$55,000 - $78,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Reefer Driver
$60,000 - $85,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Flatbed Driver
$61,500 - $87,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Step Deck Driver
$63,000 - $88,500/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Tanker Driver
$63,500 - $89,500/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Hazmat Driver
$65,000 - $92,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Car Hauler Driver
$66,000 - $93,500/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Oversized Driver
$69,500 - $98,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
Regional Intermodal Driver
$56,000 - $79,500/year · Home weekly
Local Box Truck Driver
$46,500 - $65,500/year · Home daily
Regional Dump Truck Driver
$52,500 - $74,000/year · Home most nights
Local Cement Mixer Driver
$53,000 - $74,500/year · Home daily
OTR Hotshot Driver
$57,500 - $81,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
Regional Less Than Truckload Driver
$58,500 - $82,500/year · Home weekly
OTR Power Only Driver
$55,000 - $78,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
Local Straight Truck Driver
$45,000 - $64,000/year · Home daily
Top Cities for OTR Jobs in Kentucky
Louisville
Kentucky
Lexington
Kentucky
Covington
Kentucky
Bowling Green
Kentucky
Paducah
Kentucky
Key Freight Routes in Kentucky
1
I-65 (Louisville to Nashville)
2
I-75 (Covington/Cincinnati to Tennessee)
3
I-64 (Louisville to Lexington and West Virginia)
Requirements for OTR Driving in KY
- Valid CDL-A license
- Minimum 6 months verifiable OTR experience (some carriers accept new graduates)
- Clean MVR with no major violations in the past 3 years
- DOT physical card (medical examiner's certificate)
- Ability to pass pre-employment drug screening
- Must be at least 21 years old for interstate driving
Start Your OTR Driving Career in Kentucky
Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring otr drivers in KY.
OTR Trucking Jobs in Kentucky — FAQs
How much do otr truck drivers make in Kentucky?
OTR truck drivers in Kentucky earn $52,000 - $81,000 annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. While base pay in Kentucky is near the national average, the lower cost of living means take-home pay stretches further than in coastal states. Sign-on bonuses are widely advertised in this market, but the amount, the qualifying period and the clawback terms differ by carrier — read the offer letter rather than the recruiting ad, and ask when the money actually lands.
What are the best OTR trucking routes through Kentucky?
Kentucky's interstate system connects drivers to major freight lanes across the region. Outbound loads from Kentucky typically move to distribution hubs in neighboring states, while inbound freight includes consumer goods, raw materials, and manufacturing inputs. Carriers based in or running through KY offer consistent miles with multiple routing options.
Are trucking companies in Kentucky hiring otr drivers in 2026?
Yes — otr driver demand in Kentucky is moderate heading into 2026. The otr segment in Kentucky is expanding, with carriers adding routes and increasing hiring as freight volumes grow. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in KY.