Truck Driving Jobs in Hawaii

Apply for CDL Jobs in Hawaii

Truck driving jobs in Hawaii may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of this beautiful state. However, working for trucking companies in Hawaii can give you the chance to live in and enjoy all that this state has to offer, both personally and professionally. The CDL jobs in Hawaii give you a chance to earn a living while traveling the state. Plus, you can even bring your spouse or dog with you to work!

Getting Your CDL in Order to Work for Trucking Companies in Hawaii

You are legally required to obtain your Commercial Drivers License (CDL), to be employed in truck driving jobs in Hawaii. To get your CDL, you must first obtain your Hawaii Commercial Learners Permit (CLP).

The process for doing this includes providing documentation that you are a resident of Hawaii, are at least 21 years of age, and have a valid Hawaii driver’s license. You must also pass a DOT physical exam, a vision exam, and the CDL general knowledge test. You can then submit your required documentation and paperwork with your application and pay the required fees.

What do the trucking companies in Hawaii require of their drivers?

Hawaii truck driving companies are committed to safety and customer satisfaction. For these reasons, they set certain hiring requirements in place. Trucking companies in Hawaii protect themselves and their interests by setting these employment requirements in place. In most cases, they are very strict standards with no room for deviation.

These requirements are not the same for every company, however, they are usually similar. The most common hiring requirements put forth by the trucking companies in Hawaii include:

Hawaii Truck Driving Salary and Benefits

Even if driving a tractor-trailer is something you are passionate about, you can’t deny that your paycheck and available benefits are also an important factor when choosing your future career and employment. CDL jobs in Hawaii offer some exciting benefits and better than average pay.

Hawaii trucking companies generally pay their truck drivers somewhat more than the national average for this career field. As of 2016, trucking jobs in Hawaii paid their truck drivers between $29,000 and $64,950 per year, with the median income of a truck or tractor-trailer driver being $44,510. Nationally, truck drivers will make between $26,900 and $63,100 annually. They have a median income of $41,340, according to the United States Department of Labor.

The trucking companies in Hawaii report that their drivers can make $1,000 or more per week after training if you are a solo driver. Team drivers generally make a higher wage, however, that wage is split between the two of them.

These pay rates can increase depending on experience, the type of products or materials you are hauling, and how many miles you drive. Drivers can also earn bonuses working for trucking companies in Hawaii by referring other potential employees, staying with the company for a set period of time, and having excellent safety records.

Hawaii truck driving companies usually offer at least some of the following benefits to those working in truck driving jobs in Hawaii:

Hawaii Taxes and Cost of Living

Even if salary and benefits for Hawaii trucking companies sound lucrative, you must also examine the typical living expenses for this state. Sometimes, a higher wage will not make much difference if you are living in a state that generally has a higher cost of living.

Typical living expenses in Hawaii for a single adult living alone are $31,143 before standard wage deductions. The same expenses for a family of four in Hawaii is $85,213. Out of all 50 states, Hawaii ranks #21 for the lowest state and local tax with a rate of 10.33%

Although you will not have to pay for your own fuel expenses when working CDL jobs in Hawaii, owner-operators will need to consider this expense. As of May 2017, the national average price for a gallon of diesel fuel is $2.338, while in Hawaii the price is significantly higher at $3.065.

Driving Conditions for Truck Drivers in Hawaii

Truck drivers in Hawaii can potentially experience a variety of driving and road conditions. Many truckers are attracted to jobs here as they do not have to deal with snowy or icy roads. However, you may experience other difficult or unpleasant driving conditions such as heavy rains, flooded roads and thick fog from time to time.

Mud and rock slides can sometimes occur, delaying your arrival at your destination. Heat and humidity are common, causing potentially uncomfortable conditions for both you and your truck.

Unless you are driving in a heavily populated area such as Oahu or Honolulu, heavy traffic is usually not an issue. Hawaii is mountainous in certain areas and is known for some very treacherous smaller roads. Sticking to main roads that are more frequently traveled will help you stay safe on the road and get you to your destination on time.

Expected Growth for Truck Driving Jobs in Hawaii

Between 2014 and 2024, the United States Department of Labor predicts an average rate of growth for truck driving jobs in Hawaii, in comparison with the same job in other states. Hawaii is expected to see a 6% growth with an additional 90 job openings each year. Across the United States, jobs for people driving heavy and tractor-trailers are expected to grow by 40,450 between 2014 and 2024, which also represents a 6% growth overall.

Those working in truck driving jobs in Hawaii appreciate all that this majestic state can offer them. Not only do they get paid decently from trucking companies in Hawaii but they also get robust benefits and the enjoyment of exploring all the natural beauty that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer.

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