CDL-A Regional Dry Van Driver (Dallas) – Texas & Southwest Freight Lanes
Hiring Radius: Dallas–Fort Worth Area
📍 Dallas, TX 🚚 Regional Dry Van ⚙️ Sleeper Tractors
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Terminal Location:
Dallas–Fort Worth Logistics Corridor
Average Weekly Pay
$1,370–$1,810
Estimated Annual:
$71,240–$94,120
Sign-on Bonus: $1,000
Home Time: Home Weekly
Driver Type: Regional Dry Van
Weekly Miles: 1,980–2,540
Freight: Dry Van Palletized
Equipment: Freightliner Cascadia / Kenworth T680
Experience: 6 months preferred
Regional Dry Van Position Overview
A confidential regional carrier operating in the Dallas–Fort Worth freight market is hiring experienced CDL-A drivers for Regional Dry Van routes serving Texas and the Southwest. This position supports established freight contracts with retail distribution centers, consumer goods manufacturers, industrial suppliers, packaging companies, and third-party logistics providers.
Drivers operate late-model sleeper tractors on scheduled regional routes throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and eastern New Mexico using major corridors including I-35, I-30, and I-20. Routes typically begin from the Dallas–Fort Worth area to meet customer appointment windows and support weekly home time.
- Perform pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections per FMCSA regulations.
- Safely transport palletized dry van freight on regional lanes.
- Verify trailer numbers, seal numbers, bills of lading, and shipping paperwork.
- Communicate promptly with dispatch regarding delays, traffic, or equipment issues.
- Inspect cargo securement using load bars and cargo straps when required.
- Maintain accurate electronic logs and transmit documents electronically.
This is a light-to-moderate physical position requiring trailer inspections, seal verification, and compliance with DOT and company safety regulations. Drivers receive home weekly time and operate from the Dallas–Fort Worth terminal with consistent dispatch and established customer freight.
Pay Breakdown
Drivers are paid practical dispatched miles plus additional compensation elements for this Regional Dry Van operation.
Mileage Pay $0.66–$0.70 CPM (based on experience)
Typical Weekly Miles 1,980 (low) to 2,540 (strong normal)
Detention Pay $30 per hour after 90 minutes
Layover Pay $160 per qualifying layover
Extra Trailer Move $25 per completed relocation
Why Drivers Choose This Regional Position
- Consistent regional freight supported by strong Dallas distribution market.
- Home weekly with 1–2 nights away per work cycle.
- Mix of drop-and-hook and live freight with steady productivity.
- Late-model equipment regularly serviced through terminal maintenance.
- Dispatch focused on minimizing empty miles through Southwest backhauls.
- Realistic appointment scheduling and operational support for delays.
- Stable customer base across retail, manufacturing, and industrial freight.
- Compensation aligned with competitive Dallas regional dry van market.
Driver Benefits & Company Advantages
Benefits support drivers in this regional operation with practical programs for a mid-sized carrier.
Medical, Dental & Vision Available through company plan
401(k) Retirement With company matching after eligibility
Paid Orientation One-day orientation at Dallas terminal
Rider Program Available after introductory period
Vacation Eligibility Based on company service schedule
Paid DOT Physical Annual renewal covered
Safety Apparel Allowance After successful probation
Direct Deposit Weekly payroll every Friday
Equipment & Fleet
Tractors Freightliner Cascadia (2022–2025) and Kenworth T680 (2021–2024) sleepers
Cab Configuration 72-inch sleeper, automatic transmissions, air ride suspension
Engines Detroit DD15 and PACCAR MX engines with idle reduction
Driver Technology Samsara ELD, GPS navigation, Qualcomm messaging, electronic DVIR
Safety Systems Adaptive Cruise, Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure, Roll Stability, AEB
Trailers Utility and Great Dane 53-foot dry vans (2019–2024) with logistic posts and air ride
Maintenance Scheduled at Dallas and Fort Worth terminals with 24-hour roadside support
Operational Delays & Expectations
Customer Detention
Detention pay starts after 90 minutes at customer facilities when properly documented.
Morning Congestion
Common at larger Dallas-area distribution centers between 5:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
Live Load/Unload
Typically 60–120 minutes, with potential delays up to two hours during peak seasons.
Appointment Changes
Manufacturing production schedules or warehouse backlogs may require dispatch adjustments.
Safety Program
Fleet includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, lane departure warning, roll stability control, automatic emergency braking, and forward-facing cameras.
Annual Safety Recognition Up to $1,200 based on preventable accidents, HOS compliance, and inspections
Inspections Pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip per FMCSA and company procedures
Home Time
Home Time Frequency Home weekly with 1–2 nights away per work cycle
Reset Planning Dispatch routes toward Dallas terminal before weekly 34-hour reset when possible
Schedule Flexibility Home time may shift several hours due to customer appointments or weather
Real Routes Our Drivers Take
Drivers operate within a 300–700 mile radius from the Dallas–Fort Worth terminal serving Texas and Southwest states.
Operating Area Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, eastern New Mexico
Primary Highways I-35, I-30, I-20, I-45, US-75
Major Lanes Dallas to Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Shreveport, San Antonio
Weekly Miles 2,100–2,450 dispatched miles typical
Freight Movement Distribution center to customer cross-dock and manufacturing facilities
Outbound freight originates from Dallas–Fort Worth logistics parks with return loads from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Little Rock, Shreveport, and San Antonio. Dispatch adjusts backhauls based on availability to minimize empty miles while supporting weekly home time.
Requirements
Applicants must meet standard qualifications for this regional dry van position.
CDL Valid Class A CDL with current DOT Medical Certificate
Experience 6 months recent CDL-A preferred; recent graduates considered after evaluation
Driving Record Acceptable MVR with no serious preventable accidents in hiring guidelines
Physical Able to lift 40–50 pounds occasionally and perform inspections
Hiring Process
Qualified applicants receive recruiter contact within one business day of application.
Initial Review Phone discussion of experience and position fit
Qualification CDL verification, MVR, employment history, Clearinghouse query, drug screen
Orientation Paid one-day orientation at Dallas terminal
First Dispatch Occurs within one business day after orientation and road evaluation
Bring CDL, medical certificate, identification, and banking information to orientation.
Typical Work Week
Workweek begins Monday morning or early afternoon with dispatch package received the evening before via Samsara.
Start of Day Inspect assigned trailer at terminal or customer drop yard
Outbound Travel major corridors for distribution center or manufacturing deliveries
Customer Process Gate check-in, dock assignment, paperwork, seal verification, POD
Reload & Return Dispatch assigns next load; aim for Dallas terminal before weekly reset
Drivers complete 2–4 regional trips weekly with dispatch adjustments for freight availability, weather, and HOS. Overnight parking occurs at approved truck stops or customer facilities when needed.
Freight Details
Freight Types Palletized consumer products, packaged food, paper products, retail replenishment, building supplies, industrial components
Freight Mix 60% drop-and-hook, 20% live load, 20% live unload
Load Securement Verify securement with load bars and straps when required
Dock & Customer Experience
Drivers complete gate check-in with trailer number, appointment, and seal verification. Dock assignment follows; trailers may stage until door available.
Review bills of lading, verify seals after loading, obtain signed POD, and transmit documents electronically. Live loading/unloading typically takes 60–120 minutes.
Challenges of the Job
Regional dry van operations in the Dallas market involve traffic congestion on major interstates, customer appointment schedules, and occasional warehouse backlogs. These are normal conditions for Southwest freight movement.
Traffic & Congestion
Peak congestion on I-35, I-20, and I-30 during morning and afternoon periods may require route adjustments.
Loading & Unloading Delays
Manufacturing production changes or retail DC backlogs can extend dwell time at facilities.
Changing Weather
Thunderstorms, winter ice, or heat impact driving conditions across Texas and neighboring states.
Appointment Windows
Customer schedules and production timing affect pickup and delivery sequencing.
Hours of Service Compliance
Drivers manage electronic logs and plan breaks around regional appointments and reloads.
Backhaul Planning
Dispatch adjusts loads based on real-time freight availability across multiple states.
Professional Perspective:
These operational realities are standard for regional dry van work in active freight markets like Dallas. Experienced drivers who communicate with dispatch and adapt to changing conditions maintain strong productivity and consistent home time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the home time on this regional account? A: Home weekly with most drivers spending 1–2 nights away.
Q: What tractors are assigned? A: Freightliner Cascadia and Kenworth T680 sleepers with automatic transmissions.
Q: How is pay calculated? A: $0.66–$0.70 CPM plus detention after 90 minutes and other extras.
Q: What experience is needed? A: 6 months recent CDL-A preferred; newer drivers evaluated individually.
Q: What freight is hauled? A: Palletized dry van freight for retail, manufacturing, and industrial customers.
Who This Regional Position Fits
This regional dry van operation best suits experienced CDL-A drivers comfortable with 300–700 mile runs, varying daily lanes, and weekly home time. Drivers who prefer consistent Southwest freight over long-haul weeks, can manage appointment-based deliveries, and communicate effectively with dispatch will find the workflow familiar. The position rewards flexibility with backhaul planning, load securement verification, and efficient terminal returns in the active Dallas market. It is well matched for professional drivers seeking predictable regional mileage without extended time away from home.
CDL-A Regional Dry Van Driver Jobs in Dallas, TX
The Dallas–Fort Worth area supports strong regional dry van operations due to its role as a major inland freight hub with extensive distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and retail networks. Freight demand remains steady for palletized consumer goods, packaged products, and industrial materials moving throughout Texas and neighboring states.
Key freight corridors include I-35 connecting to Oklahoma, I-30 to Arkansas, and I-20 toward Louisiana. Drivers navigate logistics parks in South Dallas, Hutchins, Lancaster, Alliance, and Fort Worth while handling distribution center pickups and deliveries across the Southwest network.
This regional dry van position features $0.66–$0.70 CPM pay with typical weekly miles between 1,980 and 2,540. Equipment includes Freightliner Cascadia and Kenworth T680 tractors with Samsara ELD systems and late-model dry van trailers. Home time is structured weekly with dispatch planning for 1–2 nights away.
Retail distribution, manufacturing cycles, and consumer goods movement generate consistent year-round activity with increases during peak shipping periods. Regional drivers benefit from the balanced freight flow that supports reliable reload opportunities and efficient routing back toward the Dallas terminal.
Drivers with regional dry van background or solid Class A experience will find this operation matches steady Southwest freight movement, appointment-driven deliveries, and weekly home time in one of the busiest U.S. distribution markets.
