Regional CDL-A Position Overnight Linehaul

CDL-A Parcel Freight Linehaul Driver – Overnight Regional Runs

Hiring Radius: Louisville Metro & Surrounding • Terminal: Louisville, KY

Louisville, KY Regional Overnight 2021–2025 Fleet

Overnight regional linehaul moves preloaded 53-ft dry vans between parcel terminals across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. Typical weekly gross of $1,600–$1,900 (including normal trailer-exchange and accessorial pay) with 1–2 nights out and frequent Louisville returns.

Typical Weekly Gross
$1,600–$1,900
Estimated Annual Gross: ~$91,000 based on typical weekly earnings
Sign-On Bonus $2,000
Home Time 1–2 Nights Out
Driver Type Regional Linehaul
Weekly Miles 2,050–2,350
Freight Type Parcel & Dry Freight

Position Overview

Terminal-to-terminal overnight runs keep trailers moving on strict sortation clocks rather than customer appointments. Drivers focus on highway miles and scheduled windows instead of city stops or residential delivery.

  • Verify trailer numbers, seals and dispatch data before every departure.
  • Complete thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections on each movement.
  • Communicate delays, shortages and terminal changes promptly to dispatch.
  • Manage fuel stops to arrive with adequate reserves at every destination.
  • Follow gate, yard and drop-and-hook procedures at all facilities.
  • Document trailer condition, damage and seal discrepancies before leaving.

Pay & Compensation Breakdown

Mileage-based linehaul pay forms the core of earnings. Night differentials are already built into the rate rather than paid separately. Typical weekly gross of $1,600–$1,900 includes normal trailer-exchange and accessorial pay.

Typical Weekly Gross $1,600–$1,900 (including normal trailer-exchange/accessorial pay)
Estimated Annual Gross ~$91,000 based on typical weekly earnings
Mileage Rate $0.75 per paid mile
Trailer Exchange Pay $50 per qualifying completed exchange
Detention Paid after standard waiting period
Sign-On Bonus $2,000 in four installments
Payroll Weekly direct deposit

Schedule, Home Time & Routes

Home Time 1–2 nights out, frequent Louisville returns
Operating Corridor KY, IN, OH, TN & surrounding Midwest
Terminal Base Louisville, KY
Weekly Miles 2,050–2,350 paid miles
Dispatch Window Evening 5:00–9:00 PM
Typical Shift 8–11 hours
Typical One-Way Run Approximately 250–450 highway miles

Equipment & Cabin Specs

Tractor Models Freightliner Cascadia & Kenworth T680
Model Years Primarily 2021–2025
Cab Type Sleeper
Transmission Automatic
Safety Systems Collision mitigation, lane-departure, adaptive cruise
Assignment Assigned when available; limited slip-seat otherwise
Trailers 53-ft dry vans, 3–10 years old
Trailer Features Logistic posts, load locks, straps, swing doors, air-ride, ABS

Mixed regional fleet built for high-utilization overnight transfers. ELD, GPS/telematics, forward-facing camera and electronic diagnostics standard. Maintenance handled through Louisville-area shops and approved outside facilities.

Real Routes

Preloaded parcel, e-commerce, retail replenishment and time-sensitive palletized dry freight moves between regional terminals and distribution points. Most activity is drop-and-hook or trailer exchange. Primary lanes include:

  • Louisville–Indianapolis and return on I-65
  • Louisville–Cincinnati and return on I-71
  • Louisville–Columbus via I-71 / I-70
  • Louisville–Nashville on I-65
  • Louisville–Lexington / Bowling Green / Evansville / Dayton lanes
  • Primary interstates: I-64, I-65, I-71, I-264, I-265, I-70, I-75, I-69
  • Backhauls strongest from Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus and Nashville

Typical Week & Daily Workflow

  • Receive initial dispatch and confirm tractor, trailer, destination and window between 4:00–6:00 PM.
  • Complete pre-trip, connect trailer, verify lights, air lines, number and seal, then depart 6:00–8:00 PM.
  • Drive interstate to first regional hub during evening hours.
  • Check in late evening or overnight, drop loaded trailer and hook return unit when available.
  • Inspect return trailer and begin movement back toward Louisville or next assigned terminal.
  • Arrive early morning; next load often visible before current delivery finishes but can change.
  • Take 10-hour break at home terminal when schedule allows; approved truck stops used on longer turns.

About the Carrier

Overnight parcel networks depend on timed terminal-to-terminal transfers that protect the next sort cycle. A mid-sized regional carrier fills that role by moving preloaded dry vans between parcel hubs and distribution facilities across the Midwest. The operation sits at the intersection of major north-south and east-west corridors, using scheduled departure windows rather than maximizing individual miles. High-utilization equipment and live dispatch adjustments keep trailers advancing through the network even when volume fluctuates. The focus remains on predictable linehaul capacity that supports time-sensitive package and palletized freight moving between regional terminals.

Benefits & Healthcare Coverage

Medical Insurance with employee contribution
Dental & Vision Coverage available
Retirement 401(k) with company match
Orientation Paid
Parking Company terminal parking
Rider Policy Subject to company approval
Additional Driver referral program, night-operation orientation, trailer inspection refresher

Driver Qualification Requirements

  • Must be at least 21 years old and meet company insurance and safety standards
  • Valid Class A CDL
  • Minimum 6 months recent CDL-A experience preferred
  • Acceptable MVR and safety history
  • Pass DOT physical and drug/alcohol testing
  • Successful Clearinghouse query
  • Ability to work overnight and maintain consistent sleep schedule
  • Reliable attendance for scheduled overnight departures
  • Ability to safely couple/uncouple and perform night driving

Operational Delays

  • Evening yard congestion during concentrated dispatch windows
  • Late inbound trailers requiring substitution
  • Interstate construction, accidents and winter weather on I-64, I-65, I-71
  • Holiday parcel volume increasing terminal parking pressure
  • Trailer shortages prompting alternate equipment or nearby terminal exchanges

Hiring Process

1
Recruiter Call
Within one business day
2
Verification
CDL, MVR, employment, Clearinghouse
3
Screening
DOT drug test and background
4
Orientation
Paid at Louisville terminal

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much physical freight handling is required? ▼
Most freight is preloaded. Drivers spend the majority of time on driving and terminal procedures rather than loading or unloading individual parcels.
Q: What happens if a return trailer is not ready? ▼
Dispatch may reposition the tractor to another nearby terminal instead of waiting indefinitely for a specific unit.
Q: Are doubles or triples required? ▼
This account primarily operates single 53-ft trailers. Doubles/triples experience is helpful but not required. No HazMat endorsement is needed either.
Q: Where do drivers park overnight? ▼
Preferred parking is at the Louisville terminal or designated drop yard. On longer turns, company-approved truck stops near the interstate network are used.
Q: How does holiday volume affect the job? ▼
November and December increase trailer staging and tighten terminal parking. Dispatch priorities can shift several times during a shift.
Q: Is live loading common? ▼
Approximately 60–70 % of movements are drop-and-hook. Live loading occurs when a preloaded trailer is unavailable and can take longer during high outbound volume.

CDL Job Market

Louisville supports a dense market for CDL-A drivers across regional linehaul, LTL, dedicated and local operations. Parcel and air-cargo activity generates consistent overnight demand, while manufacturing, retail distribution and intermodal freight create additional openings. Drivers with experience in terminal-to-terminal or highway work find steady opportunities year-round. Competition exists from both mid-sized regional carriers and larger national fleets, particularly for overnight and regional schedules. Overnight schedules can reduce the available driver pool, particularly for carriers requiring consistent departure times and time-sensitive terminal transfers. The concentration of logistics facilities keeps hiring active for qualified Class A drivers comfortable with night operations and time-sensitive freight.

Location & Freight Market

Louisville sits at the crossroads of major north-south and east-west freight corridors, making it a natural hub for overnight package and dry-van movement. UPS Worldport at SDF processes enormous overnight volumes and ranks among the largest air-cargo facilities in North America. Surrounding manufacturing, retail distribution centers, riverport activity and interstate access generate continuous demand for terminal-to-terminal transfers. The Port of Louisville further links truck, rail and barge movements involving steel, lumber, containers and packaged goods. These overlapping networks create a steady flow of time-sensitive regional freight that relies on predictable linehaul capacity throughout the year, with noticeable volume increases during peak retail periods.

Start Your Application