🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Lexington, KY
- Route type: Regional agricultural hauls
- Freight: Corn, soybeans, wheat, bulk feed & additives
- Schedule: Monday-Friday core with harvest peaks
📋 Job Description
- Load hopper trailers at central Kentucky farms and collection points near Lexington and Danville.
- Deliver bulk grain to elevators and processors across KY, IN, OH, and TN.
- Complete 1-4 hauls daily averaging 350-650 miles while managing ELD logs.
- Perform pre-trip inspections, seal checks, and landing gear operations on hopper equipment.
- Navigate rural farm roads and major corridors during variable harvest conditions.
- Coordinate with elevator staff for fast turnaround unloading and next load assignment.
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
Hopper trailer or bulk commodity experience preferred
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Climb, couple/uncouple trailers, operate landing gear
Endorsements
Tanker endorsement preferred, not required
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: Dedicated Kenworth T880 day cabs assigned by seniority and availability.
- Fleet average age: Approximately 5 years with rolling replacement cycle.
- Features: Geotab telematics, roll stability systems, and rollover protection.
- Transmission type: Mix of manual and automatic transmissions across the fleet.
- Maintenance program: Hybrid in-house and vendor network with preventive scheduling.
🏠 Home Time
- Dispatch releases drivers after final elevator unload and post-trip processing.
- Harvest peaks may require 1-2 overnight stays based on elevator congestion.
- Core Monday-Friday schedule returns to Lexington area most weekends.
- Late loads adjusted dynamically according to weather and crop flow.
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Lexington area farms → Danville elevator → I-75 South
- Winchester collection points → Cincinnati area processors → I-75 North
- Paris farm sites → Louisville grain facilities → I-64 West
- Richmond area → Indianapolis elevators during peak harvest → I-74
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is hopper trailer experience required?
Preferred for faster onboarding but not strictly required. Paid training available for qualified CDL-A drivers with bulk or tanker background.
How many miles do drivers average weekly?
1,400–2,200 miles depending on harvest intensity and elevator wait times. Peak fall volumes increase route frequency.
What are typical start times?
Early starts (3:30–5:00 AM) common during harvest to align with farm loading windows. Standard shifts outside peak season.
Are trucks assigned or slip-seated?
Primarily assigned Kenworth T880 tractors with mix of manual/automatic. Consistent unit when available.
How is overtime handled?
Overtime paid after 40 hours. Additional earnings from detention, extra stops, and peak season hauls.
Can drivers take the truck home?
Available for qualified drivers living near the Lexington terminal depending on dispatch needs and equipment balancing.
💼 Career Opportunities
This regional hopper role in Lexington provides a solid foundation in agricultural bulk transportation within Kentucky’s strong grain economy. Drivers gain expertise in hopper operations, seasonal freight management, and multi-state routing across the Midwest. Internal progression typically moves from regional hauls to dedicated accounts or lead driver positions. Top performers can advance into dispatcher roles, yard supervision, or fleet trainer positions within the operation. The Bluegrass region offers year-round agricultural activity supplemented by peak harvest demand, supporting stable earnings potential. Endorsements such as tanker can open additional opportunities in related bulk commodities. Long-term drivers benefit from consistent freight from local farms to regional elevators and processors, with opportunities to develop customer relationships at key facilities. The fleet’s modern maintenance practices support reliable equipment for career-focused drivers.
🔗 Regional CDL-A Grain & Agricultural Hopper Driver – Lexington, KY
Lexington area CDL-A drivers haul corn, soybeans, wheat and bulk feed from Bluegrass region farms to elevators and processing facilities in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee. This regional position features Kenworth T880 tractors pulling hopper bottom trailers with average weekly earnings of $1,500–$2,050 based on 55–70 variable hours tied to harvest cycles and delivery volume. Operations center around I-64, I-75 and connecting rural roads with daily miles ranging 180–320. Drivers benefit from a ~5-year fleet average, Geotab tracking, and safety systems. Home time follows Monday-Friday patterns outside peak harvest with occasional short overnights. The role supports Kentucky’s agricultural supply chain with fast farm-to-elevator turnarounds. Based on freight demand and scheduling, most drivers average solid weekly pay with safety and referral bonuses available. Ideal for experienced CDL-A holders seeking regional agricultural work with seasonal opportunities.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for Regional CDL-A Grain & Agricultural Hopper Driver in Lexington, KY.