Trucking Jobs in Atlanta: How to Get Hired, Where to Look, and What to Expect

Atlanta is one of the busiest freight hubs in the Southeast, which means steady demand for truck drivers and trucking support roles. If you’re looking for trucking jobs in Atlanta, you’ll find opportunities ranging from local delivery routes to long-haul OTR positions, plus warehouse, dispatch, and mechanic jobs tied to trucking.

This guide walks you through how trucking jobs work specifically in Atlanta, Georgia—what types of roles exist, who’s hiring, how to qualify, where to get your CDL locally, and where to look for work.

Why Atlanta Is a Strong Market for Trucking Jobs

Atlanta sits at the intersection of major interstates—I‑75, I‑85, I‑20, and I‑285—and serves as a regional gateway for freight moving in and out of the Southeast. Freight moves through:

• Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (air cargo)
• Large distribution centers (grocery, retail, e‑commerce)
• Regional LTL and parcel terminals
• Nearby manufacturing and food processing facilities

For job seekers, this typically translates into:

• Many entry-level and mid-experience driving roles
• Options for local, regional, and OTR (over-the-road) work
• Supporting careers in dispatch, logistics, dock work, forklift operation, and diesel mechanics

Common Types of Trucking Jobs in Atlanta

1. Local & City Delivery Driving

Local trucking jobs keep you in or near the Atlanta metro area most days.

Common examples:

• Route delivery for food, beverage, or retail suppliers
• Final-mile delivery to homes or businesses
• LTL (less‑than‑truckload) city driver / pickup-and-delivery

Typical features:

• Home daily or most days
• Work often starts early (4–7 a.m.) or in shifts
• Frequent backing, city driving, and customer interaction

You’ll see these roles around Atlanta, College Park, Forest Park, Lithonia, Norcross, Marietta, and Mableton, especially near big distribution clusters off I‑285, I‑20, and I‑75.

2. Regional Trucking Jobs

Regional drivers based in Atlanta often cover:

• Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina
• Occasional runs farther into Florida or the Mid-Atlantic

Typical features:

• Out 2–5 days at a time
• More highway miles, less city driving
• Regular home time on weekends or certain weekdays (varies by employer)

These jobs are often dispatched from terminals and yards along the I‑285 perimeter and near major industrial parks like those in Forest Park, McDonough, and Fairburn.

3. OTR (Over-the-Road) Trucking Jobs

Atlanta is a common base for long-haul OTR drivers running coast to coast or across multiple regions.

Common characteristics:

• Out 1–3 weeks at a time
• Higher total mileage
• Mix of drop-and-hook and live loads/unloads

These roles appeal more to drivers who prioritize longer trips and miles over daily home time.

4. Specialized & Niche Trucking Roles

Once you gain experience, Atlanta also has openings in more specialized work, such as:

• Tanker (food-grade, fuel, chemicals)
• Flatbed or step-deck
• Heavy haul / oversized loads
• Refrigerated (reefer) for food distribution
• Intermodal (moving containers to and from rail yards)

Atlanta’s intermodal activity is supported by nearby rail facilities and container yards, especially on the south and west sides of the metro area.

5. Non-Driving Trucking Jobs

You don’t have to drive a semi to work in trucking. Atlanta also has:

• Dispatchers and load planners
• Dockworkers / forklift operators
• Warehouse associates
• Diesel mechanics and truck/trailer technicians
• Safety and compliance coordinators

These roles are concentrated at terminals, distribution centers, and repair shops across the metro area.

CDL Requirements in Georgia (What Atlanta Drivers Need)

Most trucking jobs in Atlanta that involve vehicles over 26,001 pounds or certain types of cargo require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

CDL Classes

• Class A – For combination vehicles (tractor + trailer), common in long-haul, regional, and many local jobs.
• Class B – For single vehicles (like straight trucks, dump trucks, some delivery trucks).
• Class C – For smaller vehicles carrying 16+ passengers or certain hazardous materials.

Many Atlanta trucking jobs prefer or require Class A, especially for tractor‑trailer work.

Basic Eligibility (Georgia CDL)

In general, to get a CDL in Georgia, you must:

• Be at least 18 for intrastate driving (within Georgia only)
• Be at least 21 for interstate driving (across state lines)
• Have a valid Georgia driver’s license
• Pass:
  • A CDL knowledge (written) test
  • A skills test (pre-trip, basic control, and road test)
  • DOT medical exam with a valid medical certificate

Additional endorsements may be required depending on the job:

• H – Hazardous materials
• N – Tank vehicles
• X – Tank + hazmat combination
• P – Passenger
• S – School bus

Always verify required endorsements with the specific Atlanta employer or job posting.

Where to Get Your CDL in the Atlanta Area

You can train for your CDL through private schools, community programs, or employer-sponsored training. Below are official points of contact and testing locations, not endorsements.

Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) – CDL Services

The DDS manages CDL testing, permits, and licensing.

A major location near Atlanta for CDL services:

DDS Customer Service Center – Atlanta South
5036 Highway 85
Forest Park, GA 30297
Phone: (678) 413‑8400 (DDS main line; verify menu options)

Services usually include:

• CDL written tests
• CDL road tests (by appointment)
• License issuance and updates

Always confirm current hours and whether appointments are required before visiting.

Community & Technical College Programs (Atlanta Metro)

Some technical colleges in the broader metro area periodically offer commercial truck driving programs, which may include:

• Classroom instruction
• Behind-the-wheel training
• Preparation for the Georgia CDL tests

Examples in the region (program availability can change):

• Atlanta Technical College (Atlanta, GA)
• Southern Crescent Technical College (Griffin / McDonough serving south metro)
• Chattahoochee Technical College (Marietta and other Cobb County locations)

Contact the school’s workforce or continuing education department to ask:

• Whether CDL or commercial truck driving is currently offered
• Tuition costs and financial aid options
• Program length and schedule (day/evening/weekend)

Major Trucking & Logistics Hubs Around Atlanta

Knowing where freight activity is concentrated can help you focus your job search.

Key areas in and around Atlanta include:

• Airport & Southside (College Park, Forest Park, Hapeville)
  Heavy on air cargo, LTL, final-mile, and food distribution.

• I‑285 South & I‑75 Corridor (Forest Park, Morrow, McDonough)
  Numerous distribution centers and trucking terminals.

• I‑20 West (Lithia Springs, Douglasville)
  Logistics parks, warehousing, and some intermodal activity.

• I‑20 East (Lithonia, Conyers)
  Regional distribution and industrial facilities.

• I‑85 North (Norcross, Duluth, Suwanee)
  Mix of regional carriers, LTL terminals, and warehouse operations.

• Northwest (Marietta, Kennesaw, Cartersville)
  Manufacturing-related freight and regional distribution.

Typical Requirements for Trucking Jobs in Atlanta

Job postings across the Atlanta metro commonly ask for:

• Valid CDL (Class A or B) – or willingness to obtain
• Clean driving record (or within employer’s acceptable range)
• Ability to pass:
  • DOT physical
  • Drug and alcohol screening
  • Background check (some roles require more detailed checks)
• Experience level:
  • Entry-level roles may accept 0–12 months with training support
  • Many local/regional jobs prefer 1–2 years of experience

Some city delivery or straight-truck jobs may accept non-CDL drivers (especially for smaller trucks or vans), but CDL drivers often have access to higher-paying and more varied roles.

What Atlanta Trucking Employers Commonly Look For

Beyond licenses and experience, Atlanta-area employers often value:

• Safe driving habits in heavy traffic and tight city streets
• Ability to back into docks in crowded or tight yards
• Reliability with start times and appointment windows
• Basic customer service skills, especially for delivery roles
• Physical ability for loading/unloading, pallet jack use, or securing loads

Fluency with technology (e.g., ELDs, handheld scanners, basic mobile apps) is increasingly expected.

How to Find Trucking Jobs in Atlanta

1. Online Job Boards & Search Filters

Common approach:

• Search for terms like:
  • “CDL A driver Atlanta GA”
  • “local truck driver Atlanta”
  • “regional truck driving jobs near Atlanta”
• Filter by:
  • Home time (home daily, weekends home, etc.)
  • Experience requirements
  • Type of freight (tanker, flatbed, reefer, LTL, etc.)

Sorting by distance from your ZIP code (e.g., 30303, 30331, 30349) can help you pinpoint companies close to where you live.

2. Visiting Local Truck Terminals & Yards

Many companies post “Drivers Wanted” or “Now Hiring” signs at their Atlanta-area terminals.

Common spots to watch:

• Industrial corridors off Moreland Ave SE, Fulton Industrial Blvd, and Old Dixie Highway
• Areas around Forest Park and Ellenwood
• Distribution clusters near McDonough, Fairburn, and Lithia Springs

Some carriers accept walk-in applications or can direct you to an online application portal.

3. Staffing Agencies and Driver Placement Services

Several staffing and employment agencies in Atlanta specialize in:

• CDL driver placement (temporary or long-term)
• Warehouse and logistics staffing

These agencies often operate out of industrial or office parks in south and west Atlanta and along major corridors like I‑20 and I‑285. They can be useful if you:

• Want to try different assignments
• Need flexible schedules
• Are gaining experience and building your resume

4. Networking at Truck Stops & Industry Events

Occasionally, trucking companies in the Atlanta area host job fairs, open houses, or recruiting events, sometimes at:

• Truck stops and travel centers near major interstates
• Local career centers or community colleges

Stopping by busy truck stops around Atlanta (especially along I‑285, I‑75, and I‑20) can help you spot flyers, recruiter tables, or postings on bulletin boards.

Local Resources for Atlanta Job Seekers

WorkSource Atlanta & WorkSource Georgia

Atlanta-area residents can often access help with:

• Job search support
• Career counseling
• Training assistance (including for CDL in some cases)

One example contact in the city:

WorkSource Atlanta
818 Pollard Blvd SW
Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: (404) 546‑3000

You can ask about:

• CDL-related training assistance
• Upcoming job fairs focused on transportation, logistics, and warehouse work

Georgia Department of Labor – Career Center

The Georgia Department of Labor offers job listings, resume help, and workshops.

A main office serving the Atlanta area:

Georgia Department of Labor – Atlanta Career Center
223 Courtland Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 232‑4700

Ask specifically about:

• Transportation and trucking job openings
• Any employer information sessions focused on logistics

Atlanta Trucking Job Options at a Glance

Here’s a quick overview to compare common trucking roles in the Atlanta area:

Practical Tips for Landing a Trucking Job in Atlanta

• Decide your priorities first
  Do you want to be home daily, or are you open to regional/OTR for more miles?

• Match your CDL and endorsements to your goals
  For example, if you’re interested in fuel hauling on the south side, plan for tanker and hazmat endorsements.

• Start with entry-level friendly employers
  Look for Atlanta postings that mention:

  • “Recent CDL graduates welcome”
  • “Will train”
  • “No experience required” (often paired with in-house training or team driving)

• Be realistic about Atlanta traffic
  Many local jobs require comfort with rush hour on I‑285, I‑75/85 Connector, and surface streets. Emphasize any experience driving in dense traffic.

• Keep your record clean
  Traffic violations, accidents, or failed drug screens can quickly limit your options in the Atlanta market.

• Check commute distance to the yard or terminal
  Atlanta’s traffic can turn a short distance into a long drive. Try to choose employers with yards reasonably close to your home.

Trucking jobs in Atlanta span from beginner-friendly driving roles to highly specialized freight operations and non-driving positions that keep the regional logistics engine running. With a clear sense of your priorities—home time, route type, and pay structure—you can use local training, government resources, and Atlanta’s many freight hubs to build a trucking career that fits your life in the city.