Some of the strongest driver retention stories in trucking come from parts of the Southeast, not because the job is easier, but because the day-to-day math works better. When freight density is high, home time is more realistic, and the cost of living is lower, drivers can hold onto more of what they earn and run more predictable schedules. That combination matters for both drivers and fleets trying to cut turnover.
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $57,440 for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers as of May 2024. The difference is how far that paycheck goes and how manageable the weekly routine feels in specific markets.
What retention usually comes down to
Across the industry, research on turnover emphasizes that retention improves when drivers can reduce unpaid time, avoid constant schedule churn, and maintain stable earnings. That is why conditions that support predictable freight, fewer deadhead miles, and consistent home time can translate into longer tenures.
The Southeast advantage drivers talk about
More freight within a shorter radius
Many Southeastern lanes allow drivers to stay moving without needing to run extreme lengths of haul. Dense population centers, distribution corridors, and port-connected freight can translate into more frequent reload opportunities, which support planning and reduce downtime.
State-level freight work in the region highlights how truck freight activity is organized around major corridors and hubs. For example, Georgia’s truck freight modal profile documents how goods movement by truck is structured across the state.
The cost of living is lower in several Southeastern states.
Lower prices do not make a hard job easy, but they do change retention math. Regional Price Parities from the Bureau of Economic Analysis show meaningful differences in price levels across states, with some of the lowest price levels in states like Mississippi. When housing, food, and services cost less, it is easier to build financial stability without chasing every mile.
Pay can be competitive relative to local costs.
Wages vary by state, but the more important question is what drivers keep after typical expenses.
In Tennessee, BLS-based wage data summarized through O NET reports an average wage of $55,610 for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers. In Alabama, statewide occupational wage reporting shows an annual mean of $55,926 for the same occupation group.
The point is not that every Southeastern state pays the most. The point is that in several Southeastern markets, earnings paired with lower regional price levels can support a more sustainable lifestyle, which shows up in retention.
Planning is easier when routes are repeatable.
A repeatable weekly pattern is one of the strongest retention drivers. It helps with sleep, meals, family time, and appointment scheduling. Where freight networks support consistent regional loops, drivers can often maintain routines that are harder to keep in long-haul patterns with irregular dwell and appointment times.
What carriers and stakeholders can measure to validate retention hotspots
If you are trying to identify which Southeastern states or metros are driving longer tenure, focus on measurable signals you can track quarterly.
Key metrics to monitor include:
- Average time between loads and percentage of weeks with forced downtime
- Percentage of loads that allow predictable home time windows
- Empty miles and deadhead hours by market
- Driver out of route events and reschedules tied to congestion and missed appointments
- Housing cost pressure in the main hiring metros using BEA price level data
This turns retention from a vague perception into something you can plan for and invest in.
How drivers can use this to make smarter job decisions
If you are comparing offers in Southeastern states, the goal is to evaluate schedule quality, not just cents per mile.
Before you commit, verify these items:
- What is the realistic home schedule, and how often does it slip?
- How frequently do drivers wait unpaid at docks in the lanes you will run?
- How often do dispatch plans change midweek?
- What is the typical reload pattern, including where the freight actually runs?
- How far does your paycheck go in that metro or region using state price level data?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Southeastern states pay truck drivers more?
Not always. Nationally, the BLS median for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $57,440 in May 2024. Some Southeastern states may sit below that, but a lower cost of living can change what drivers keep after expenses.
Why would drivers stay longer in a lower-paying state?
Retention is often tied to predictable schedules, reliable miles, and financial stability. Research on turnover highlights how structural issues like unpaid time and instability drive churn. If a market supports steadier routines and lower living costs, drivers may stay longer even if gross pay is not the highest.
What is the most practical way to compare two states?
Compare net reality, not just the rate. Use pay data, cost of living indicators, and the schedule structure you are being offered. BEA Regional Price Parities are one way to compare state price levels.
Is this only true for regional jobs?
No. Any job with predictable freight and manageable home time can support retention. The difference is that certain Southeastern freight patterns often make predictability easier to achieve.
If you are weighing a move or trying a new lane, start by comparing openings by state and metro, then evaluate schedule reliability and cost of living alongside the advertised pay.
