Heavy Truck Driver in Fall River, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Fall River Stands

If you're looking at Fall River as a heavy truck driver, let's cut to the chase: the numbers are solid, but context is everything. The median salary for Heavy Truck Drivers in the Fall River metro area is $53,233/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.59/hour. That's a hair above the national average of $53,090/year, but it's crucial to understand that this is a median—it represents the midpoint of all drivers in the area. Your actual take-home will swing dramatically based on experience, the type of hauling you do, and the company you drive for.

The local market is stable, not explosive. The metro area has 375 jobs for heavy truck drivers, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 4%. This isn't a boomtown market; it's a reliable, steady environment. For a driver with a family or who values stability over chasing the next big contract, that's a good thing. The local economy is anchored by the port, manufacturing, and healthcare, which means consistent freight movement.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in this region:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Annual)	Typical Roles
Entry-Level	0-2	$42,000 - $48,000	Local delivery, yard jockey, first-seat driver
Mid-Career	2-10	$48,000 - $58,000	Regional OTR, dedicated routes, bulk haul
Senior	10-20	$58,000 - $65,000+	Mentor driver, specialized freight (tanker/hazmat)
Expert/Specialist	20+	$65,000 - $75,000+	Owner-operator (on contract), lead instructor

Insider Tip: The $53,233 median is heavily influenced by the large number of local and regional drivers. Long-haul OTR (Over-the-Road) drivers based out of Fall River can often push into the $58,000 - $65,000+ range, but they spend far more time away. The key is to get your endorsements—Hazmat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples—as soon as you're eligible. These can add a $2-$4/hour premium at many local carriers.

How Fall River Compares to Other MA Cities

Fall River isn't Boston, and that's by design. The cost of living is lower, but so are the salaries. Here’s a quick comparison:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living (Index)	Job Market Size
Fall River	$53,233	100.9	375
Boston Metro	$61,500+	162.5	5,000+
Worcester	$54,100	110.2	600
Providence, RI	$52,800	104.1	450
Springfield	$51,900	102.3	400

You see the pattern. Fall River offers a salary that's competitive with similar-sized New England cities, but you're not paying the Boston premium. Your $53,233 will stretch further here than in Worcester or Springfield, and it's on par with Providence. The trade-off is a less dynamic job market—fewer employers, less frequent job openings—but also less competition.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A median salary of $53,233 sounds good, but after taxes and a place to live, what's left?

Assumptions: Single filer, taking the standard deduction, using 2023 federal tax brackets and MA state tax (5%). We'll estimate 7.65% for FICA (Social Security & Medicare). This is a rough estimate; your actual withholdings will vary.

• Gross Annual Salary: $53,233
• Estimated Monthly Gross: $4,436
• Estimated Taxes & FICA (approx. 22%): $11,711 annually / $976 monthly
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: $3,460

Now, rent. The average 1BR rent in Fall River is $1,398/month. The Cost of Living Index is 100.9, meaning it's just barely above the national average, driven by housing and utilities.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $3,460
• 1BR Rent: -$1,398
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Gas, Insurance, Savings: $2,062

This is a livable budget, but it's tight. A single driver can manage comfortably, especially if they have a roommate or a partner with income. A family on a single $53,233 income would need to budget meticulously. The leftover $2,062 must cover car payment/insurance (a huge expense for a CDL holder), groceries, and savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a $53,233 salary, qualifying for a mortgage is challenging but not impossible. Let's say you have a $20,000 down payment. The median home price in Fall River is around $350,000. A $330,000 loan at 7% interest would have a monthly payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) of roughly $2,700-$2,900. That's nearly 85% of your take-home pay, which is financially unsustainable. To buy a home comfortably on this salary, you'd need a larger down payment (20%+), a dual-income household, or to look at more affordable condos or smaller homes in the $250,000-$280,000 range. It's possible, but it requires significant discipline and likely a second income.

Where the Jobs Are: Fall River's Major Employers

The Fall River job market for truck drivers is anchored by a few key sectors. You won't find the massive corporate HQs of Boston, but you'll find stable, local companies that have been here for decades.

1. Baystate Milling: A major grain and feed distributor with a significant presence in the region. They handle bulk agricultural products and often have dedicated regional routes. They pay competitively and offer good benefits. Hiring is steady, especially for drivers with tanker endorsements.

2. The Bouchard Group (Bouchard Transportation): While their HQ is in New Bedford, they are a dominant force in the local maritime and logistics scene. They specialize in barge transportation and have a fleet of trucks for intermodal moves. This is a great spot for drivers interested in a mix of port work and regional hauling.

3. Southcoast Health System: The parent company for Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. While they have a large fleet for their own logistics, they also contract with local carriers. More importantly, their affiliated pharmacy and medical supply distributors are constant employers. Look for "local delivery driver" roles with them or their vendors.

4. Stop & Shop / Ahold Delhaize: The regional grocery giant has a massive distribution center in nearby Freetown (just 15 minutes from Fall River). This is a prime employer for dedicated grocery delivery drivers. The work is consistent, often with daytime-only routes, but it requires precise backing and time management. Hiring cycles are predictable—often ramping up before holidays.

5. Port of Fall River / Fall River Terminal: The port is the city's economic engine. While the port authority itself may not hire many drivers directly, the dozens of stevedoring companies, freight forwarders, and warehouse operators do. This includes companies like Cianbro (construction logistics) and PortX Logistics. Jobs here often involve container moves, port drayage, and local container yard work.

6. Major National Carriers with Local Terminals: Companies like J.B. Hunt, Swift Transportation, and C.R. England have terminals or drop yards in the Fall River/New Bedford corridor. These are your go-to for regional or OTR positions. They offer signing bonuses and training for new drivers, making them a common starting point.

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift toward dedicated and local routes. Companies are struggling to keep drivers on the road for weeks at a time. The trend is toward regional (home weekly) and local (home daily) positions, often paying by the hour with overtime. The 4% growth projection aligns with this—slow, steady expansion of local logistics rather than a boom in long-haul.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has clear, but sometimes bureaucratic, requirements. Here’s the step-by-step.

1. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP):

• Requirements: Be 18+, hold a valid MA Class D license, pass a physical (DOT medical card), and pass the written knowledge tests (general knowledge, combination vehicles, and any endorsements you want).
• Cost: Permit fee is ~$30. The DOT physical is typically $100-$150 at a certified clinic (like at Southcoast Health or local providers).
• Timeline: 1-2 weeks to study and schedule the RMV appointment.

2. Behind-the-Wheel Training:

• Options: You can attend a CDL school (e.g., New England Tractor Trailer Training School (NETTTS) in nearby Somerset, MA. Tuition ranges from $4,000 to $7,000. Some companies offer paid training (e.g., Swift, Schneider) where they cover the cost in exchange for a 1-year commitment.
• Timeline: Full-time programs are 4-8 weeks. Part-time or company-paid training can take 2-3 months.

3. CDL Road Test:

• Requirements: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days (no violations). You'll need to provide a vehicle that meets test standards (often a school truck or your employer's truck).
• Cost: RMV road test fee is ~$75.
• Timeline: Scheduling a test can take 2-4 weeks depending on the season.

4. Endorsements (The Money Makers):

• Hazmat (H): Requires a TSA background check (~$86.50 fee) and a separate knowledge test. Crucial for tanker and chemical haulers.
• Tanker (N): Must pass a knowledge test. Often combined with Hazmat (X endorsement).
• Doubles/Triples (T): Requires a knowledge test. Common for regional freight in New England.
• Passenger (P) / School Bus (S): If you're looking at bus driving (e.g., for BAT (Bristol County Regional Transit Authority) or school districts).

Total Estimated Cost (Self-Paid Training): $4,200 - $7,300 (School + Tests + Physical). Total Time to Get CDL: 3-4 months from start to holding your card.

Insider Tip: The RMV in Fall River can be slow. Schedule your permit and road test appointments online as far in advance as possible. The NETTTS school in Somerset is the most reputable local option; their graduates are well-known to local employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers

Living in Fall River as a truck driver means balancing commute, parking, and cost. You need easy access to I-195 and Route 24, and a place where you can legally park a tractor-trailer (or at least a personal vehicle without hassle).

1. The North End / Flint Village:

   • Vibe: Working-class, residential. Close to the port and I-195.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to the port, 10 minutes to major highways.
   • Parking: Street parking can be tight. Look for multi-family homes with driveways or apartments with dedicated lots.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Drivers working at the port or for local delivery companies. A no-frills, practical choice.

2. The South End (Near Highland Ave):

   • Vibe: More commercial, with some older multi-family housing. Very close to the I-195 interchange.
   • Commute: 5 minutes to the highway. Easy access to both Fall River and New Bedford.
   • Parking: Similar to the North End; look for properties with off-street parking.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Drivers who want the absolute shortest commute to the highway system. Good for regional OTR drivers who need to hit the road quickly.

3. Westport / "The Border": (Technically not Fall River, but a 5-10 min drive)

   • Vibe: Suburban, more single-family homes. Quieter.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Fall River's industrial areas. Easy access to I-195 via Route 88.
   • Parking: Much easier. Driveways and garages are common.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800/month for a 1BR apartment or a studio in a house.
   • Best For: Drivers with families or those who want a quieter home base. The slightly higher rent is often worth the space and peace.

4. The Highlands / Globe Street Area:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, with some steep hills. More character, but trickier for truck parking.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to highways.
   • Parking: Challenging on the hillier streets. Target apartments with lots or streets on the flatter edges.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,650/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Drivers who value a walkable neighborhood with restaurants and shops, and who don't mind a slightly longer commute. Not ideal if you have a personal pickup you need to park.

Insider Tip: Avoid the densest parts of the "Flint" and "Maplewood" neighborhoods if you have a personal truck you need to park. Always clarify parking with a landlord before signing a lease. Many older multi-families have no off-street parking.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 4% job growth, the path isn't about a exploding number of jobs, but about moving into better-paying niches within the existing market.

Specialty Premiums (How to get past the median):

• Hazmat/Tanker (X Endorsement): Can push your hourly rate from $25.59 to $28-$32/hour. Essential for hauling chemicals, propane, or fuel.
• Flatbed: Requires securement skills. Pay is often 10-15% higher than dry van. Local flatbed work (for steel/mill products) is available in Fall River.
• Heavy Haul/Over-Dimensional: Requires experience and special permits. This is a high-skill, high-pay niche. While rare in Fall River, regional opportunities exist.
• Owner-Operator: The ultimate path. You lease onto a company or find your own contracts. In Fall River, this often means specializing in regional drayage (port to warehouse) or a dedicated contract with a local manufacturer. Income can be $70,000 - $90,000+, but you bear all costs (fuel, maintenance, insurance).

Advancement Paths:

1. Driver to Trainer: Many companies (like NETTTS or large carriers) hire experienced drivers to mentor new hires. Pay is steady, home daily, and adds a management skill.
2. Driver to Dispatcher/Logistics Coordinator: Use your knowledge of routes, regulations, and customer service to move into an office role. This is a natural fit for drivers who want off the road but stay in the industry.
3. Driver to Fleet Manager: For those with leadership skills. Overseeing a fleet of drivers for a local company.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% growth means competition for the best jobs will remain steady. The rise of e-commerce and local distribution centers (like the one in Freetown) will sustain demand for local delivery drivers. The biggest uncertainty is the push toward automation and platooning, but for the next decade, human drivers are irreplaceable for last-mile, specialized hauls, and urban delivery. Your best bet is to specialize, get your endorsements, and become the reliable, safe driver every company wants.

The Verdict: Is Fall River Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living Advantage: Your $53,233 goes further here than in Boston or even Worcester.	Limited Job Variety: 375 jobs isn't a vast pool. You may have to switch companies to get a raise.
Stable, Predictable Market: Anchored by port, healthcare, and grocery. Steady work, less boom/bust.	Modest Growth: 4%