Trucking Life in Vermont

Vermont. Home of flannel shirts, syrup thicker than your dispatcher’s excuses, and enough moose warnings to make you question reality at 3 a.m.

If you're picturing scenic mountain roads, charming little towns, and hauling farm-fresh cheese to Boston—you’re not wrong. But trucking out of Vermont also means black ice in April, zero cell service, and delivery docks built for horse-drawn wagons.

So, if you’re considering becoming a trucker based out of the Green Mountain State, let’s dig into the sweet, the salty, and the downright slippery truth of it all.

Key Points: The Good, The Bad, and The Snow-Covered Ugly

1. It’s Beautiful. Too Beautiful. Distractingly Beautiful.

Vermont looks like a postcard year-round. Rolling hills, covered bridges, mountain passes—it’s downright peaceful… until you realize you’re driving a 53' trailer up a narrow road with a 12% downgrade and no shoulder.

• Fall foliage? Gorgeous.
• Snowy pines in winter? Stunning.
• Mud season? Hope you brought chains and patience.

You’ll either fall in love or fall into a ditch. Or both.

2. You’re Not in a Freight Hotspot—But That’s Not Always Bad

Vermont isn’t exactly the beating heart of the freight world. It’s more like the left pinky toe.

Most loads are regional, agricultural, or specialty goods (hello, cheese, syrup, and forest products). You’ll often be heading to:

• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Canada (hope you like customs paperwork)

But fewer loads means less competition too. If you find your lane and build relationships with shippers, you can carve out a solid niche.

3. The Roads Will Test Your Soul

Forget I-95 drama or Chicago traffic. Vermont’s roads come with their own brand of chaos:

• Steep grades that sneak up on you like a DOT inspector
• Sudden snow squalls with zero warning
• Tiny towns with tighter turns than a backwoods NASCAR track
• GPS routes that think you’re driving a Subaru, not a 13'6” freight hauler

And let’s not even start on dirt roads that turn into rivers during mud season. Vermont doesn’t care how new your tires are—it will humble you.

4. Pay Is Decent—If You’re Smart and Flexible

Vermont drivers don’t always get the miles that southern or midwestern drivers do, but smart ones still make it work.

• Company drivers: $50K–$70K/year is common for regional runs.
• Owner-operators: $100K+ is possible, especially if you run into New England and beyond.
• Local gigs: Hauling milk, logs, or farm supplies pays steady if not sexy.

Seasonal work is strong too—plow operators, log haulers, and construction freight jobs pop during key months. Versatility = job security in Vermont.

5. You’ll Meet Some of the Realest Folks on the Road

Vermont drivers don’t play around. They’re not out here chasing clout—they’re moving freight, fixing their own rigs, and feeding their families. Most are:

• Hard-working
• Polite but blunt
• Suspicious of BS (they can smell a bad broker a mile away)

They’ll wave when you pass them in the snow, help you chain up, and expect you to do the same. It’s that old-school code—respect earned, not given.

Multiple Perspectives: Who’s Behind the Wheel in Vermont?

The Maple Run Veteran: “I haul syrup and specialty products up to New York and down to Jersey. Been doin’ it 22 years. The roads suck, but the work is honest. And when you make it home with the snow still falling, it feels damn good.

The New School CDL Grad: “I started at a local milk hauler out of Barre. It’s tough backing into some of these farms, but I love it. I’m learning fast and working toward buying my own rig

The Hustle-Anywhere Owner-Op: “Vermont’s my base, but I’ll go wherever the money is. I run reefer loads from Canada down to North Carolina. It’s not easy, but I make my own schedule—and I’m not freezing on docks in Burlington all winter.

The One Who Gave Up: “Tried OTR outta Vermont. Hated the isolation. Missed my kids. Now I work at a hardware store and only drive a pickup. Respect to those who stick with it, though—it’s no joke out there.

Industry Response: Vermont’s Trucking Scene Is Holding Its Own

Even though Vermont’s not a trucking mega-state, the industry is adapting:

• Local CDL schools (like Northeast Kingdom Technical Center and Vermont Tech) are helping more locals get licensed
• Small carriers are embracing green freight options, electric trucks, and regional-only contracts
• Infrastructure bills are funding much-needed bridge and road upgrades

There’s also a quiet movement among Vermont drivers to reclaim independence—forming small co-ops, getting away from mega carriers, and running smart, not just long.

Pro Tips for New Drivers from Vermont

Bottom Line: Is Vermont Trucking for You?

If you like:

✅ Scenic routes
✅ Small-town charm
✅ Real people
✅ Running smart regional lanes

Then Vermont might just be your trucking sweet spot.

But if you can’t handle:

❌ Snowstorms in April
❌ Backing into 200-year-old barns
❌ Small freight markets
❌ Feeling like your brakes are your best friend and worst enemy

Then Vermont might chew you up and spit you out like moose jerky.

It’s a niche. But if you master it—you can build a stable, profitable career surrounded by nature, integrity, and real community.

Call to Action

Face the cold. Embrace the haul. This Vermont trucker stands ready—gear on, chains tight, and pride running deeper than the snowpack. This ain’t just a job—it’s a mountain-state mindset.

Trucking alone won’t make you rich—but trucking with a plan will.

If you’re thinking about your future beyond the road, or just want to start earning extra income while you’re still driving…

🧠 Start learning AI tools and online income strategies now.

🚨 Grab my free course for truckers at retirefromtrucking.com. 🚨
It’s time to build freedom before you need it. Stay ready so you never have to get ready.

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