Tennessee's commercial transportation sector: FedEx Memphis superhub, Nashville distribution, I-40 corridor. 50,000+ heavy truck drivers serve the state.
50,000+
CDL Drivers
$88B
Freight Value
5.0%
Growth Rate
10%
Hispanic Workforce
| City | Drivers | Growth | Industry Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 18,000+ | 4.8%/yr | FedEx hub, river port |
| Nashville | 15,000+ | 6.2%/yr | Distribution, music industry |
| Knoxville | 8,000+ | 4.0%/yr | I-40/I-75 junction, Smoky Mtns |
| Chattanooga | 6,000+ | 5.5%/yr | VW plant, river port |
Average costs by metro area and program type
| Metro | Private School | Community College | Sponsored |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $3,000-$6,500 | $1,200-$3,500 | $0 (2-yr contract) |
| Memphis | $2,500-$5,500 | $1,200-$3,500 | FedEx programs |
| Knoxville | $2,500-$5,500 | $1,200-$3,500 | $0 (2-yr contract) |
| Chattanooga | $2,500-$5,500 | $1,200-$3,500 | VW programs |
Tennessee American Job Centers provide WIOA funding for CDL training.
Tennessee has 450,000+ veterans near Fort Campbell.
Free community college tuition for adults without a degree.
Last-dollar scholarship for recent high school graduates.
Administered by Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
FedEx Memphis superhub is the world's busiest cargo airport, ground feeder operations massive
Nashville construction boom creating heavy equipment and material transport demand
I-40 corridor connects Memphis to Knoxville through challenging mountain terrain
VW Chattanooga and Nissan Smyrna require JIT automotive supply chain compliance
50,000+ drivers. 5.0% annual growth. Zero upfront investment.
“Memphis FedEx ground operations create 24/7 driver demand. Revenue: $13,500/month.”
, Brandon Clark, Volunteer State CDL
Compare DOT compliance requirements and training costs in states bordering Tennessee.
42,000+ drivers · 3.8% growth
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC)
45,000+ drivers · 4.0% growth
Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
95,000+ drivers · 4.8% growth
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
105,000+ drivers · 6.2% growth
Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
38,000+ drivers · 4.2% growth
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
28,000+ drivers · 3.0% growth
Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS)
32,000+ drivers · 3.5% growth
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA)
55,000+ drivers · 3.5% growth
Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR)
Figuring out how to pay for CDL school in Tennessee? Start with our free guide.