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)