Curious if your state ranks among the best or worst for working in the trucking industry? If you’re a seasoned driver who’s logged countless miles across the country, you might have a hunch about which states are top contenders. But the actual results could surprise even you!
There are numerous factors, from road quality to regulatory policies, that impact a state’s rank. Keep reading to see if your state makes the list, and discover what makes these rankings stand out in the trucking world. Stay tuned for the details!
10 Best States to Drive Through
By analyzing various states, we have understood that it is quite difficult to identify the 10 best states to drive through because each offers different benefits. First, we want to highlight what are the best states overall, and then further group them by different factors. This way, you will have a good idea if you are lucky enough to be working in those regions.
Here is our list of the top 10 states truckers love driving through:
- Texas
Known for its extensive roadways and large trucking hubs, Texas offers smooth routes and diverse landscapes that make long hauls more enjoyable. In addition, Texas boasts a large number of truck parking lots, high-speed limits, and lots of restaurant choices for late-night drivers.
- Montana
With its open roads and stunning mountain views, Montana provides truckers with a tranquil driving experience and plenty of space. This is exactly why truck drivers love driving through Montana; however, they can’t say the same about driving through the state in winter.
- Arizona
Arizona’s well-maintained highways and picturesque desert scenery make it a favorite for truckers looking for a mix of efficiency and beauty. Overall, it is quite easy to drive through Arizona with occasional bumpy roads.
- Oregon
Featuring scenic routes like the I-84 along the Columbia River, Oregon offers truckers a pleasant drive through lush forests and coastal views. Apart from picturesque views, Oregon is famous for its kept roads, which make it a breeze to drive long distances.
- Virginia
Virginia’s mix of rolling hills and well-planned routes make it a smooth ride for truckers, with easy access to major East Coast destinations. Apart from being banned from driving through the Blue Ridge Parkway, truckers can enjoy smooth roads near it with a great view of the mountains.
- Colorado
Known for its mountainous terrain and breathtaking landscapes, Colorado provides a challenging yet rewarding driving experience with beautiful views. Despite being difficult and somewhat dangerous to drive in bad weather, Colorado provides truckers with plenty of parking lots and food options.
- Florida
Florida’s flat and straight highways, combined with its warm weather, make for a comfortable and easy drive, particularly during the winter months. Moreover, Florida offers many truck parking stops for those who want to take a break and enjoy the warm sun of the Sunshine State.
- Utah
Utah’s expansive highways and dramatic desert landscapes offer truckers a unique and enjoyable drive, with well-maintained roads throughout. Although it may get challenging to drive in winter, the roads are well-kept and ploughed throughout the seasons.
- Nebraska
With its long, straight roads and minimal traffic congestion, Nebraska provides a straightforward and efficient driving experience for truckers.
- Wyoming
Wyoming’s wide-open spaces and scenic highways make it a favorite for truckers who appreciate a clear, unobstructed drive and breathtaking natural beauty.
5 States with Least Congested Roads
If you prefer to avoid traffic jams and enjoy open roads, you’ll appreciate the free-flowing routes in these states:
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Wyoming
5 States with the Least Expensive Prices
On a tight budget? You’ll find affordable prices in these states:
- South Dakota
- Nebraska
- Wisconsin
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
5 States with the Most Truck Parking Lots
You never have to worry about finding an available truck parking slot in:
- Idaho
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Tennessee
10 Worst States to Drive Through
Here is our list of the top 10 states truckers love driving through:
- New York
Heavy traffic and poor road conditions, especially around New York City, create a stressful and challenging environment for truckers.
- California
With slow speed limits, strict regulations, and constant traffic congestion, California is notorious for its difficult driving conditions.
- New Jersey
Endless traffic backups on routes like the New Jersey Turnpike make it a frustrating state for truckers with heavy loads.
- Michigan
Worn-down roads filled with potholes and harsh winters make Michigan a tough state for truckers to navigate.
- Illinois
Chicago’s intense traffic and potholes, combined with harsh winters, pose significant challenges for truck drivers.
- Pennsylvania
Steep, uphill routes and icy roads in winter make Pennsylvania’s routes difficult and somewhat dangerous for truckers.
- Washington
Gloomy, wet weather and icy, winding roads create dangerous driving conditions for truckers in Washington State.
- Indiana
Neglected roads and frequent potholes in Indiana can cause vehicle damage and make driving challenging for truckers.
- Rhode Island
Poor infrastructure and frequent road issues make Rhode Island a problematic state for long-distance trucking.
- New Mexico
Hazardous driving conditions in New Mexico, including isolated stretches and unpredictable weather, can be dangerous for truckers.
5 States with Most Congested Roads
If you are about to cross these states, you should get ready to spend some time in traffic jams:
- New Jersey
- Maryland
- California
- Florida
- Massachusetts
5 States with the Most Expensive Prices
Planning a route through these states? It’s wise to budget more for expenses:
- Maryland
- Oregon
- New York
- Florida
- California
5 States with the Least Truck Parking Lots
When driving through the following states, booking your slot in a truck parking lot is a must:
- Alaska
- Oregon
- Connecticut
- West Virginia
- Maine
Improve Your Driving Experience with Truck Parking Club
Navigating the complexities of truck routing and finding secure parking can significantly impact your driving experience. With Truck Parking Club, you can streamline your journey by accessing a comprehensive network of parking lots across the states.
Moreover, you can book in advance to ensure you have a guaranteed spot, allowing you to focus on the road with peace of mind.
Register as a Trucker Member to elevate your driving experience and enjoy the convenience Truck Parking Club offers.
The information published herein is for general informational purposes only. Truck Parking Club does not make any representations or warranties about the completeness, reliability, legality, and accuracy of this information. Any reliance placed on such material is strictly at the user’s own risk. Truck Parking Club shall not be responsible for any losses or damages incurred in connection with the information published herein.
