Regional driver pay in 2026
Regional is the fastest-growing CDL category — drivers who want more home time than OTR without the hourly constraints of local. Pay sits between OTR and local, with home-weekly being the primary selling point. Here is what regional drivers earn in 2026.
Regional pay by freight type
| Freight Type | Typical CPM | Avg Weekly Miles | Est. Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Van Regional | $0.55 – $0.62 | 2,200 – 2,600 | $62K – $74K |
| Flatbed Regional | $0.57 – $0.66 | 2,000 – 2,400 | $60K – $74K |
| Reefer Regional | $0.57 – $0.65 | 2,200 – 2,600 | $63K – $74K |
| Tanker Regional | $0.60 – $0.70 | 2,000 – 2,400 | $62K – $78K |
| Dedicated Regional | $0.54 – $0.64 | 2,000 – 2,400 | $58K – $72K |
Regional vs OTR — the pay tradeoff
Regional drivers typically earn $8,000–$15,000 less annually than OTR counterparts at the same experience level. The tradeoff is home time — regional drivers are home weekly vs every 2–3 weeks for OTR. For drivers with families or local commitments, the home time is worth significantly more than the pay difference.
What affects regional pay most
- Territory size — a 5-state regional territory delivers more consistent miles than a 3-state territory. Ask carriers what their average weekly miles are — not just the CPM rate.
- Freight consistency — dedicated regional accounts (same customer, same lanes) pay slightly less CPM but deliver more consistent miles and predictable schedules.
- Endorsements — Tanker and HazMat add $0.04–$0.10 CPM even on regional runs.
For employers posting regional jobs
Regional candidates are comparison-shopping between OTR and local. Your pitch is predictable home time — make it the first thing in your job posting. Use the CDL Job Description Generator to write a regional posting that leads with home time and CPM.