Phoenix, AZ
Looking for tanker regional CDL-A work around Phoenix? Here's the pay, the home time, and a fast way to get matched with carriers hiring right now.
Phoenix is the #2 U.S. market for new warehouse construction, where the busy I-10/I-17 freight junction and two Class I railroads put West Coast ports within same-day reach and most of California within one day.
Runs within a multi-state region (typically a 500–1,000 mile radius), balancing solid weekly miles with more predictable home time than OTR. For CDL-A drivers based in Phoenix and nearby communities like Goodyear, Tolleson, Glendale, that translates to steady freight and tanker regional runs you can actually build a schedule around.
Regional CDL-A pay in this market typically runs about $77k to $99k a year for company drivers, before sign-on bonuses, detention, and per diem. Tanker is among the highest-paying segments; drivers often earn roughly $8,000–$20,000 more per year than dry-van drivers, with hazmat-certified tanker work paying the most. The number that matters most is weekly miles times your rate — a strong rate on thin miles loses to a steady seat every time.
Liquid and bulk cargo such as fuel, chemicals, and food-grade liquids — pays a premium and usually requires a tanker endorsement plus skill managing liquid surge.
Tanker is among the highest-paying segments; drivers often earn roughly $8,000–$20,000 more per year than dry-van drivers, with hazmat-certified tanker work paying the most.
Arizona rates run about 1% below the national average for the same freight, which is baked into the numbers below. Figures assume 2,250 paid miles a week (typical for regional out of Phoenix) plus ~7% in accessorials (detention, stop pay, per diem), over 50 working weeks.
| Experience | Rate (typical–good) | Weekly gross | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 years | $0.64–0.70/mi | $1,549–$1,692 | $77,461–$84,612 |
| 2–5 years | $0.68–0.75/mi | $1,645–$1,811 | $82,228–$90,570 |
| 5+ years | $0.73–0.82/mi | $1,764–$1,978 | $88,187–$98,912 |
From the CDL Lane pay model — cents-per-mile researched across 100+ carriers (how we calculate), adjusted for Arizona and tanker freight. Run your own numbers in the pay calculator.
Tell us your experience, freight, and schedule. We'll line up regional carriers hiring near Phoenix — free, fast, no obligation.
Get matched →Regional CDL-A drivers in the Phoenix market typically earn $77k–$99k a year, with the exact number driven by experience, weekly miles, and freight type — the table above breaks it down by experience band.
The N (tanker) endorsement at minimum; hazmat (H) — together the X endorsement — unlocks fuel hauling, which is the top of the pay scale. The tests are knowledge-based and the hazmat background check typically runs a few weeks.
Many tanker fleets take drivers with 6–12 months of general CDL-A experience and train the liquid-surge handling. The endorsement plus a clean record is usually the real gate.
That's the standard: a 500–1,000 mile radius with weekly home time, usually weekends. Confirm the exact home-time policy with each carrier in writing — "most weekends" and "every weekend" are different jobs.
A valid CDL-A and a reasonably clean driving record cover most openings. Tell CDL Lane your experience, preferred freight, and home base and we'll match you with carriers hiring near Phoenix — including Goodyear, Tolleson, Glendale.