Brady Trucking Inc.
Truck Driving Jobs in Knoxville TN
Truck Driver Pay In
Knoxville,
Tennessee
Brady drivers average great pay, great equipment, plus benefits, & consistency you can count on.
Work With The Best
Drive With Brady Trucking
Driving Trucks In Knoxville
OTR Careers at Brady Trucking
For professional CDL-A drivers seeking top-earning opportunities in the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, Brady Trucking offers exceptional truck driving jobs in Knoxville TN with premium compensation and predictable home time. Our OTR pneumatic positions deliver $1,800-$2,300 weekly ($93,600-$119,600+ annually) with a structured 3-weeks-out/1-week-home schedule, placing you among the highest-paid drivers in the Knoxville market while leveraging the region’s strategic position as the crossroads where I-40 and I-75 merge.
Market Advantage
Knoxville sits at the convergence of three major interstates—I-40, I-75, and I-81—creating one of the Southeast’s most critical freight gateways. The region handles 178 million tons of nationwide freight annually moving by truck across the Interstate system, with 44 million tons (77.6%) moved by trucks, generating nearly 22 million truck trips per year. The famous “Knoxville Merge” where I-40 and I-75 run concurrent for nearly 20 miles carries more than 210,000 vehicles daily at their busiest point—the highest traffic volume in Tennessee. Knoxville’s freight economy is anchored by automotive parts manufacturing, energy and utilities, building materials, food processing, and technology. Major shippers include Pilot Company (headquartered in Knoxville), Denso Manufacturing, TVA, Bush Brothers, and Sea Ray Boats. With 1,187 active motor carriers registered in Knoxville and rates averaging $2.40 per mile for dry van, $2.83 for reefer, and $2.94 for flatbed, the market is built for drivers who want consistent miles and strong weekly earnings.
Compensation Analysis
Drivers exploring CDL jobs in Knoxville TN will find compensation that puts this market among Tennessee’s strongest freight hubs. The Knoxville market rewards experience and specialization, with Brady Trucking positioning drivers at the very top of the local earning spectrum.
Earning Potential:
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Over-the-Road (OTR) drivers in Knoxville average **$67,485 annually**, ranging from $54,446 to $83,185
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Top earners in the market reach $90,000+ annually with premium carriers
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Regional OTR positions offer $1,730 – $2,150 weekly
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Dedicated regional drivers earn $1,550 – $1,700 weekly
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Local Class A drivers average $1,250 weekly with mail run contracts
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Experienced drivers with modern fleets earn $1,900 – $2,400 weekly with peaks reaching $2,700+
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Brady Trucking positions drivers at $1,800-$2,300 weekly ($93,600-$119,600+ annually) with a $3,000 sign-on bonus
Knoxville’s Exceptional Affordability
One of the most significant advantages of truck driving careers in Knoxville is the region’s extraordinary affordability—making your Brady salary go significantly further.
Financial Advantages:
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Cost of living 14% below the national average (ETEDA)
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Cost of living index of 86 — well below the national average of 100
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Housing costs 23% below the national average
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Healthcare costs 15% below the national average
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No personal income tax in Tennessee
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Median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,142
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**Median home value approximately $360,650**, with homes available from the mid-$150,000s
Experience Premium
The Knoxville trucking industry highly values professional experience and specialized skills. Drivers with proven backgrounds in pneumatic operations and manual transmissions command significant pay premiums.
Professional Background:
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OTR drivers earn significantly more than local route operators, with top carriers offering $1,900-$2,400+ weekly
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The local automotive manufacturing belt creates steady parts and finished vehicle freight
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Growing need for reliable OTR professionals supporting expanding logistics infrastructure
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Experience with hazardous materials is valued—136 Knoxville carriers are registered to haul hazmat
Trucking Market In Knoxville
Knoxville’s Strategic Trucking Economy
Current Market Conditions & Driver Advantages
The Knoxville TN trucking market represents one of the Southeast’s most strategically positioned freight corridors, offering exceptional opportunities for professional CDL holders. Knoxville’s position as the gateway where I-40 and I-75 merge creates favorable conditions for drivers seeking premium positions with established carriers.
Knoxville’s Freight Engine
Knoxville’s economy is driven by several industries that generate consistent, year-round freight demand:
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Automotive parts manufacturing — Denso Manufacturing and the growing automotive belt create steady parts and finished vehicle freight
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Energy and utilities — TVA operations generate specialized freight requiring reliability
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Building materials — Year-round construction keeps flatbed demand steady
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Food processing — Bush Brothers and regional food producers create consistent refrigerated freight
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Technology — Knoxville’s growing tech sector generates specialized freight
Key Highways Serving Knoxville:
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I-40 (east-west)
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I-75 (north-south)
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I-640 (bypass)
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I-275
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US-441
Top Shippers Operating in Knoxville:
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Pilot Company — Headquartered in Knoxville
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Denso Manufacturing — Automotive parts
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TVA — Energy and utilities
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Bush Brothers — Food processing
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Sea Ray Boats — Manufacturing
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Knoxville offers year-round operations without severe winter weather interruptions, but drivers should be aware of seasonal factors:
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Florida produce season (October-May) drives strong northbound reefer demand
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Hurricane season (June-November) creates both risks and emergency freight surges
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Holiday retail peaks (September-December) create surge freight demand
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Year-round construction keeps flatbed demand steady
Knoxville Lifestyle & Quality of Life
Beyond outstanding professional opportunities, truck driving careers in Knoxville TN offer an exceptional quality of life that makes the region ideal for OTR professionals. Known as the “Scruffy City,” Knoxville blends Southern charm, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant downtown into one of the Southeast’s most livable communities.
Affordable Living Advantages:
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No personal income tax in Tennessee — your paycheck goes further
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Housing costs 23% below the national average — median home value around $360,650
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Median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,142
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Cost of living 14% below the national average
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Over 300,000 residents in the metro area with a strong sense of community
Community Amenities & Attractions
Knoxville CDL jobs provide access to exceptional community resources and world-class attractions. During home time, drivers can enjoy everything that makes Knoxville a unique destination.
Outdoor Recreation:
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Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness — A 1,000-acre outdoor playground just minutes from downtown, featuring more than 50 miles of hiking and biking trails
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Ijams Nature Center — A 300-acre wildlife sanctuary and environmental learning center
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Baker Creek Preserve — Home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the Southeast
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Fort Dickerson Park/Augusta Quarry — A reclaimed marble quarry now serving as a swimming and paddling destination
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Sharp’s Ridge Park — Spectacular views of the city with over 5 miles of natural surface trails
Arts & Culture:
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Market Square — Knoxville’s vibrant downtown gathering place with outdoor concerts, festivals, and the Shakespeare on the Square series
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Tennessee Theatre — A lavish 1920s movie palace turned performing arts hub
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Knoxville Museum of Art — Free admission with rotating exhibitions
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World’s Fair Park — Home to the iconic Sunsphere, splash pads, and weekly festivals
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Dogwood Arts Festival — One of Knoxville’s oldest events, established in 1961
Local Flavor & Dining:
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Market Square — Local restaurants offering everything from Southern-style cuisine to steak and sushi
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Downtown breweries — A thriving craft beer scene within walking distance of hotels and attractions
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Krutch Park — Scenic green space adjacent to Market Square, kid and pet-friendly
Proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains
One of Knoxville’s greatest advantages is its location just an hour from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—America’s most visited national park. During home time, drivers can enjoy world-class hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic drives through some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the country.
Working With Brady
Brady Trucking was built by drivers, for drivers — and we understand what matters most when you’re looking for truck driving jobs.
Since Larry Brady started the company in 1980, we’ve grown from a small local operation into a respected carrier known for safe, reliable service and a driver-first culture.
Our team knows the realities of the road: long hours, tight schedules, and the importance of getting home on time. That’s why Brady invests in late-model tractors and trailers, proactive maintenance, and modern driver comfort features like APUs and in-cab technology.
Our routes are planned to maximize weekly miles while keeping you close to home, with a mix of regional, dedicated, and local CDL jobs to fit your lifestyle. When you choose Brady, you join a company that works hard to keep you moving, keep you safe, and keep your paycheck steady.
Working at Brady means more than just having a job — it means joining a team that respects your time, your family, and your career goals. We offer competitive pay packages that consistently beat market averages, plus full health benefits, 401(k) with match, paid orientation, and safety bonuses that reward you for doing things right.
Whether you’re running flatbed, pneumatic, or van freight, you’ll have the backing of dispatchers and managers who know your name and support your success.
Our drivers tell us again and again that they love our equipment, our culture, and the consistency of our freight.
If you’re searching for a reliable trucking company with steady freight and a commitment to driver satisfaction, Brady Trucking is ready to put you in the driver’s seat and help you build the career you want.
Brady Trucking Jobs Requirements
Building Our Team of Professionals
Essential Qualifications
We’re seeking professional drivers who demonstrate pride in their work and equipment when pursuing CDL jobs in Knoxville TN. To maintain our commitment to safety and operational excellence, we’ve established clear mandatory requirements.
Mandatory Credentials & Experience:
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Valid Class A CDL
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21 years or older
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Minimum of 6 months or 50,000 miles of verifiable tractor-trailer experience
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Pneumatic experience preferred
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Manual transmission experience required
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Ability to pass a DOT physical and drug screen
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SAP drivers accepted upon successful program completion
Driving Record Requirements:
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No DUI, DWI, DWAI, or BAC-related convictions within the past 5 years (6-10 years may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
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No hit-and-run, leaving the scene of an accident, or failure to report an accident within the past 3 years
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No preventable accidents involving a fatality or bodily injury requiring treatment away from the scene
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No reckless driving violations within the past 3 years
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No speeding violations of 20+ MPH over the posted speed limit within the past 3 years
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No more than 2 accidents in the past 36 months
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No more than 3 moving violations in the past 36 months
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Driving under suspension will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
The Right Professional Attitude
While not formal requirements, the drivers who excel in Knoxville trucking opportunities with Brady Trucking share important professional characteristics.
Safety-Conscious Mindset:
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Commitment to defensive driving techniques and safety protocols
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Understanding that safety impacts everyone on the road
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Willingness to speak up about safety concerns
Professional Reliability
The most successful candidates for truck driving careers in Knoxville demonstrate consistent reliability and professional conduct.
Professional Standards:
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Consistent on-time performance and schedule adherence
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Professional appearance and conduct representing our company
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Accountability for equipment and operational standards
Team-Oriented Approach
Building a successful career in Tennessee transportation jobs requires collaboration and mutual respect. We seek drivers who contribute positively to our team environment.
Collaborative Mindset:
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Positive attitude and willingness to work collaboratively
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Respect for colleagues, customers, and company leadership
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Commitment to maintaining our company’s excellent reputation
If you meet our qualifications and share our commitment to professionalism and safety, we encourage you to submit your application to join our Knoxville team. We’re looking for drivers ready to build a long-term career with a company that truly values their contribution to the Knoxville TN trucking industry.
Truck Driving Benefits
The Brady Trucking Lifestyle
Financial Security & Premium Compensation
When exploring CDL jobs in Knoxville TN, compensation naturally tops every driver’s priority list. Brady Trucking delivers exceptional earning potential that places our drivers among the highest-paid in the Knoxville market, ensuring financial stability and rewarding career progression.
Top-Tier Earnings:
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$1,800-$2,300 weekly ($93,600-$119,600+ annually) for qualified OTR drivers
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$3,000 sign-on bonus for joining the Brady team
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2,800–3,500 weekly miles (paid on actual miles)
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Consistent weekly pay with no seasonal fluctuations
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Quarterly safety incentives
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Transparent pay structure with clear earning potential from day one
Comprehensive Benefits Package
The finest local truck driving jobs provide complete benefits that protect drivers and their families. Our comprehensive package ensures your health, retirement, and financial future remain secure.
Health & Retirement Benefits:
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Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
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401(k) with company match
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Paid orientation with travel provided
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$4,000 driver referral bonus
Financial Protections
Professional drivers seeking truck driving careers in Knoxville deserve income stability and protection against unexpected delays. Our financial safeguards ensure you’re compensated fairly regardless of circumstances beyond your control.
Income Security Features:
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Guaranteed detention pay
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Breakdown pay ensuring income during repairs
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Quarterly safety incentives
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Driver referral bonuses for recommending quality talent
Work-Life Balance & Home Time
The most rewarding Knoxville trucking opportunities respect your life beyond the driver’s seat. Our scheduling philosophy ensures you can build both a successful career and a fulfilling personal life with predictable home time and family support.
Predictable Scheduling:
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Structured 3 weeks out, 1 week home rotation
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Guaranteed home time for family commitments and personal life
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Flexibility to extend routes for additional earnings when desired
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Real home time with a team that respects your time
Family Support Systems
At Brady Trucking, we recognize that Knoxville CDL jobs should support family connections rather than strain them. Our family-focused programs and understanding policies help maintain strong relationships despite OTR demands.
Family-First Programs:
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Passenger ride-along program — bring a loved one on the road
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Pet policy — one dog in a company vehicle (must not exceed 25 lbs)
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Support for maintaining connections while on the road
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Understanding of family emergencies and personal needs
Professional Support & Company Culture
The best truck driving positions in Knoxville combine professional challenge with supportive company culture. As a driver-focused company, we maintain the personal touch that larger carriers often sacrifice.
24/7 Operational Support:
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Experienced dispatch team optimizing your routes and loads
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Support around the clock
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Real-time communication through preferred channels
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Respectful treatment and professional interactions
Driver-First Culture
Our approach to truck driving in Knoxville TN centers on creating an environment where professional drivers feel genuinely appreciated and respected. Brady Trucking isn’t just another carrier—we’re a team built on trust, respect, and honesty.
Cultural Priorities:
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Real miles, real pay, real home time, real support
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A company that treats drivers like family—not numbers
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Respect for your professionalism and experience
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A team that understands life on the road
The Complete Brady Advantage
When you combine our premium compensation, comprehensive benefits, predictable home time, and driver-first culture, you have a truck driving career in Knoxville that stands apart. We’re not just offering a job—we’re offering a partnership in building the life you want. If you’re ready to join a company that keeps its promises, Brady Trucking is the place for you.
If you’re ready to experience the difference that a truly driver-focused company can make in your career and your life, we invite you to apply for our Knoxville OTR positions today. Join the Brady Trucking family and discover why we’re the preferred choice for professional drivers who demand more from their career.