Brady Trucking Inc.
Truck Driving Jobs in Grand Rapids MI
Truck Driver Pay In
Grand Rapids,
Michigan
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 Grand Rapids
OTR Careers at Brady Trucking
For professional CDL-A drivers seeking top-earning opportunities in West Michigan’s manufacturing heartland, Brady Trucking offers exceptional truck driving jobs in Grand Rapids MI with premium compensation and predictable home time. Our OTR pneumatic positions deliver $1,800-$2,300 weekly ($90,000-$110,000 annually) with a structured 3-weeks-out/1-week-home schedule, placing you in the top tier of Kent County earners while leveraging Grand Rapids’ position as a critical freight crossroads on US-131 and I-196.
Market Advantage
Grand Rapids is West Michigan’s dominant manufacturing and distribution hub, anchored by the furniture capital legacy of Steelcase, MillerKnoll (Herman Miller), and Haworth, alongside major food distribution operations from Meijer and Spartan Nash. The city sits at the convergence of US-131, I-96, I-196, and M-6 (South Beltline) , where US-131 serves as a major corridor for freight transportation in West Michigan, with much of the freight having origins and destinations within the city of Grand Rapids itself, supporting local businesses and economy. Rates out of Grand Rapids average $2.48 per mile for dry van, $2.85 for reefer, and $3.06 for flatbed, with 89% of local CDL postings being OTR (long-haul) and 351 carriers employing W2 company drivers across the region. Brady Trucking positions you well above regional averages while utilizing Grand Rapids’ strategic position for maximum route efficiency and earning potential.
Equipment & Operations
Drive our modern Peterbilt and Western Star fleet (2020–2027 models) specifically configured for pneumatic dry bulk operations, supported by 24/7 dispatch and maintenance teams. Our specialized equipment handles diverse industrial freight needs while maximizing your comfort and earning power on the road. Assigned trucks — no slip seating.
Lifestyle & Benefits
Experience the perfect balance of high earnings and quality home life in Grand Rapids, where Lake Michigan’s shoreline meets West Michigan’s legendary work ethic and outdoor recreation. The cost of living in Grand Rapids is 3.4% higher than Detroit but remains below Chicago and Milwaukee, with a median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment of $752** and 2-bedroom at **$913. A livable wage in Grand Rapids covers around $39,000 a year** for a moderate lifestyle, while comfortable living runs approximately **$53,460 annually. Your Brady salary provides exceptional purchasing power in one of the Midwest’s most livable mid-sized metros. Our comprehensive package includes premium health benefits, 401(k) matching, and financial protections that secure your future while building your career.
Qualifications
We require 1+ years of verifiable tractor-trailer experience with manual transmission and pneumatic trailer proficiency. If you’re ready to join a driver-first company that values professionalism and safety, your ultimate Grand Rapids truck driving career awaits.
Trucking Market In Grand Rapids
Market Notes: Grand Rapids’ Manufacturing-Driven Trucking Economy
Current Market Conditions & Driver Advantages
The Grand Rapids MI trucking market represents one of the Midwest’s most industrially diverse freight corridors, offering excellent opportunities for professional CDL holders. Grand Rapids is a regional manufacturing and distribution hub on US-131 / I-196 in western Michigan, with office furniture, food processing, and automotive Tier-1 suppliers generating industrial freight to Midwest markets.
Grand Rapids’ Freight Engine
Grand Rapids’ economy is driven by several industries that generate consistent, year-round freight demand. The city’s industrial corridor along US-131 and the railroads between Burton Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Street both serve as major destinations for freight and logistics traffic. Key drivers of freight demand include:
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Office furniture manufacturing — Steelcase, MillerKnoll (Herman Miller), Haworth, and hundreds of suppliers
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Food distribution and grocery — Meijer DC and Spartan Nash distribution center
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Automotive parts supply chain — Tier-1 suppliers throughout West Michigan
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Medical devices and aerospace components — Growing high-value freight sector
Top Shippers & Distribution Centers:
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Steelcase — Office furniture
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MillerKnoll (Herman Miller) — Office furniture
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Meijer — Grocery and retail distribution
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Spartan Nash — Food distribution
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Amway — Health and wellness products
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Amazon GRR1 — Fulfillment operations
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FedEx Ground Grand Rapids — Regional distribution
Compensation Analysis
Drivers exploring CDL jobs in Grand Rapids MI will find a wide range of compensation reflecting the diversity of the local market. Specialization and experience are key to maximizing earnings.
Earning Potential:
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Average truck driver salary in Michigan is **$1,651 per week** ($85,852 annually), with a range from $832 to $3,277
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CDL Truck Drivers in Grand Rapids average **$67,910 annually** ($32.65/hour), with top earners reaching $94,232** and the 75th percentile at **$80,300
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CDL drivers in Grand Rapids earn a weekly average of **$2,609** (median $2,000)
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Semi Truck Drivers average **$95,287 annually** ($45.81/hour)
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Top-paying carriers in Grand Rapids: Western Mountain Transport at **$1,700/week** with $5,000 sign-on; Premier Transportation at $1,950/week**; JK Moving & Storage at **$2,200/week
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Grand Rapids carriers offer strong perks: 78% pet-friendly fleets (14 points above Michigan average), 94% take-truck-home, and 82% riders-allowed policies
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Brady Trucking positions drivers at $1,800-$2,300 weekly ($90,000-$110,000 annually) with a $3,000 sign-on bonus
Grand Rapids’ Cost of Living & Value Proposition
One of the most important factors for truck driving careers in Grand Rapids is understanding the region’s cost dynamics. Grand Rapids sits above Michigan’s state average for cost of living but remains well below Chicago and other major Midwest metros.
Financial Overview:
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**Comfortable living costs approximately $4,455 per person per month** ($53,460 annually), covering rent, groceries, utilities, transport, and modest discretionary spending
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**A livable wage covers around $3,250 per person per month** ($39,000 annually before tax)
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One-bedroom apartments run $1,000 to $1,400 in most neighborhoods, with Eastown, Heritage Hill, and downtown pushing toward the upper end
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Median rent for a 1-bedroom is $752** and **2-bedroom is $913 — well below comparable Midwest metros
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For households of two, a combined pre-tax salary of $89,000 to $107,000 typically covers comfortable living
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Heating bills spike $80 to $200 a month from November to March
Experience Premium
The Grand Rapids 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 $1,700-$2,200+ weekly
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The local furniture manufacturing belt creates consistent demand for reliable drivers serving Steelcase, MillerKnoll, and supplier networks
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Grand Rapids carriers lead Michigan in pet-friendly fleets (78%) and take-truck-home policies (94%), making the market exceptionally driver-friendly
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Growing need for reliable OTR professionals supporting expanding logistics infrastructure
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 Grand Rapids MI. 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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1 year of verifiable driving experience , OR a mix of accredited driving school + 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 following-too-closely violations resulting in an accident 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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids 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 Michigan 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 Grand Rapids team. We’re looking for drivers ready to build a long-term career with a company that truly values their contribution to the Grand Rapids MI trucking industry.
Truck Driving Benefits
The Brady Trucking Lifestyle
Financial Security & Premium Compensation
When exploring CDL jobs in Grand Rapids MI, compensation naturally tops every driver’s priority list. Brady Trucking delivers exceptional earning potential that places our drivers among the highest-paid in the Grand Rapids market, ensuring financial stability and rewarding career progression.
Top-Tier Earnings:
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$1,800-$2,300 weekly ($90,000-$110,000 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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Driver referral bonuses
Financial Protections
Professional drivers seeking truck driving careers in Grand Rapids 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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Paid orientation
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Driver referral bonuses for recommending quality talent
Work-Life Balance & Home Time
The most rewarding Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids 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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Rider policy — bring a passenger along
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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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids MI 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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids 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.