Different Types of Truck Driving Jobs
In this Article
Trucking is a profession that offers a lot of flexibility and many different types of jobs. There are thousands of goods that need to be transported across towns, regions, or across the country and different routes and types of trucks used to do the job. Drivers have the power to specialize in different areas of trucking as they gain experience.
Here’s a list of some popular trucking jobs.
Types of Trucking Jobs
- Dry Van Driver --These drivers are the most common types we see on the road. They haul non-perishable goods like clothes, furniture, or non-perishable foods. Many drivers start out as dry van drivers.
- Tanker Driver -- Liquids like fertilizers, gasoline, and other industrial materials are transported via tanker trucks. Divers must be familiar with the hazardous or non-hazardous materials they are transporting, be able to react quickly, and manage accidents if they occur. Additionally, drivers must possess an N or an X endorsement.
- Flatbed Driver -- Flatbed drivers haul various items that would not otherwise fit in a dry van. Oversized items, cars, construction equipment, and more, are all transported via flatbed. Drivers must be familiar with securing items with the proper equipment and transporting them cautiously.
- Refrigerated Freight Driver (Reefer) -- Items like meat, ice cream, cosmetics, and even medicines, must be transported at cooler temperatures to prevent them from spoiling. Refrigerated Freight, also known as Reefer trucks, transport these important (and delicious) items at a cool temperature to ensure they are not destroyed. The drivers must monitor the temperature of the cargo, leading to a greater amount of responsibility for the driver.
- Freight Haulers -- These drivers haul all items covered above. From flatbed, to reefer, to hazardous loads, they have licenses and the knowledge to carry anything.
- LTL Freight Drivers -- LTL Freight Drivers, also known as less than load, transport loads that are smaller than normal. The trailer is divided into multiple different loads for different customers. The LTL drivers make multiple stops at different points to empty their trailers. This is more cost effective for the customer, as they only have to pay for the part of the trailer being used.
Types of Truck Driving Routes
In terms of truck driving routes, there are several different ones:
- Local -- these drivers stay within a small area for work, usually within a metropolitan area or between a few towns. Typically, they go home at the end of every day. Almost everything they haul, they must unload themselves.
- Regional -- Regional drivers drive within a state or between a few states. They usually come home on weekends.
- OTR -- OTR stands for Over the Road; these jobs require truckers to go across the country. They can be out for weeks or even months at a time. Different companies have different policies for when drivers return home, but most stay out for several weeks before returning home for a few days. One of the largest benefits of ORT is the driver often does not have to unload the truck.
No matter what you decide, trucking is a great career with a lot of flexibility and rewards. Looking for your next driving job? Find a truck driving job near you.
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