Did you know that there are more than 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States? If you are considering changing your career path to that of the open road as a truck driver but are wondering what different types of truck driving jobs there are, you are in the right place. We have put together this short guide to share the most common types of truck drivers there are.
Keep reading to learn more and see if any of these options excite you.
1. Flatbed Truckers
One common type of truck driver is a flatbed driver. Flatbed trucks are not built the same as tractor-trailers and they require different knowledge to operate correctly. The freight and the cargo always have to be secured differently to ensure that nothing flies off the bed of the truck.
Usually, because there are additional skills needed to complete the tasks of a flatbed driver, these drivers tend to get paid more than other positions. Flatbed drivers tend to haul oddly shaped cargo that wouldn’t fit in another truck, oversized cargo, and vehicles.
2. Tanker Truckers
This is one of the most popular jobs in the industry. The job of a tanker trucker is to transport liquids. This is actually one of the most difficult trucking operations.
Tanker drivers have to be willing and able to react quickly in the event of an emergency. Usually, tanker truckers have to transport hazardous and non-hazardous liquids depending on the clients and their employer.
3. Dry Van Hauler
This is where most truck drivers begin their trucking jobs tennessee. As a dry van driver, you will drive a 53-foot single trailer stuffed with non-perishable goods and dry goods. Usually, the drivers themselves are required to unload the cargo but, this depends on your employer.
4. Freight Hauler
Freight haulers cover all of the cargo and areas that are not housed under the dry van hauling umbrella. Freight haulers might transport oversized cargo that dry haulers are not licensed for, or certain hazardous cargo, or liquids.
5. Refrigerated Freight Drivers
The goods that a refrigerated hauler transports have to be done efficiently and in a timely manner because the goods being hauled have to stay at a certain temperature to not perish. These drivers have to know how to set and check the temperature of the trailer which equates to more pay than dry haulers.
Feeling Like a Pro About the Different Truck Driving Jobs?
We hope that now that you are aware of the different types of truck driving jobs you can make an informed decision on which one might best be suited for you. The next step is to do some further research on the job you are contemplating to make sure that it really is a good fit.
If this blog post helped you out today please browse the rest of our career section for our latest reads.
