There are many things you can do to earn a living, and driving a truck is one of them. 

After all, the truck driving industry of the USA is flourishing with a range of opportunities that you can avail. Most employers will consider hiring an individual who possesses a clean driver’s record and owns a commercial driver’s license. Additionally, such individuals must also pass a drug screening and background check. You should have an understanding of the different types of truck driving jobs before you apply for one.
Here are a few types of jobs you will find in the truck driving industry.

Dry Van Driver

A dry van is one of the most common semi-truck you will encounter on the road. As the name suggests, this truck trailer is used to transport non-perishable goods that do not require refrigeration. There are many opportunities in the market for a dry van driver because of the versatility of the vehicle. This truck trailer can be used to transport a variety of materials and goods. This type of truck is mainly used in freight transportation services for interstate trading. You could even be transporting industrial parts or dry food items as a dry van driver.

This vehicle type is easy to use as it does not have extra rear controls. Moreover, it also requires the least amount of heavy lifting when compared with other truck types. This means that generally, a dry van driver does not have to worry about loading and unloading freight. 

Most truck drivers start their careers with a dry van because driving it has the least amount of requirements. If you are above the age of 18 and are willing to obtain a CDL, you can drive a dry van in the future. Individuals meeting these requirements should consider applying for truck driver jobs in Los Angeles.

Freight Hauler

The truck driving industry is vibrant. According to data released by the BLS, 1,800,330 people were employed as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in May 2018. Even more, drivers are expected to be used in this industry now. There are many different types of truck drivers, and freight hauliers are one of them.
A freight haulier is a broad term used to describe a wide range of cargo. A truck driver is usually referred to as a freight haulier when there is no specific term to describe the type of freight carried. Technically, all kinds of truck drivers are freight hauliers. However, it is best to ask for clarification when you see someone using the term. When a company wants to hire you like a freight haulier, you should inquire about what goods or parts you will be hauling.

Refrigerated Freight Hauler

Some cargo requires strict temperature control to maintain its integrity. That is why goods like medicine, meat or other edibles are transported via refrigerated freight hauliers. The duties of the refrigerated freight haulier include monitoring the freight and adjusting the temperature gauges if needed. If the temperature within the trailer is too high or too low, the cargo may become unsafe for consumption. 

As a refrigerated freight haulier, you might even be operating an ice-cream truck. You should be aware that some companies use the term reefer driver instead of refrigerated freight haulier. This reefer driver may have to map out the journey and make sure there is compliance with weight restrictions. Additionally, the responsibilities of loading and unloading the freight may also be a part of the job. The average refrigerated truck driver earns about $58,958 a year.

Flatbed Hauler

Flatbed hauliers enjoy one of the highest truck driver salaries in the USA. An average local flatbed hauling job earns $53,000 a year. The salary makes sense because a flatbed is the most challenging type of truck to handle on the road. Companies will use a flatbed when the cargo has a size, weight, or shape that smaller truck trailers cannot manage to transport. If you become a flatbed haulier, expect the load to be oddly shaped, heavy and oversized. You could be carrying aeroplanes for all you know.

Individuals hired as flatbed haulier are more experienced than the average truck driver. Usually, they have a Class A or B commercial driver’s license. After all, it is not everyone’s cup of tea to balance the heavy load on the road in all weather conditions. There is more heavy loading involved in this type of job, and so the haulier must be comfortable with heavy lifting. The extra responsibilities are compensated for with a higher truck driver salary. 

Tanker Hauler

It is no surprise that tanker hauliers earn the most in the truck driving industry. After all, tankers are used to transport dangerous liquids or semi-liquids across long distances. These vehicles are more potent than normal tractor-trailers and are challenging to drive. That explains why the average tanker truck driver earns about $61,716 every year.

Since tankers are often used to transport flammable and hazardous substances, a tanker haulier must be very alert. There is no room for a mistake as an emergency could prove fatal. Employers usually prefer to hire experienced truck drivers as tanker hauliers. To drive a tanker, drivers need to pass a tank vehicle examination and then obtain a specialized tanker CDL.

Less Than Truckload Freight Hauler

LTL Freight Haulers or less than truckload freight hauliers are used to transport relatively smaller shipments. Since the shipments are comparatively lower and the distances are shorter, LTL hauliers are expected to unload the cargo themselves. They usually have to plan the journey, deliver goods to customers, and manage documentation. Most local trucking jobs also fall in this category, and so you can expect to get back to your home at night as an LTL freight haulier.

Final Thoughts

The truck driver industry offers a range of opportunities to job seekers. There are many types of truck drivers like dry van driver, refrigerated freight hauliers, LTL freight hauliers, and freight hauliers. The truck driver salary can vary depending on the type of cargo. When a driver has to transport hazardous cargo and heavy load, he can expect a higher salary. In general, driving a tanker or a flatbed is more complicated than the average truck and hence fetches a higher compensation. 

Author Bio:

About Ashley Rosa: Ashley Rosa is a freelance writer and blogger. As writing is her passion that why she loves to write articles related to the latest trends in technology and sometimes on health-tech as well. She is crazy about chocolates. You can find her on Twitter: @ashrosa2.