The Complete Guide To A Career In Trucking

How Does The Type Of Freight Affect Pay And Job Duties?

A logging truck on backroads in the woods

Most new drivers will be operating some sort of combination vehicle, meaning having a trailer behind them all the time to contend with.

The various types of trailers all come with their own set of circumstances that the driver will have to deal with, and many have their own sets of regulations to follow, as well.

Temperature control, load securement, and hauling various types of liquids are all typical things that drivers will have to pay attention to, depending on the type of load they are carrying.

What are the types of trailers used in trucking?

How does the type of trailer affect my pay and home time?

Generally, the more complicated, hands-on, or harder the job, the higher the pay. Refrigerated drivers tend to stay out for longer stretches of time running cross country, while LTL drivers pulling "pup" trailers are more localized and home more often.

Are there types of trailers that require more physical effort or special experience than others?

Flatbed drivers will be responsible for securing, tarping, & otherwise protecting their own loads, which usually means a lot of climbing, lifting tarps and chains, etc., so drivers should expect a more physically challenging experience. Most companies will have specific physical tests for flatbed drivers, beyond their normal requirements.

Tankers, and other specialized trailers, will also require specific training for many aspects of the job, and the companies will normally provide it.

How do I get the specialized driving jobs, like cattle-haulers or logging trucks?

Many of these jobs will require a certain amount of previous experience, and will be more localized, so it will depend on your location.

Regardless, they really aren't the types of jobs that new drivers will be doing.

What other types of trucking equipment issues should new drivers be concerned with?

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