Switching To Dump Truck Driving

Been driving otr for almost 4 yrs and want to switch to dump truck or day cab dump trailer. Thoughts? Suggestions?

Get on board with a company that can train you properly. Dump trucks are a bunch of fun, as are dump trailers but there are some things you need to learn about positioning, procedures etc that will keep you out of a lot of trouble.

I pull a 38’ triple axle dump trailer daily. They are tons of fun. No 2 loads are the same just as in OTR. That being said, please do yourself a huge favor and make sure to get adequate training in whichever you try a hand at. A lot of your loads in a straight dump truck are extremely top heavy and dangerous especially on curvy roads. There’s also a high likelihood of being put in areas of little or no traction. Can be challenging at times. As far as the dump trailer goes, the most important rule is when dumping make sure you are 100% level. These things will turn over in half a heartbeat. On our 38’ trailers, being one inch off level with the bed on the frame equals out to being six inches off level with the bed fully raised. You get 40,000 lbs of material over 40’ in the air, it doesn’t take much more than six inches off center to topple you. It’s even more dangerous in winter and your load freezes to your bed.

I know all that sounds very daunting but honestly with proper training and time on the job all these things will be like just another day at the office. Keep your head on a swivel when dumping, use reference points to make sure your bed is going up straight and don’t worry about a single other thing than the load you’re trying to shake off and you will be fine. If you do get into this niche and have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I generally lurk 3-4 nights a week.

Thankyou guys for the input. I will do my best to keep an open mind on everything.