Job Opportunities in Truck Driving: Types of Jobs
Truck driving job can be pretty simple: you drive the truck and deliver goods to people who need them. But there are many different types of trucking jobs that require specialized skill sets, such as those for refrigerated trucks or flatbeds.
Local Truck Driver Jobs: Local truck drivers deliver goods within a certain area, typically a metropolitan region. They might make multiple stops each day to drop off and pick up cargo from businesses or homes. This type of driving job usually doesn’t require long-distance travel.
Long Haul Truck Driver Jobs: These drivers transport goods across the country, often making several deliveries in different states during their route. They may be on the road for days at a time and need to know how to navigate using GPS systems and CB radios.
Dedicated Truck Driver Jobs: In this type of position, truckers are assigned to one customer who provides them with a set list of delivery destinations. This can be an attractive option for truckers who want more stability in their work schedule.
Refrigerated Truck Driver Jobs: These drivers transport perishable items, such as food and flowers, that need to be kept at a certain temperature. They may have to unload and reload the truck with special equipment depending on what they are delivering.
Flatbed Truck Driver Jobs: Flatbed truckers transport goods that don’t fit into a standard cargo space. This might include heavy machinery, lumber, or vehicles. They need to know how to properly secure cargo so it doesn’t move around during transit.
Tanker Truck Driver Jobs: Drivers who transport liquids or gases in tanker trucks require specialized training to handle these hazardous safely. They also need to know how to clean and maintain the tanker truck after each trip.
Hazardous Materials Truck Driver Jobs: These drivers transport hazardous materials, such as explosives, radioactive materials, and corrosives. They need to be familiar with safety regulations governing the transportation of these items.
Owner-Operator Truck Driver Jobs: Owner-operators are independent contractors who own their own trucks. They typically have more freedom in terms of what jobs they take on, but also bear more responsibility for their own business operations.