7 Things to Know as a New Truck Driver

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new truck driverIf you’re reading this, you’ve probably either gotten your CDL or are thinking of obtaining one to start a new career as a truck driver. Congratulations, and welcome to the industry. There are a few things you’ll need to know as a new truck driver before starting the job. Make no mistake, trucking is a challenging job and lifestyle. Your first year as a new truck driver will be the most difficult one, and you won’t be racking up the big bucks just yet. You’ll be getting used to the job, getting familiar with the trucks, and becoming accustomed to the lifestyle. With time and experience, and these helpful tips, you’ll become more comfortable with the job and happier with the lifestyle. Here are seven things to know as a new truck driver.

Seat time is the goal

Your main goal in the first year is to build up as much experience as possible. In the beginning, the wages will probably be lower than you hoped. Chances are that the senior drivers get the longer miles and the better runs which pay more. If there is a difficult or ugly run, the company may end up giving the job to the rookie.

You shouldn’t have high expectations right out the gate, but you should prepare and know that experience will make things better.

Since you probably won’t make great money the first few years, have a medium-term financial plan and be prepared for a thin living at first. Remember that the more miles you cover and the more seat time you accumulate, the better your standing becomes over time. The secret that everyone knows in this industry is that experience is everything. With more experience you’ll get better behind the wheel, you’ll make more money, and you’ll enjoy your job more.

Meals can be challenging

One of the biggest changes in the lifestyle for new truck drivers is meals. It can seem like the only option is to eat at restaurants and diners but avoid the temptation to eat out for every meal! It can end up breaking the bank and adding too many inches to the waistline. Many truckers have embraced making their own food, and some even say it’s essential. Find out what sorts of kitchen amenities are available in the cabins you’ll be working in. Even if you don’t have a full kitchen, investing in a crockpot or microwave is a great solution.

Crockpot cooking is perfect for truckers because it is simple, quick and healthy.

There are literally hundreds of crockpot recipes you can find, and you don’t have to be a master chef to do it.

Safety first

It’s not just experience you want to build, but safe driving also. Nothing will hurt your young driving career’s image more than an accident within the first few months. The goal for the first year should be no accidents. Take all the safety precautions required by your company and additional ones even if it takes extra time. It’s better to be late on a run than to have to explain why the truck is damaged. Companies will require you to complete a pre-trip inspection and that you fill out your logbooks. Don’t skimp on these! These tools and procedures will help you keep on top of things and prioritize safety and compliance.

Prioritize your health

Another big change to your lifestyle will be the sheer number of hours you’ll be spending behind the wheel. Doctors remind us that sitting still for long periods of time isn’t good for the body. While the trucking schedule doesn’t make it easy to maintain healthy habits, the good news is that it is still possible. New truck drivers should realize exercise won’t happen automatically and make the time to exercise regularly. Once you’ve committed to an exercise regimen, you’ll feel strange when you skip a day. You can do simple exercises or weights in the cabin itself or go for jogs and runs during mid-day breaks.

A trucking lifestyle can take a toll on mental health as well as physical health. You’ll be away from home for weeks or more at a time and it may be difficult for new truck drivers to get used to this. It is natural for loneliness and homesickness to creep in. While depression or anxiety is not uncommon among drivers, there are people and places to talk to for help. Regularly connecting with your family can make all the difference.

Have long-term career goals

Since you’re new to truck driving, it would be good to start thinking about career goals in general. How long do you want to drive for your current company? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? Many drivers consider whether they want to eventually be owner-operators or team drivers.

Get to know the organization you’re working for and check out any opportunities for professional development or networking.

More than anything, you’ll want to connect with other drivers and learn from them. Talking to experienced drivers will give you an idea of what to expect in the future. Better yet, find a mentor! Most likely this person will be a veteran driver with whom you can check-in periodically about how your career is progressing. Think beyond just the current job.

Professionalism

Just because you’re thinking about the long-term doesn’t mean you should forget the present. Bringing professionalism to your job everyday will make you feel good and help impress the right people as well. Make a good impression with your supervisors, fleet managers, dispatchers, and anyone else you work for. It has less to do with making them happy than it does with making sure they know you’re a reliable professional who can be counted on. Always be on time and don’t refuse a run on your first year. Refusing a run so early in your career gives a bad image to your work ethic.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and listen to advice from anyone willing to share it, but make up your own mind in the end.

New truck drivers should make sure they are being treated with respect and dignity, and professionalism goes a long way toward that.

It’s a mental game!

Adjusting to any new job and career can be difficult, but being a new truck driver is uniquely challenging. There’s the skill of navigating the road and the equipment, along with the social component of dealing with new people, and the lifestyle of being away from home. Of course, your first year will be the most difficult one, and there will be times you think it is becoming overwhelming. One of the biggest pieces of advice veteran drivers give is to hang in there. Things really do get better and easier with time. Experience will make the job easier and more enjoyable. Having the right attitude during the first year will make all the difference. Keep these important things in mind, focus on building experience, and know that it gets easier with time.

7 things to consider before becoming a cdl truck driver

7 Things to Consider Before Becoming a CDL Truck Driver 

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4 Tips for Summer Trucking

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3 Ways to Make More Money in Trucking

Truckers must always be aware of their surroundings and changing road and weather conditions. However, summer trucking days can take those changing conditions to the extreme. More people on the road, extremes in the weather, and large construction projects can add time to your routes and impact deliveries. Here are 4 summer trucking tips to make your travel easier.

1. Extra Traffic

Once the kids are out of school, many families pack up the cars, campers, trailers, and RVs to head out on annual family vacations. Driving cross-country with overly-packed vehicles, and hauling extra gear in tow adds to the congestion on the road.

Being prepared to deal with these extra drivers, and to potentially reroute yourself away from tourist hotspots is a good way to keep your summer trucking travel on track. Keep alert for under-experienced drivers that are hauling over-sized boat trailers or campers. They might be out for the first time this season, so give them a little extra room.

2. Extreme Weather

Summer is a season of extreme weather conditions. Extreme heat, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes are just some of the types of weather that can impede your travel plans while summer trucking. Being prepared for these and the potential delays that might result, is an important part of summer trucking.

Make sure you’ve got a good weather app, and that notifications are setup when weather conditions are changing. If you do have to pull off for a while somewhere unexpectedly, be prepared. Have extra water and supplies in your truck just in case.

3. Construction

In some areas, summertime is also known as “major road construction” time. This is a great time to remember that double-checking routes for construction delays and planning alternates can save you both time and money. Prepare for road closures and traffic jams due to construction.

Be ready and aware of workers on the road. Keep an eye out for posted “Construction Zone” signs, and  watch your speed to avoid any unexpected fines. Do this and it will help keep you moving along and your deliveries on track.

4. Sun Protection

Though it’s a good practice to wear sunscreen daily, it’s a good reminder for summer trucking as well. The sun’s UV rays are coming through your windows all day, every day, even when it’s cloudy. Those UV rays are most potent during the summer months. Make it a habit to put on a good layer of SPF before you get in the driver’s seat for the day. Wear long sleeves, sunglasses, and a hat. Your skin will thank you later!

How to Protect Yourself from the Sun Over the Road

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3 Trucking Podcast Recommendations

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truck driver hobbies

As a truck driver, you spend many hours each day alone in your truck. Looking for something new to do to help pass the time? Podcasts can be a great way to keep you company across those miles. Launching into a trucking podcast from is an easy way to change things up if your radio stations are feeling a little stale. Or just something new to listen to and mix things up a little bit.

If you’re new to podcasts, here’s some basic info to help get started.  Most podcasts are available for free and have very few advertisements. Podcast topics range from everything from current events, sports, self-help, true crime & mystery, comedy, and so many more. Some are fairly short and run only a few minutes. Some go more in-depth on a topic or a story for over an hour. Find some topics you like, pick a few episodes and build a playlist that can run while you’re driving.

Though there’s limitless options for podcasts out there, there are a lot of great options specifically geared towards you. Here are 3 trucking podcast recommendations for you to consider.

Trucker Dump

Todd McCann has been a truck driver since 1997. His podcasts are all from his perspective as a solo and as a team driver with his wife. He covers current hot topics in the trucking industry, as well as his humorous stories of life on the road. He does question and answer segments, driver spotlights, as well as sometimes guest starring in other trucking podcasts. From the Trucker Dump homepage: “Trucker Dump is a podcast/blog that hopes to raise awareness of the trucking industry and the issues that it faces. It focuses on making the industry a better place to work and how we truckers can be perceived in a more positive light by the public.”

Red Eye Radio

Hosted by Gary McNamara and Eric Harley, they have created a show for the trucking industry and created a great experience for their listeners. From the Red Eye Radio website: “For almost 50 years, Red Eye Radio Network has been a part of the fabric of the trucking industry by consistently providing professional drivers up-to-the-minute news, information, and entertainment. The show is motivated by one purpose — to deliver a positive, in-cab experience by helping trucker drivers/owner operators and fleet owners stay informed, engaged, and entertained on the road or wherever they are in their daily lives.”

The Lead Pedal

Bruce is a 30 year trucking industry veteran. He’s been a driver, owner-operator, and a fleet supervisor, and the podcasts all draw from those experiences. From the Lead Pedal’s website: “The Lead Pedal Podcast for Truck Drivers talks all things trucking for people in the transportation industry helping them improve their business and careers. Interviews with industry professionals and truck drivers, trucking information, and other features on the industry are meant to be helpful for truck drivers and those in transportation. The Lead Pedal Podcast for Truck Drivers has main episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday with bonus material on other days.”

Audiobooks are a great way to pass time on the road too. You can listen to an entire book over the course of a few days or weeks! We put together a great list of audiobooks for truck drivers here.

Hopefully, you’ll find something you like in these recommendations. If not, there’s a list of dozens of trucking podcasts to choose from here. Let us know what you think by dropping a link to your favorite trucking podcasts to our Facebook page.

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What to Do if You Lose Your Trucking Job

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What to Do if You Lose Your Trucking Job

In an industry where drivers are in high demand, drivers can and will be laid off. Companies can still have financial problems and end up closing. Smaller carriers might be bought by larger outfits, and then ultimately downsized. Any number of things can happen, and unfortunately you might find yourself left out in the cold. So if this happens, do you know what do if you lose your trucking job?

Don’t panic and take the first job you find. This is a great opportunity to take stock about what you liked and possibly didn’t like about your job. Take the time to weigh out your options, because you’re in a great position to make a change for the better.

Consider the following if you lose you trucking job:

  • Do you want to spend more weeknights at home?
  • Do you want to spend as much time on the road to maximize your paycheck for the next year?
  • Do you want more shorter runs that make the day go by faster?
  • Do you want better overall benefits?
  • Do you want your dog to ride along with you?

No matter what your preferences might be, if you lose your trucking job, sign-up for an account with Drive My Way. With the ability to add 20+ personal driving preferences, it’s the best place to find that next perfect fit job for you! Take a look at what Lawrence Kilgore says about his experience using Drive My Way.

At Drive My Way, we’ve made it quick and easy to complete a profile. And we have a team of experts available to help you along the way. Best of all – it’s free!

So if you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing your trucking job, please let us help. We can be a great resource to get you back on the road in your perfect fit trucking job.

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How To Become An Owner Operator

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how to become an owner operator

Becoming an owner operator is considered a bit of a holy grail in the trucking industry. Everyone has considered it, and some eventually become successful owner operators. Essentially it’s like running your own business, and comes with more independence and flexibility. Be careful though, as being an owner operator involves a great deal more responsibility and management tasks. Generally you’ll want to consider being an owner operator only after years of experience on the road as a company driver. Once you’re there though, here’s what you need to do to become an owner operator.

Evaluate and Decide

So you’ve spent nearly a decade as a company driver on all sorts of hauls and trucks across the country, and you feel you’re ready to become your own boss. Now is the time, right? Not so fast!

There are many things you need to take into consideration before being sure that you’re ready to be an owner operator. The first set of factors is professional and financial. Are you financially ready to run your own business? Do you have enough in savings if things don’t pan out for 6-8 months? Where and how will you find a place for closing deals with transportation companies?

If you’re successful, you could be making over $100,000, but many more owner operators will be struggling before they start making a profit.

Perhaps more important than the financial considerations are the personal factors. Are you and your family ready to make such a large commitment? How will this decision impact your family and home life? How will your health be impacted by being on the road for so long? Will your family be able to help you with the business-side? Take all these questions into account before making a decision.

Authorization

The first step is to acquire the proper authorization. You’ll need to acquire the US DOT (Department of Transportation) and MC (motor carrier) numbers. There is a one-time $300 filing fee to request an MC number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can learn more and acquire the MC number here.

As an independent truck operator, you’ll also need to be covered by the mandatory health and truck insurances.

Aside from being enforced by the federal law, truck insurance will protect you as an owner operator in the event of unpredictable situations.

There are different types of coverage depending on the goods you plan to haul. Learn more about insurance coverage and requirements here.

In general, the trucking industry is heavily regulated. As a company driver you probably didn’t have to worry about this too much besides making sure you follow the regulations the company made you aware of. As an owner operator, you’ll need to be aware of all the regulations ahead of time, and make sure you are in compliance. For example, you’ll need to find out everything you can about the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate and find the right ELD solution for you.

Get a Truck

The next step is to find your own truck. This can be the most exciting and the most frustrating parts of becoming an owner operator. You’ll need to decide what type of operation you want to run to determine what type of equipment to obtain. Having experience with certain kinds of trucks and hauls will give you the edge in making this decision.

You could choose to aim for very general and generic hauls or pick a niche that suits you best. Or you could aim to strike a balance between the two.

For getting the truck itself, you generally have two options. Either buy your truck and trailer entirely or acquire them through financing with the bank. As you can see, this depends heavily on the state of your finances. Most people choose to go through the bank to acquire a truck.

Since this is one of the most cost-intensive steps, remember these two tips: find the best truck deal for yourself and find the bank with the lowest interest rates.

Keep in mind that the bigger your down payment on the truck, the lower your monthly payments will be. Banks will consider a number of factors for the loan including your credit score and history, whether you’ve had a permanent address, and if you’ve had a stable job. This is where your years of experience and preparation will count.

Become Business-Savvy

Being your own boss in the trucking industry isn’t easy. All of a sudden you’ll have to master all sorts of concepts you didn’t think of too much while a company driver. Regulations, compliance, cost per mile, gross revenue, maintenance costs, tax filing, and accounting are only a few of the various aspects of a job. Hopefully you’ve been exposed to all of these for years as a company driver and feel ready to master them.

Most importantly, you need to start being more cost conscious. Your profit is going to depend on two factors: how much revenue you bring in and how much you can cut costs. In fact, you should familiarize yourself with the “golden equation”, which simplifies your finances.

The golden equation is:

  • Revenue per mile – Cost per mile = Gross revenue
  • Gross revenue – Taxes = Net Profit

Once you’ve processed this, you’ll find new ways to cut costs like finding the quickest and shortest routes, avoiding maintenance issues, and reducing vehicle idling. You’ll also need to develop a system for finding loads. Using load boards is a popular method to find freight. These are online sites where owner operators can find loads posted by shippers and brokers. Many of these will have mobile apps for your convenience. Take to your owner operator buddies as contacts to get recommendations of who to work with and who to avoid.

Becoming an owner operator is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a truck driver. Ideally you’ve prepared for it for years, and you feel comfortable and ready for the impact it will have on your life. While you stand to profit more, and enjoy more independence, it comes with many challenges. While this covers the basics of how to become an owner operator, you should also research and talk to many other drivers before making the decision to become an owner operator.

two men in a truck

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Job of the Day: Fuchs Lubricants Co

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The Drive My Way job of the day comes from Fuchs Lubricants Co. Fuchs provides high quality lubricants and services to a wide range of industries such as automotive, appliance, aerospace manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, transportation, mining, and energy. In addition, the organization constantly develops new technology to meet the ever-changing demands of the modern industry. Also, they provide world-class technical support to our strong customer base.

fuchs lubricants

Fuchs has openings right now for CDL A Grease Truck Drivers based out of their Huntington, WV location. The local truck drivers report to the Plant Manager and is responsible for delivering finished goods (grease and metalworking fluids) to our customers in a timely manner.

Also, this local union position offers great pay at +$21.45/hr and full benefits. In addition, drivers are home daily schedule!

Fuchs asks that applicants already have their CDL A license and are at least 21 years old with 2 years of experience. In addition, applicants need to have a Hazmat and Tanker endorsement.

Interested in applying?

Learn more about the job requirements, benefits, pay and more.

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Day in the Life of an OTR Truck Driver

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OTR Truck Driver

Working as an OTR truck driver is radically different from other trucking jobs. These hauls are the longest, taking you coast-to-coast and likely away from home for lengthy periods of time. You would basically be living out of your truck, but if your company has invested in fleet amenities, it’s not a bad deal. You’ll spend many hours driving and few hours resting. But what about everything else?

Here’s a look at the typical day in the life as an over the road truck driver to get a better sense of how they go about their daily routine.

OTR truck driverSleep

Most OTR truck drivers wake up early. Depending on your delivery schedule, you may have to adjust your sleep habits so that you sleep earlier at night at wake up before dawn. If you’re not an early bird, you’re either going to struggle a bit with the schedule, or you can try your luck asking for jobs where you don’t have to start early. Sometimes OTR drivers time their departures based on expected traffic patterns at certain hours. Most OTR semi-trucks have a twin-size bed that will pull down from the wall. In extreme weather, many truckers will choose to stay at truck stops, rest areas, or motels, to avoid losing sleep.

You’ll likely spend over 10 hours of the day driving, so you don’t want to skimp on rest. If you’re sleeping in the semi-truck and in a parking area, try to find a parking space away from other trucks and loud noises.

Using foam earplugs is also a smart choice so you can block out sounds which will be disturbing.

Make sure you set three different wake-up alarms- you don’t want to be late and miss your delivery window! Remember you’ll need some pre-drive time to run a safety inspection on your truck before leaving. Another tip veteran OTR drivers give newbies is that they should avoid caffeine during the second half of the shift, to ensure a restful night of sleep.

otr truck driverShowers

Maintaining good hygiene while driving over the road can be tricky. Most OTR truck drivers end up taking showers at truck stops. You can purchase a shower use while at a truck stop- they’ll give you a receipt with your number and security code. Bring your shower caddy with soap and shampoo and whatever else you need.

It’s just important is to bring and wear shower shoes- you don’t want to be stuck with toe fungus.

Sometimes OTR truckers will get a free shower with a fuel purchase, so these can add up. If you’re short on shower credits, its not uncommon to politely ask other drivers if they can spare a shower credit. Then you can pay it forward in the future.

If you’re showering at the truck stop, your best times to take a shower are early morning or late night. If you wait till the showers are the least busy, you not only save time with a shorter wait, but are likely to encounter a much cleaner and sanitized shower. If you’re not a fan of truck stop showers, you can consider purchasing a portable shower kit. This is a common practice with campers, since it allows you to take a shower wherever you are. This is a good solution for those driving in rural locations or if you’re facing a tight deadline.

otr truck driverMeals

We’ve written before about meals and cooking on our blog. That’s because meals are an essential part of lifestyle which OTR truck drivers cannot afford to neglect! Unfortunately, too many truck drivers find few options for meals while driving, and then stop by at diners or fast food joints to grab a quick bite. Veteran drivers will tell you that this is fine every now and again, but you shouldn’t rely on restaurants as the only option.

If you’re always eating out, eventually it will add up in terms of dollars, not to mention calories.

Your waistline will thank you if you invest in healthier (and cheaper) eating habits. Unfamiliar restaurants are unreliable too, and you may end up spending $20 on a really mediocre burger.

Many OTR drivers have embraced cooking! If your truck has a few amenities, then you can make some simple but hearty meals while on the road. If nothing else, invest in a crockpot. This handy device can help make hundreds of different means in a very quick and convenient fashion. You can share recipes with your family and other drivers as well. Smart snacking has also helped truck drivers who are looking to stay in shape. If you’re interested in finding good eateries, use apps like Yelp to search for quality restaurants which won’t break the bank.

Parking

Parking can be notoriously difficult for OTR truck drivers. Ideally, you’d be stopping at a truck stop and parking there. However, there are limited spaces and the later you arrive the fewer chances of finding a parking spot. Truck drivers also try parking at the location of the shipper or receiver. If there is a dock door, you can sometimes park right next to that. It will help to call ahead of time and get their permission to park there. While it is not ideal, sometimes truckers park near hardware stores or grocery stores. If doing so, make sure to check with the business owners. Often they won’t mind and will let you park there, or can direct you to the nearest truck parking

If you’re trying to park at a truck stop, plan ahead of time. Consult a truck stop directory and try to arrive early. Wherever you park, make sure it is a less congested area with no traffic.

When in doubt, ask business owners, local authorities, or the shipper/receiver about nearest truck parking

Don’t forget that safety is a big issue when it comes to parking, so check everything with dispatch. Check out some cool apps that help you find truck parking spots across the country.

Relationships

Have no doubt about it, OTR truck drivers maintain a tough schedule. You’ll be on the road for more than a week before going home and getting a break. This takes a toll on home time, especially on family and relationships. The trade-off is that you may have more days at home with family before the next job takes you out again.

Keeping in touch with family while over the road can be tough, but not impossible.

There are many things you can do to stay connected with loved ones while away. Come up with some innovative ways to connect beyond just phone calls.

Many couples share recipes and plan to have the same meal together at the same time. Chatting on Skype or FaceTime allows you to have a virtual date despite the miles between you. Share a Spotify playlist or other music platform and you’ll know your partner will be listening to some of the same tunes during the day. Many truckers take photos of interesting sights they see across the country to share with their partners. You don’t need the latest technology to connect. Play a game of 20 questions or other ways to pass time with your partner. You’ll be surprised about how many new things you can learn about each other regardless of how long you’ve been together!

Over the road trucking isn’t for everyone since it takes you away from home for a long time. Still, many truckers enjoy the experience because they get the chance to travel, see the country, and meet interesting people. Keep these daily habits and helpful tips in mind whether you’re a veteran OTR truck driver or a novice deciding whether OTR is for you.

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Job of the Day: Nussbaum Transportation

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nussbaum transportation

Today’s job of the day comes from Nussbaum Transportation

Nussbaum Transportation Services was founded in 1945, with a single truck by Alden Nussbaum. Over the last 70 years, we’ve been building solid relationships with people and we owe our success to the quality of our drivers.

Our hiring philosophy, and the reason so many drivers stay with us, is that we give you the most accurate picture of what driving for Nussbaum looks like from day one, ensuring there are no surprises and that we never fall short of your expectations.

Currently, Nussbaum Transportation is hiring CDL A OTR Dry Van Drivers in the following locations:

Take advantage of the recent improvements we’ve made for our drivers:

  • $.02/mile increase
  • Pay detention after 1 hour
  • Reimburse for all paid parking
  • Pay practical miles door-to-door
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

OTR Company Drivers get miles and respect, without the lip service.  We’re different and we like that. Our drivers do too.

Interested in applying?

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Pros and Cons of Team Truck Driving

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team truck driving pros and cons

Is there a clear benefit to team truck driving? With regulations on the number of hours an individual driver can run, it sounds like it should be a simple answer. Two drivers in one truck can turn more miles in less time than one driver, and therefore can get more work done. But is it really that easy when it comes to driving as part of a team?

Here’s a breakdown of some team truck driving pros and cons.

Pro: Two is Better Than One

The old adage that 2 is better than 1, applies here. Team truck drivers can sleep in shifts and keep the truck moving down the road longer, covering more miles daily.

Additionally, there’s now 2 sets of eyes and ears on the road, and an extra set of hands for anything that needs to be done. Breaks can be more efficient. One driver can run inside the truck stop for food and the other driver can fuel up the rig outside. Multitasking makes for more productivity, and less idle time not logging miles.

Pro: You’re Never Lonely

Truck drivers consistently report that one of the biggest hardships of being a truck driver is all the time that spent alone. Team truck driving provides built-in company across the miles. There’s always someone to talk to, map out logistics, discuss current events, and otherwise pass the time over the road.

Con: You’re No Longer the Boss

One of the things many truck drivers love about their jobs, is the autonomy that comes along with it. Outside of the orders from the dispatchers, truck drivers are in charge of how they spend their time driving. Solo drivers can decide their schedules, when to take breaks, what to have for dinner and where to stop for the night.

Team truck drivers must be great at compromising, on everything! If not aligned on preferences from cab temperature to music channels, and food and rest break frequency, things aren’t going to go smoothly. Being compatible in general is the only way to make team truck driving work well.

Con: You’re Never Alone

For some people, it’s a huge change from driving solo. Team truck driving for cross-country runs will be a LOT of time in a confined space with someone else 24/7.  Additionally, team drivers tend to run longer stints over the road. You could be in the equivalent of a 10×10 box with the same person for days or weeks at a time.

This could be too much to take for someone used to spending time alone. Even with the other person sleeping, personal phone calls might get overheard.  Or if there’s a disagreement on anything, there’s no place to go and cool off for a little bit.

With two drivers instead of one, more miles can equal a bigger paycheck as well. More miles in less time will likely equal more pay, and the ability to take on additional jobs. However, deciding on how bonus checks get split, and who drives the tougher parts of the runs, ultimately depends on how well both work together and pull their own weight. Work ethics in this case, need to be equally compatible to ensure fairness in take home pay.

Overall, there are certainly benefits to team truck driving.

However you’ve got to be 100% sure you’re very compatible with the other driver. If not, the pros can quickly be outnumbered by the cons.

One of the most popular team truck driving duos are couples. Spending more time with your partner/spouse can help strengthen your relationship, as you get to experience all facets of your life together.

When speaking with husband and wife team truck drivers, David and Valerie Lopez, they note that “sharing experiences is part of what makes trucking together special” for them. And overall, team truck driving together has worked out well financially for them and improved their communication at the same time.

Have you considered driving as part of team? Do you currently drive as part of a team? We’d love to hear your opinions on this topic, sound off on our Facebook page here.

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10 Highest Paying Driving Jobs

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Not every type of CDL trucking job offers the same pay. Depending on the type of haul you take and the experience you have with different loads, you can earn a much different salary. Gain experience in one of these lucrative types of trucking jobs, and you’ll see the zeros in your paycheck increase.

Here are the 10 highest paying driving jobs in the industry.

ice road truck1. Ice Road Trucking

Since this is the most dangerous and risky of the driving jobs in the industry, it is also one of the most well payed. Be warned- ice road trucking isn’t for the faint of heart. There’s a reason why the show “Ice Road Truckers” on the History Channel has been very popular. People are fascinated with the courage and skill it takes to be an ice road trucker. These drivers work only a few months of the year but can make a full year’s salary in that short time. They need to be very skilled drivers and fix their trucks in cases of breakdown.

oversized truck2. Oversized Truck Loads

Driving oversized loads could simply mean that the load is an inch over-width or could mean you’re driving double wide trucks. Since the driving is a bit trickier, these jobs will automatically pay more. You’ll likely need special permits from transportation departments for oversized truck loads. If you don’t like night driving, this job might be for you since you won’t be allowed to drive when it’s dark. It does mean you’ll spend more days on each job, but the pay raise may be worth it.

3. Auto Hauls

You can’t miss these behemoths on the road because they look so intimidating. One truck hauls a dozen or more cars which are likely brand new. These auto haul jobs pay extremely well because of the value of the freight and because they require very skilled driving. If you’re transporting luxury cars, you’ll be payed even higher. Added training may be needed on-the-job since you won’t get exposure to this in truck driving school.

owner operator4. Owner-Operators

Being an owner-operator comes with a mountain of responsibility. You’ll have to deal with operational expenses, maintenance, and finding contracts with different companies. Being your own boss can also be potentially rewarding. Since you won’t have to deal with company management, you can see more of your bottom line in your own paycheck. Becoming an owner-operator is a really big decision which most drivers aren’t ready for until they’ve had years of experience under their belt.

5. Over the Road Trucking

In general, over the road (OTR) jobs are going to pay more since they involve long hauls. You’ll be traveling across the country, maybe even coast-to-coast, and will be on the road for long stretches of time. This means it may be weeks till the next time you see your family. The idea is that you’re getting a bigger paycheck for sacrificing the home time. Be careful though and verify the compensation package with your recruiters before signing on for OTR jobs. Many drivers actually enjoy OTR driving since they get to explore the country and visit many incredible places.

tanker6. Tanker Hauls

Tanker trucking jobs pay more than flatbed loads or dry van hauls. This is because they are also considered to be more dangerous since they involve liquids which often move around uncontrollably. In order to land a tanker job, your CDL needs to be endorsed to be a tanker haul driver. This will allow you to gain experience with liquid hauling.

7. Hazmat Hauls

If you’re getting into tanker trucking, consider hazmat jobs as well. These jobs are dangerous since they transport hazardous materials like gas or chemicals. A hazmat endorsement on your CDL is required for these types of jobs. Most tanker hauls are hazmat. Because of the dangerous nature of the haul, these jobs pay significantly well

cdl-a-truck-driver-jobs8. Team Truck Drivers

Team drivers handle one run together so that it can be completed quicker. Companies often use teams when a load needs to reach a destination as soon as possible. A pair of team drivers can cover 2,000 miles in one day while it would have taken twice or three times as long for a solo driver. The two drivers take turns resting so that the truck is still moving even though one of them is sleeping. This is a popular approach for truck driver couples who like spending the time together on the road. Team driving isn’t for everyone though because you’ll be spending a lot of time with the other driver, regardless of whether or not it’s your spouse.

9. Trucking School Instructor

Working in a trucking school to teach new trainees can also be a lucrative job. You also get to stay in one location and avoid the long hours and distances with most trucking jobs. Sometimes drivers decide to take this route after they’ve spent a few years driving and decided they are sick of it, or want to spend more time with their families. Check out local truck driving schools to see if they have any positions open

dump truck10. Mining or Dump Truck Driving

It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it. These are non-glamorous driving jobs since the freight is literally garbage or coal. Mining truckers haul coal, rock and oil. Dump trucks carry sand, gravel, or demolition waste. The trucks themselves are unique since they’re specifically designed for this type of job. If you’re working in or around mines, you have to take special care to make sure the mine itself is not disturbed. These jobs can pay well, but make sure you interested and don’t mind getting dirty.

The trucking industry has dozens of types of jobs that are very different in terms of schedule, haul, type of run, and risk involved. It makes sense that not all are going to pay equally well. We’ve identified ten highest paying driving jobs in the industry to help you decide what type to look for. Although you may not always be able to control what types of runs you get assigned to, you can start building experience different jobs and find the ones that best suit you.

two men in a truck

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