Starting a career in the truck driving industry can be daunting.
New drivers face a vast array of freight and truck options to choose from, a unique and complex “truck driver lingo” to master, and an intricate web of regulations to navigate.
However, with the right preparation, education, and experience, anyone can achieve success in this important and rewarding field. Keep reading to learn more about the basics of truck driving, from the different types of jobs available to the resources available for new drivers.
What Type of Driver Do You Want To Be?
One of the first decisions to make after receiving a CDL is what kind of position you’re seeking as a truck driver. Although many drivers change over time and try out many of the different options, it is important to understand your choices to best make your initial decision.
- Company Driver: Employed by a trucking company, receiving a salary or hourly wage, and often benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
- Owner-Operator: Owns their truck and contracts with companies to haul freight. They have more control over their schedule but also bear the costs of maintenance and insurance.
- Team Driver: Two drivers share the driving duties, allowing for longer hauls with minimal downtime. This is common in long-haul and expedited freight.
- Local Driver: Operates within a specific region or city, often returning home daily. Common in LTL and delivery services.
- Regional Driver: Covers a specific area, such as the Midwest or Southeast, typically involving trips that last a few days.
- Over-the-Road (OTR) Driver: Travels long distances across states or even countries, often spending weeks on the road.
Types of Freight
Another decision truck drivers must make early on is the type of freight they will carry. Each freight comes with its own loading and securing requirements, safety regulations, and requires a uniquely-operated vehicle.
- Dry Van: The most common type of freight, transported in a standard, enclosed trailer. Suitable for non-perishable goods.
- Refrigerated (Reefer): Used for transporting perishable goods that need to be kept cold, such as food and pharmaceuticals.
- Flatbed: Open trailers used for oversized or irregularly shaped loads like machinery, building materials, and vehicles.
- Tanker: Specialized for transporting liquids or gasses, including fuel, chemicals, and milk.
- Hazardous Materials (Hazmat): Requires special certification to transport dangerous goods like chemicals, explosives, and radioactive materials.
- Less-than-Truckload (LTL): Combines multiple smaller shipments from different customers into one truckload, typically for regional deliveries.
- Full Truckload (FTL): A single shipment that fills an entire truck, often used for large quantities of goods.
Specialized Trucking Jobs
There are also a variety of trucking jobs that require special permits, licenses, or training. These have the potential to be more lucrative, or they can just be a great way to broaden your experience and education.
- Heavy Haul: Involves transporting oversized or overweight loads that require special permits and routing.
- Auto Hauler: Transports vehicles, often using specialized trailers designed to carry multiple cars.
- Intermodal: Combines different modes of transportation, such as rail and truck, to move freight efficiently.
- Port Drayage: Involves transporting goods from ports to nearby warehouses or distribution centers.
Resources for New Drivers
Although there’s a lot to learn before starting your career as a truck driver, it’s important to remember the trucking community is tight knit, and many resources exist to support new members.
One option for new CDL holders looking to find community and access to resources is to join a trucking association. Trucking associations are a great way to connect with other drivers from around the country while learning more about legislation and news affecting the entire industry.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA), which is the largest and one of the most well-known trade associations in the industry, is the national-level affiliate of numerous state organizations.
The Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA) is another prominent trucking association that is specifically dedicated to representing the interests of independent owner-operators and small fleet owners.
New and experienced drivers alike can also benefit from a wealth of online resources, including forums, digital job boards, and mobile apps.
Popular online forums like Trucking Truth and Truckers Report both offer conversations between real, experienced drivers, as well as access to training opportunities, CDL job listings, and the latest industry updates.
Mobile apps, such as TruckSmart, Rolling Strong, and Trucker Path, are all also useful tools for any trucker. Apps and websites can help in many ways, ranging from navigational services to acting as a communication tool between truckers across the nation.
For drivers just getting started in the trucking industry, be sure to check out the rest of our truck driver blog and connect with us on social media for access to more advice and job opportunities.
