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Considering Being a Snowplow Driver? Here are the Facts

Job of the Day, My Job January 5, 2023/by Reid Smith

If you’re considering becoming a snowplow driver, now’s the time. Much like in every other sector of transportation, there’s a tight labor market for snowplow drivers, so state DOTs as well as private snow removal companies are looking to hire. Here are the need-to-know facts about being a snowplow driver, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

What is a Snowplow Driver?

A snowplow driver is someone who clears snow and ice from city streets, driveways, parking lots, and anywhere else cars drive. If the plow is attached to a dump truck chassis, they’ll usually drop salt as they plow as well.

Generally, there’s two options for people who want to become snowplow drivers. You can either work for your state’s DOT or a private landscaping or snow removal company.

What Equipment do Snowplow Drivers Use?

It’s a common misconception that a “snowplow” is a kind of truck itself. A snowplow is actually just the attachment that is mounted on whatever vehicle that’s being used.

If you choose the DOT route, you’ll likely be driving a dump truck with an attached plow. These are sometimes referred to as “winter service vehicles” and are used for plowing multi-lane city streets and highways.

If you’re working for a landscaping or snow removal company, you’ll be driving a pickup truck or front-end loader with an attached snowplow. These vehicles are primarily used to plow smaller residential streets, parking lots, and driveways.

What Qualifications are Needed to Become a Snowplow Driver?

Snowplow drivers need to either hold their CDL A or B. There may be additional requirements based on your specific state, so be sure to check with your state’s B/DMW for more information. Since most snowplow drivers won’t be crossing state lines, this makes it a great option for drivers who aren’t 21 yet.

How Much Does Being a Snowplow Driver Pay?

Unless you live in a region of the country where snow is possible year-round, snowplow driving is a seasonal job. It’s great for drivers who are looking to make extra money during the winter months but isn’t sustainable year-round.

Snowplow drivers will usually earn an hourly wage. This wage can be anywhere from $15-30 per hour depending on the state you live in and your experience level. This puts snowplow driving wages on the lower side when compared to other CDL B jobs.

But keep in mind that snowplow driving is seasonal work, usually done to supplement someone’s income, not be their sole source of income. Here’s a breakdown of the average pay for snowplow drivers based on each state.

What is Expected of Snowplow Drivers?

Snowplow drivers are at the beck and call of the weather. If heavy snow or sleet is in the forecast, snowplow drivers can expect early mornings and late nights.

Aside from that, snowplow drivers should be comfortable driving in poor weather conditions. These drivers are the first line of defense and often find themselves in the harshest elements, plowing roads that they can barely see.

If you think that you’re up to the challenge of being a snowplow driver, you’re in luck. Many state DOTs and private companies are looking for these kinds of drivers right now. Visit your state’s DOT website or do some research on landscaping/snow removal companies in your area for more information.

If you’re looking for another type of CDL A or B job, consider making a free profile with Drive My Way. Our patented technology matches drivers with jobs that are matches for their qualifications and lifestyle preferences.

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Class B CDL: 4 Things to Know

My Job November 10, 2022/2 Comments/by Reid Smith

Are you considering getting a commercial driver’s license, also known as a CDL? If you are, you should know that there are 3 options: Class A CDL, Class B CDL or Class C CDL.

Each CDL has its own training and testing procedures, and there are pros and cons to each. Depending on your career plans, any of these might be the right fit for you. Here, we’re going to explore what you need to know when getting a Class B CDL License.

1. The Basics of a Class B CDL

Dump truck jobs Though getting a Class A CDL will open the most job opportunities for a driver, a Class B CDL can provide drivers with a great career as well.

A CDL B vehicle is described by the Federal Motor Carrier Association as,

“Any single vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more), or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight that does not exceed 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds).”

In layman’s terms, this means that drivers who hold their CDL B can drive a truck that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 26,000 pounds but cannot carry a trailer in tow if that trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds. So, what kinds of trucks can CDL B drivers operate?

2. Vehicles a CDL B Driver Can Operate

With a Class B CDL, a trucker can drive any vehicles endorsed for Class B or Class C. Some of these vehicles are:

Straight trucks
Large passenger buses (city buses, tourist buses, and school buses)
Segmented buses
Box trucks (including delivery trucks and furniture trucks)
Dump trucks with small trailers
Garbage trucks
Ready Mix (Concrete) mixers

3. Age Requirements

cdl age requirement To hold a Class B CDL, you only need to be 18 years old. This is actually true for a CDL A as well, but many companies will not hire 18-20 year old drivers for CDL A positions, since you need to be 21 to travel across state lines.

This is why many young drivers looking to start early and gain valuable experience before they turn 21 will usually get their CDL B instead. When a CDL B driver turns 21, they can test for a CDL A license if they’re looking to drive bigger rigs over the road (OTR).

4. Where Can a Class B licensed Trucker Drive?

Fed Ex Van If you’re a truck driver looking to stay close to home, a Class B CDL might be a great option for you, since most CDL B jobs only run locally. This means that if you’re planning on getting your Class B CDL, you should be prepared for jobs as a mover, delivery driver, bus driver, or garbage truck driver.

No matter what type of license and endorsements you pursue, the key is to make sure you’re matched with the trucking job that’s the best fit for you. If you’re a newly minted CDL driver looking for your first job, or you’re a seasoned road veteran, let Drive My Way help you get connected with the perfect job.

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What to Know About Driving a Straight Truck

My Job December 13, 2021/by Reid Smith

While Straight Truck Driving might not be what you think when you hear the word “trucking,” straight truck drivers make up a very large part of the industry. The ATA reported that in 2020, over 3.97 million class 8 trucks were registered for business purposes in the U.S, up 1.5% from 2019. With this increased need for straight truck drivers, it’s important for prospective drivers to have all the facts. Here’s everything you need to know about what it’s like being a straight truck driver.

What is a Straight Truck?

A straight truck is any truck that has a cab and trailer that cannot be detached from each other. Straight trucks are also smaller than your traditional semi-trucks and come in under the important threshold of 26,000 pounds. Depending on the make and model, straight trucks are between 10- and 26-feet length and 6 and 8 in height.

What are they used for?

While it’s possible that straight trucks can be used for regional or OTR work, the vast majority are used for local deliveries. The most common use for straight trucks is furniture and home appliance deliveries. The U-Haul trucks that people use for moving are also straight trucks. These trucks are perfect for any freight that is too small for a semi and too big for a sprinter van.

What do you need to be a straight truck driver?

As it stands right now, a CDL is not needed to drive a straight truck, as long as the truck is under 26,000 GVWR. But that doesn’t mean every company will hire someone without a CDL for a straight truck position. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your CDL B before applying, even though it’s not a federal requirement.

What companies hire straight truck drivers?

Any company that utilizes a delivery service will employ straight truck drivers. Retailers that sell furniture and home appliances often offer delivery services via straight truck. Building product companies also employ straight truck drivers to deliver materials to and from worksites.

Expedited freight servicers may be the biggest employer of straight truck drivers. These companies specialize in getting freight from point A to point B as quickly as possible. Businesses typically utilize them when their plan A for getting their freight to where it needs to go didn’t work out. These companies may work an entire region of the country as opposed to working locally. Courier servicers may also employ straight truck drivers, but it’s unlikely as their freight is usually too small to require a straight truck.

What are the pros?

The biggest benefit to driving a straight truck is the consistent home time. Unlike OTR trucking, drivers are rarely, if ever, gone for more than a day. They usually get nights and weekends off as well, following standard business hours for delivery.

Since Straight Truck Drivers rarely need to travel across state lines, it’s a great position for drivers under 21 who are looking to get valuable hours behind the wheel before they can do OTR work and cross state lines. Also, classes to earn your CDL B will generally be less expensive than those for a CDL A, making it a good option for drivers looking to start earning without putting down such a large investment.

What are the cons?

One thing to know about straight truck driving is that there’s probably more to the position than just driving. Manual labor is present in a lot of straight truck jobs. Aside from just touching freight, many times it will be the driver who is responsible for delivering the product to someone’s door and maybe even setting it up inside the home or business.

Another possible con is the customer interaction part of straight truck driving. Aside from delivering products to people, you may have to deal with an unhappy customer from time to time. While this won’t be a problem for some, many drivers got into trucking to avoid these types of interactions.

Like with all driving positions, straight truck drivers are in heavy demand. This means that there’s a lot of variety out there for prospective drivers when deciding who they choose to work with. Straight truck driving is also a great steppingstone for young drivers who want experience before doing OTR or regional work.

If you’re ready to find a trucking job that fits your needs, create a free Drive My Way profile and get matched with Straight Truck driver jobs in your area.

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What to Know and How to Find Dump Truck Jobs

My Job March 23, 2021/by Alayna Klco

Dump truck jobs are great positions for drivers who want to stay close to home and are happy to be out rain or shine. Dump truck work includes a big range in type of load. Some drivers haul garbage, but others haul paving materials and construction supplies like dirt, gravel, sand, or coal. If you’re new to the dump truck world or are thinking about switching to become a dump truck driver, we have everything you need to find your first job.

1. How To Get Started With A Dump Truck

License and Certifications

As with most types of truck driving, one of the first steps for starting with a dump truck is licensing. Professional dump truck drivers need either a CDL A or CDL B license to get started. A CDL B license will take less time and has a lower cost, but a CDL A allows drivers to accept a greater range of jobs. Before signing up for a CDL licensing program, do a little research to decide which type of license is better for you.

In addition to a CDL license, there are a few certifications that can be helpful for dump truck drivers. The Dump Truck Operations and Dump Truck Tailgate Removal and Installation CBT Certifications can make drivers more competitive as job candidates. Hazmat, Passenger, and Air Brakes endorsements can also benefit dump truck drivers. Each of these additional certifications opens up job possibilities and makes you a more competitive driver candidate.

Types of Trucks

As you get started in dump truck driving, take some time to get to know the types of dump trucks. There are a lot of options here. The most common type of truck, a standard dump truck, is a truck chassis with a dump truck body on the frame. The back of the bed is hinged. Also, there is a hydraulic ram under the body that raises the bed to dump loads. We won’t get into all the details here, but there are many other types of trucks that drivers use for specific types of loads or in specific geographies. To see them all, check out this list.

Job Details

While the work for dump truck jobs isn’t a light load, there are many benefits to hauling dump truck loads. Typically, dump truck work is local, so most drivers are home daily. For drivers with a family or who are tired of long nights on the road, this is a huge advantage of driving dump trucks. That said, drivers should be prepared to work rain or shine! Depending on where you live, there can be a wide range of weather conditions. As a dump truck driver, you’ll work in all of them. For drivers who are more social, dump truck jobs can be a great fit. Many drivers work with a lot of the same people consistently, so there is a sense of camaraderie on the job.

2. Company Driver or Owner Operator?

Company Driver

Travis, Dump Truck Driver

A big decision to make if you are getting started in dump trucking is whether you want to be a company driver or an owner operator. If you’re new to the dump truck world, starting out as a company driver can help you get experience while having a steady job. We asked Travis, a dump truck driver from a small company in Southern Oregon, if he had any tips for new drivers.

“Just be confident in yourself as a driver. Take every bit of criticism and knowledge people want to pass down. Research and watch some videos on YouTube just to get some basic knowledge. Try and find a smaller company that will be more apt to help and give drivers a chance,” shared Travis.

Owner Operator

On the other hand, if you are ready to jump in as an owner operator, you will have more flexibility. You can decide what jobs fit your schedule and meet your financial needs. Before you start, make sure you are financially ready. The biggest costs for new dump truck owner operators are in equipment. You will need to decide what type of truck is best for you and will help you get the jobs you need. While a truck is typically the biggest upfront cost, make sure you also budget time and money for licensing and smaller costs like fuel and any technology you want in your truck.

We spoke with Greg, an experienced owner operator for his company Greg Melendez Trucking, about how to find dump truck work.

“I started in ’99 and the one thing I learned was to NEVER turn down the first job and NEVER cancel due to a second job that might be better. Take the first job and work it and the person your working for will appreciate it, not like the guy that cancels thinking the second job offer is better cause most [of] the time it’s worse. Honesty goes a long way in this type of work. The more honest you are the more respect you’ll get in return,” shared Greg.

Becoming a dump truck owner operator is not cheap, but for some drivers, the payoffs in money and time are well worth it.

3. How to Find Work

Photo from Dump Truck Driver, Travis

If you take the big step to become a dump truck driver, being able to find jobs is a lifeline! To start your search, use sites that partner with multiple employers. Drive My Way can save you endless hours of job searching by matching you with a company that fits your qualifications and personal preferences.

If you start your job search in person, it’s all about connecting with the right people. Networking is the key to success. For local work, start with a drive! Keep an eye out for construction companies in your area that might need dump truck workers. Look for developments in your town and nearby and find out what company is paying for the work. Then, reach out to that company and see if they need extra trucks. If you want more information on a company before you reach out, go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and look at company snapshots. Enter the name or US DOT number to look at the fleet size and the driver number. If there are more trucks than drivers, that may mean they are looking for people to fill those jobs!

To expand your job search beyond what you find on a drive around town, start looking for construction zones. Then, find out which companies won those construction bids. For local work, contact your local government and find out what companies have contracts. Then, get in touch and ask if any of those companies are looking for sub-contractors. Dump truck owner operators can also bid on state construction contracts. However, these bids are often harder to win because many construction companies are looking for companies with multiple trucks. Start your search close to home, then make your circle bigger if needed.

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Job of the Day: Clean Harbors Environmental Services

Job of the Day March 5, 2021/by Alayna Klco

Today’s job of the day comes from Clean Harbors Environmental Services

As a Clean Harbors driver, you will be responsible for the safe transport of hazardous waste from a generator/facility to one of our facilities, adhering to DOT and hazardous waste regulations. At Clean Harbors we are passionate about providing premier environmental, energy, and industrial services.

When you work with the Clean Harbors team, you will perform work that truly makes a difference – not only in people’s lives but also in protecting the planet.  Safety is our No. 1 priority. As a driver, you’ll get the training and support to do your job and return home safely. Change your life for the better.  Apply today.

We are hiring for the following positions:

Why work for Clean Harbors?

Work for Top Environmental Safety Company
Great company culture
Company Drivers: Great pay and overtime after 40 hours
Company Drivers: Health and dental care
Owner Operators: Good base pay with additional pay opportunities
Paid orientation or training
Consistent freight
Sign-on and referral bonuses for all positions

Interested in applying?

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

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5 Tips for Finding the Best Garbage Truck Driver Jobs

My Job January 12, 2021/by Alayna Klco

Garbage truck driver jobs can be a great fit for new drivers and experienced drivers alike. These jobs are typically local, so drivers get regular home time. They’re also great for drivers who like to stay on the move throughout their day. Garbage truck jobs often require some physical labor. As with many trucking jobs, it can be easy to find a garbage truck driving job, but hard to find a good one. Here’s what you need to know to find the best garbage truck driver jobs.

1. Know the Lingo

Residential: Residential garbage truck drivers are the ones you see in your neighborhood if you live in an urban area. These drivers are responsible for picking up cans from individual residences.
Commercial: These drivers are the opposite of Residential garbage truck drivers. Commercial drivers pick up waste from businesses or apartment complexes.

2. A Day in the Life

Garbage truck driver jobs can be quite different from other CDL jobs. Most of these positions are local, so drivers will stay within a relatively close radius. Typically, drivers are home nightly. That said, hours are not always consistent, so a garbage truck driver may find that their schedule does change at times. Another important thing to decide before you take a new job is what level of touch you prefer. Most garbage truck driver jobs call for a high level of touch, and there is usually manual labor required. If you like to be active, this job will keep you moving!

Kevin, Garbage Truck Driver for EZ Pack

We talked to Kevin, a garbage truck driver for EZ Pack, and asked him if he had any suggestions for other drivers looking for a garbage truck driver job. He shared his perspective with Drive My Way.

“Well I guess everyone is always looking for a good driver with a clean CDL. So if you have those key ingredients you’re bound for success anywhere. Good perks and benefits if you find the right place, they’re out there, if you’re willing to work for it,” shared Kevin.

Commercial garbage truck drivers usually work in urban environments, so if city driving isn’t for you, think twice about this job! Similarly, many garbage truck driver jobs are for residential positions. That means that drivers need to be comfortable maneuvering in tight streets. In addition, because there are a lot of jobs in residential areas, some drivers may have a higher level of interpersonal engagement than in other local positions.

3. How are Dump Truck Jobs Different?

If you are taking a job as a dump truck driver early in your CDL career, there are a few things to consider. This type of job can be a great way to get started in trucking, BUT you should know that not all employers consider this type of work good experience for other CDL jobs. Also, if you find yourself thinking that garbage truck driver jobs are an easy way to get started in trucking, that’s not necessarily the case! These trucks have a higher center of gravity than many other types of trucks, so it takes skill and experience to avoid incidents. Dump trucks are often considered more dangerous than other types of CDL work.

4. How To Become A Garbage Truck Driver

Once you’ve decided that this is the job for you, there are a few things you’ll need to get started. First, get your CDL A or B license. Some companies will accept either, and deciding between the two licenses will depend a lot on your plans for the future. If you want to drive dry van, tanker, reefer, or other similar jobs, a CDL A is more flexible. Some employers also value mechanical experience. While it may not be the main part of your job, a driver who can fix machines can be valuable.

If you want to drive dry van, tanker, reefer, or other similar jobs, a CDL A is more flexible.

In addition to the technical requirements, there are some personal attributes that are helpful for garbage truck driver jobs. Often, driving a garbage truck requires a high level of physical fitness, so it’s helpful to be in good physical condition so you don’t strain or injure yourself. Also, it’s important that you like to be outside and are willing to work in different weather conditions. When you’re ready to make your next job change, check out Drive My Way to find companies hiring near you who are a good fit for your lifestyle and job preferences.

5. What Questions Should I Ask Employers?

truck driver holding steering wheel Any time you prepare for a CDL job change, there are a few important questions to ask. These questions will help you find the best garbage truck driver jobs for you at a reliable company. Before you even talk to the company, do your research on compensation, hours, and benefits.

If a company meets your needs, get in touch. Otherwise, stay away and move on to the next company. If possible, ask to speak with a current company driver to get their perspective.

For garbage truck jobs, ask a recruiter about your route. Then, find out whether you will be working with a partner or solo. Equipment also plays a particularly big role for garbage truck drivers. Older truck models may not have the same grabbing hooks and may require more manual labor than newer models. Similarly, what level of touch can you expect? As you finish your conversation, make sure to ask about opportunities for advancement. You may not be looking for a career move right now, but you may be looking for a promotion in the future.

garbage truck driver

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What It’s Like to Be a Roll Off Truck Driver

My Job November 11, 2020/by Alayna Klco

Even if you’re not a roll off truck driver, there’s a good chance you’ve seen these trucks hard at work. Roll off truck drivers typically handle equipment like dumpsters and usually work local or regional routes. If you think this might be the job for you, keep reading to find out what a day in the life of a roll off truck driver is like.

Getting to Know the Equipment

Roll Off trucking jobs have a few special requirements. The first is tarping. Like many flatbed jobs, a lot of roll off jobs require tarping, and the amount of physical labor will depend on the company. Some trucks have automatic tarping systems, so the amount of physical work is relatively low. Others require manual tarping.

Roll off drivers will also usually use a hook or cable system to lift and lower their haul. When loading, you might feel your front wheels lift off the ground. It can be unnerving at first, but it’s actually pretty common. Front wheel lift is not a sign of problems, it just means that your weight distribution is shifted toward the back of your truck. After a few loads, you’ll barely notice the lift.

Pay and Hours

roll off truck driver at yard Most companies that are looking for a roll off truck driver are hiring for local or regional jobs right now. That can bring a lot of benefits in terms of schedule and home time. Like many other local jobs, it does mean that the pay is lower than a typical OTR position. Pay for a roll off truck driver will vary a little based on where you are geographically, your experience, and your company.

Job demand for roll off trucking is expected to grow 5% between 2018 and 2028, so a career as a roll off truck driver has good job security.

As a roll off truck driver, your schedule will likely include long shifts. Many drivers work 10-12 hour shifts and often start early in the morning. Because a lot of roll off drivers are paid hourly, overtime pay can add a big bonus to your paycheck. Some companies look for drivers for only Monday through Friday shifts and others require evenings and/or weekends. If you want a specific schedule, make sure you ask the recruiter what the company has to offer.

Job Requirements

For a roll off truck driver position, you will need a CDL license. But, whether you need a CDL A or CDL B license depends on the job. Many companies prefer that drivers have at least a few years of CDL driving experience before taking a roll off position. That said, some places will hire new drivers. You’ll just need to look a little harder.

Good driving and a patient personality are very important for roll off truck drivers.

Because roll off truckers frequently spend a lot of time in cities, traffic can play a big role in your day. Good driving and a patient personality are key. There are also likely to be frequent obstacles or distractions on the road or when making deliveries or pickups. These can be safety hazards for drivers who aren’t paying attention, so roll off drivers need to be particularly alert to their surroundings.

A Day on the Job

roll off truck in the city So what a day in life actually look like? To start, roll off drivers, like all CDL drivers, do a pre-trip inspection. Often, drivers will have multiple sites for drop off and pick up. A dispatcher will be sharing route information throughout the day either on a CB or an iPad. Drivers who haul dumpsters will typically make trips to some type of waste or disposal site to unload throughout the day.

Roll off truck drivers get to see a lot of different places and meet a lot of different people on the job. Depending on the company and the position, there may be some direct customer interaction. That could include employees at a disposal site or homeowners at private houses if you’re delivering a temporary dumpster to a residential address. A typical day ends with returning to the yard and a post-trip inspection.

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