Many of the conveniences of modern life we take for granted are made possible by the work of truck drivers. Although people who don’t work in the transportation industry might tend to lump all truck driving jobs together, there are actually many different niches within the occupation. Today, we’ll summarize the main differences.
Are All Truck Driving Jobs the Same?
In the transportation industry, types of vehicles, the type of cargo being transported, and the schedule for delivery create a wide variety of different roles for truck drivers. Some jobs require additional training and certification on top of the standard commercial drivers’ license (CDL) requirement.
Schedule Configurations
Truck driving jobs are quite flexible, allowing for part-time and full-time positions. They typically fall into one of three configurations:
- Local: These jobs focus on a small geographic area, typically within a set part of a state. They allow truck drivers to get home daily.
- Regional: Regional jobs are long-distance and cover a specific region or select states. Most drivers are home at least once a week.
- Over-the-road: These jobs typically involve hauling freight across the country. Drivers operate sleeper trucks alone or as part of a team. They’re often home a few times a month.
Haul Types
The type of freight a driver hauls also affects their job. Some types of freight require additional training to haul safely.
- Dedicated: Dedicated drivers haul freight for a single customer. They commonly drive between distribution centers and stores.
- Dry vans: Dry van drivers usually operate standard 53-foot trailer trucks filled with dry goods. It’s the most common type of truck driving job.
- HAZMAT: Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) drivers have extra certifications allowing them to transport dangerous loads. They often carry propane, gasoline and other corrosive, explosive, flammable or poisonous materials.
- Flatbed: Flatbed hauls accommodate items that can’t easily fit in a trailer. These drivers usually require additional training to ensure they can properly secure their cargo, which can include building equipment, vehicles, lumber and metal.
- Intermodal: Typically, intermodal drivers haul containers from rail yards to customers.
- Reefer: Reefer trucks have refrigerated trailers to keep freight from spoiling. They commonly haul food, pharmaceuticals, plants and other temperature-sensitive items.
- Tanker: Tanker drivers haul loads in steel tank trailers. They often include liquids and dry bulk loads, such as water, sand and milk.
How to Become a Truck Driver
Almost every truck driving job requires a CDL. To get one, you must first get a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), which allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle on public roads. Then, you must complete an entry-level driver training certification course. Once you pass, you can then take the CDL skills test to become fully licensed.
At IMBC, you can embark on your commercial truck driving journey with our six-week CDL program. Students 21 years and older complete all necessary classroom time and driving training to pass their CDL and enter the workforce. Enroll in IMBC’s commercial truck driver training program today and start preparing for a vital and in-demand career.
