It’s Not All Big Rigs – There Are Different Truck Driving Jobs 

There are many different types of trucking jobs available to people interested in driving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other types of commercial vehicle. All truck drivers must work within federal safety regulations to be eligible for a commercial driver’s license. These regulations set the standards for the industry and establish minimum requirements that drivers must meet to stay safe on the job.

Depending on what type of company might need a truck driver, these jobs can vary widely, with each providing its own unique set of benefits and bonuses. 

Hotshot Hauler

Despite the name, these drivers do not haul hotshots in their trucks. Instead, they are responsible for picking up and delivering extremely perishable goods that require fast delivery and must arrive at their destination in good condition. Some of the more common types of goods that these drivers haul include fruits, vegetables, and meats. Drivers looking for hotshot shipping work can search for work at Shiply.

Freight Hauler

Freight haulers are responsible for picking up and delivering large quantities of goods as requested by their customers. These companies usually operate with a smaller fleet of trucks that all have specialized equipment to accommodate the type of product being hauled. Sometimes, these jobs require that drivers transport not only one type of product but several types. For example, a driver might be hauling lumber one day and produce the next.

Flatbed Hauler

Flatbeds are used for hauling oversized loads that cannot fit into a standard trailer. Flatbeds are equipped with a large, flat surface on the bed of the trailer to allow drivers to haul more cargo with one load. Whether it be lumber, produce, or another type of product, using a flatbed often requires extra skill and training to complete a delivery safely and on time.

Dump Truck

Dump truck drivers are responsible for delivering and dumping construction material at various locations throughout the state or across the country. These vehicles are equipped with dump beds that allow drivers to unload materials quickly while staying safe while doing so.

Transport Driver

Transport drivers are responsible for taking empty trailers to various locations throughout the state or across the country. These drivers pick up a trailer without any cargo, then deliver it to its final location. Once there is cargo ready to be transported, these drivers take empty trailers back to their original location.

Tanker Hauler

Many companies rely on tankers to transport gasoline or other hazardous liquids throughout the state or country. These types of vehicles use specialized tanks for carrying large quantities of fuel and keeping them separate from the cabin area where drivers travel. This often comes with strict safety regulations that must be adhered to at all times to keep drivers and other motorists safe on the road.

Truckers work with a variety of individuals both inside their vehicles and outside. In almost all cases, truckers work with the people who employ them. These companies have the sole responsibility for training and insuring their drivers. There is also a large number of independent contractors who provide additional services to trucking firms. These professionals are typically not employed by the company for whom they work. Instead, they typically work on their own or with one coworker to fulfill a specific job.