Logan Voss
So, you’re thinking about a career in truck driving? You’re not alone. Many people want to be independent on the open road by being a trucker. But with so many choices out there, it can be hard to decide which company to drive for or what type of trucking job is right for you.
Never fear! We’re here to help. This blog post will look at three types of trucking jobs that are always in demand. We’ll also provide some helpful tips on how to get started in each one.
Reefer Truck Drivers
If you’ve ever driven by a truck carrying perishable goods, it was a reefer truck. Reefer trucks are temperature-controlled vehicles that transport everything from fresh produce to frozen goods. Because the cargo they’re carrying is sensitive to temperature changes, reefer truck drivers must be extra careful when driving and maintain a strict schedule.
If you’re interested in becoming a reefer truck driver, you should keep a few things in mind. First, you’ll need to get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which requires passing a written exam and a skills test. Once you have your CDL, you’ll need to find a company that offers reefer truck driving jobs.
Flatbed Truck Drivers
Flatbed trucks are large trucks with an open bed that transport items that are too large or unwieldy for a standard box truck. Common flatbed loads include construction materials like lumber or steel beams, large industrial machinery, and even oversized art pieces or sculptures.
Due to the nature of the loads they carry, flatbed truck drivers must be extra careful when loading and unloading their trucks and must take care to secure their loads properly. Flatbed is just one of the different types of commercial truck body styles, and each has its requirements.
Suppose you’re interested in becoming a flatbed truck driver. In that case, the process is similar to becoming a reefer driver: you’ll need your CDL and will likely need at least one year of experience before most companies hire you.
Tanker Truck Drivers
Tanker trucks are similar to flatbed trucks in that they have an open bed; however, instead of transporting large loads, they transport liquids like gasoline or milk. Tankers can range in size from 5,000 to 11,600 gallons, so tanker drivers must know how to handle such large volumes safely. Because many liquids transported by tankers are flammable or corrosive, tanker drivers must be extra careful when loading and unloading their tanks to avoid spilling any cargo.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a tanker truck driver or any other commercial truck driver, getting your CDL is the best way to get started. After that, you’ll have many choices for the type of trucking job you want to pursue. There are many types of trucking companies, each offering unique benefits.
But the first step is to start. You can get your CDL in as little as four to six weeks, and then you’ll be on your way to a great career in trucking.
