3 Truck Driving Positions To Consider

Posted on: 20 June 2019

The transportation industry is booming. Many of the consumer products that are found on retail store shelves are moved using large trucks. A special license called a CDL is required to drive these trucks because they are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles.

Truck drivers can make a good living transporting freight on a daily basis. There are many different types of truck driving positions that you can consider if you are thinking of using your CDL to make money.

Dry Van Drivers

The most basic type of truck driving position is as a dry van driver. Dry vans are the smallest of the commercial vehicles and they are easier to navigate than their larger semi counterparts. New drivers without a lot of experience can start out driving a dry van to build their confidence.

Dry van drivers usually don't load or unload their own trucks, which can also make this type of truck driving position a good option for drivers who suffer from back pain or who might be aging.

Flatbed Drivers

A flatbed trailer can be used to transport many different types of freight. Most transportation companies will rely on a flatbed to move oversized items that won't fit in an enclosed trailer. You will also find military equipment, vehicles, and oddly shaped items being transported on flatbeds.

Drivers who choose to specialize in flatbed trucks are often paid more because of the skill required to secure each load. The driver needs to be proficient not only in the operation of the semi truck and trailer, but they also need to be educated in the proper tie-down methods for any object they are asked to move.

Securing flatbed loads requires a lot of strength and skill, so many flatbed drivers are young and strong.

OTR Drivers

The type of truck driver you may be most familiar with is an OTR driver. OTR is short for over-the-road. These drivers travel all across the country transporting loads. Some of the loads might be housed in tanker trailers, others might require refrigeration. This means that an OTR driver needs to be prepared for anything.

OTR drivers can be employed by a specific company or by a transportation company, or they can operate as independent contractors. You will need to consider whether or not you want to invest in your own truck and trailer before determining if being an employee or an independent contractor is the right way to advance your truck driving career.

For more information on truck driver jobs, contact a company like CMAC Transportation.

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