The Complete Guide To A Career In Trucking
How Does The Type Of Freight Affect Pay And Job Duties?
Most new drivers will be operating some sort of combination vehicle, meaning having a trailer behind them all the time to contend with.
The various types of trailers all come with their own set of circumstances that the driver will have to deal with, and many have their own sets of regulations to follow, as well.
Temperature control, load securement, and hauling various types of liquids are all typical things that drivers will have to pay attention to, depending on the type of load they are carrying.
What are the types of trailers used in trucking?
Wiki - Types Of Trailers In Trucking
Hauling specific types of trailers, such as tankers full of Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT), can require a variety of experience, CDL endorsements, and permits.
Article - There's Not Just A Truck, There's A Trailer, Too!
Different trailers mean differnt types of products to haul. Personally, I have pulled three types of trailers: refrigerated (reefer), dry box, and flatbed. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.
How does the type of trailer affect my pay and home time?
Generally, the more complicated, hands-on, or harder the job, the higher the pay. Refrigerated drivers tend to stay out for longer stretches of time running cross country, while LTL drivers pulling "pup" trailers are more localized and home more often.
Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VI: Dry Van and Refrigerated Companies
Dry van jobs tend to offer the greatest range of opportunities for those who would prefer regional , dedicated, and local runs versus long-distance, over the road jobs.
Wiki - Truck Driver Pay & Salary, Extra Pay Types
Driver pay can vary wildly from company-to-company, and various types of trailers and freight. Hauling more specialized freight (flatbed, oversized, etc.) generally pays better.
Forum - Home time options for a rookie truck driver
Getting a gig that will get you more home time is tough straight out of school. Its not necessarily impossible but its harder. Certain companies will have better opportunities so research the companies before going there.
Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VII: Tankers and Flatbeds
The work of securing and releasing your load is quite physical, and often times quite difficult. The tarps, chains, and straps are quite heavy and often times you are out in the weather getting the load secured or released by yourself.
Are there types of trailers that require more physical effort or special experience than others?
Flatbed drivers will be responsible for securing, tarping, & otherwise protecting their own loads, which usually means a lot of climbing, lifting tarps and chains, etc., so drivers should expect a more physically challenging experience. Most companies will have specific physical tests for flatbed drivers, beyond their normal requirements.
Tankers, and other specialized trailers, will also require specific training for many aspects of the job, and the companies will normally provide it.
Drivers are responsible for making sure that the load is secured properly, as well as covering it to protect it from the elements, when necessary. Will require constant monitoring of the load securements.
Physically, drivers may be required to climb on top of tank trailers to open the vents as part of the job. Drivers will be responsible for unloading, as well as having the empty tanks washed out.
So my recruiter said I have to do the standard DOT physical and I have to get another one done in order to drive flatbed. What is it? What does in involve?
Forum - Dollar Tree dedicated account?
The physical labor is ON TOP of driving your required amount of hours/miles. You could end up with less sleep, so sore you can't sleep, or get hurt
How do I get the specialized driving jobs, like cattle-haulers or logging trucks?
Many of these jobs will require a certain amount of previous experience, and will be more localized, so it will depend on your location.
Regardless, they really aren't the types of jobs that new drivers will be doing.
Wiki - Specialized Trailers In Trucking
There is generally a high demand for experienced drivers for these specialty types, meaning a higher rate of pay.
What other types of trucking equipment issues should new drivers be concerned with?
Forum - Required equip. purchases? IE: Abloys
Hey All, It would be helpful to know what equipment, you, actually have to purchase. I'm thinking upon receiving your own truck, and also the cost if you remember. Trying to make a cost sheet for Uncle Sam.
Forum - Are trucking companies switching to automatic transmissions?
I read that the industry is moving toward automatic transmissions. Yet another skill that's going to be replaced by something else because it's "easier." What do you guys think? Will manual transmissions gradually disappear?
Forum - Does Having An APU/EPU Really Matter?
So I'd like to know how everyone is doing when it comes to idling the truck for comfort and power. I'd like to know if everyone at least has the option to pay up a little to be comfortable or if you're being forced to freeze or starve.
Article - A Look Inside Trucking: What is Qualcomm?
Qualcomm is a messaging system with GPS built in which is tied into the truck's computer and allows trucking companies to track where the driver is at, monitor the truck, and send and receive messages with the driver
Forum - In Cab cameras on the driver
I get issued a 2015 Frieghtliner this afternoon and it has a camera in that is on all of the time not just while driving. I am extremely uncomfortable about this. I am a lady and know that anyone can see me in my cab anytime they want to.
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