As A Truck Driver, Do You Have Any Control Over The Type Of Truck You Have To Drive And The Cargo You Haul?

Hello. I’m Nick. I’m new to this group.

If you are a new Truck Driver or experienced Truck Driver, I was wondering do you have any control over the type of truck you have to drive and the cargo you haul?

In my case, I know that I do not want to ever haul dangerous cargo and nor do I ever want to have to haul fuel or gravel/dirt. If I can, I want to stick to driving an 18 wheeler truck only.

Lastly, I have seen some ads offering “no touch” freight”. Is this common or is this something that happens from time-to-time and or with certain companies?

I could be wrong, but the ideal of driving a 18 wheeler tuck from point “A” to point “B” sounds fun and interesting, but I have no interest in loading or unloading the freight. Yet I did want to find out what is the norm in this industry . . . i.e. is common to “load” and “unload” your own freight?

Thank you in advance for your answers and comments.

Yes, you can choose it all depends on which company and which division you chose to drive for.

Most companies are no touch freight, so you shouldn't have to load or unload your truck.

Hello Nick, company drivers drive what is issued to them. Most larger companies have fleets with newer trucks. Most rookies don't get brand new trucks to start with. We always suggest you start with our starter pack.

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

By the time you finish going through all of that, you will have a much better idea of what this lifestyle has to offer.

Hello, Nick. I believe I started out with the type of trucking work you're looking for. I started with Swift, but most companies are like this. I drove dry van exclusively. Most of my loads were already sealed which is as close to "no touch" as you can get. I never had the responsibility of even counting the stuff in back.

If you don't get a Hazmat endorsement, you probably won't be sent on a Hazmat dispatch. Simply ask the recruiter if Hazmat will be required.

So just stick with dry van and you'll do ok.

I'm confused....in one of your other posts further up, it sounds like you have your CDL-A but no experience. Did I misread that post or are you looking to get your CDL still?

Laura

Hello Everyone,

Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts and wisdom on my newbie questions. The information that you have shared has been most helpful. I think this forum is really great, it is like being in a room full of close friends that have AWESOME answers! I think after I get a few years of experience under my belt, I will look into those “owner, operator” gigs. Yet I’m willing to start from the ground up and learn the craft, and keep my eyes open for the “no touch freight” opportunities. LOL! Laura, I don’t have a CDL , I’m just doing some basic research to get a better idea of trying to pursue a truck driving career. Yet I did want to get some information and insight about a few aspects of a truck driving career after getting a Class A license.

Everyone, thanks again so very much for your help. : - )

99% of us do No Touch Freight.

Exception for the flatbed pullers, tanker yankers, and food service delivery gigs.

In the past year, I've had one dry van load that was labeled as, "driver assist with unloading". It was a furniture load where I ended up not touching anything because the receiver had the unloading duties covered by the workers on site.

Thank you PackRat, this is great information to know. I appreciate it. : - )

Hello Everyone,

Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts and wisdom on my newbie questions. The information that you have shared has been most helpful. I think this forum is really great, it is like being in a room full of close friends that have AWESOME answers!

I second that. Y'all are much appreciated.

Hello, Nick. I believe I started out with the type of trucking work you're looking for. I started with Swift, but most companies are like this. I drove dry van exclusively. Most of my loads were already sealed which is as close to "no touch" as you can get. I never had the responsibility of even counting the stuff in back.

If you don't get a Hazmat endorsement, you probably won't be sent on a Hazmat dispatch. Simply ask the recruiter if Hazmat will be required.

So just stick with dry van and you'll do ok.

Companies don't let non-HME drivers haul under 1,001lbs of class 3 or anything else?