What Types of Truck Drivers Are There?

You will find many truck driving jobs on the market that focus on different types of trucks. Other jobs will be different based on the cargo you will haul or the distance you will travel when working.

There are several types of truck drivers like dry van truckers, tanker truckers, flatbed truckers, refrigerated drivers, LTL drivers, car hauler drivers, and regional drivers, to name a few. Each type of driver requires different trucking materials and skills for operation.

Some positions may pay more than others. Meanwhile, the ones with the highest risk and require the most extensive knowledge and experience will spend extra compared to other trucking jobs on the market. Read on to learn more about the different truck drivers and trucking jobs.

Dry Van Truckers

Dry van truckers handle traditional truck bodies, and the materials they haul are never overly dangerous. A dry van trucker drives a single-trailer truck that contains non-perishable items and dry goods.

Dry van truckers are not expected to load or unload their trucks, although there may be times where they will need to do this when working. They may also need to ensure all cargo on the inside is fastened well, so it will not shift around inside the truck body while in operation.

Most newcomers to the trucking industry will operate as dry van truckers. They will usually earn just a modest salary for their work in most situations. Hence, they remain in high demand for more extended periods because they can provide services to a wide variety of clients.

Tanker Truckers

Tanker truckers transport liquids using cylindrical tanks. A tanker trucker will need to load and unload the contents inside the tank, plus all components must be kept sanitary to ensure the materials on the inside are safe.

Most companies that hire tanker truckers will require ones who have more experience in driving a truck. A tanker can be tough to control, especially since the liquid contents on the inside can shift while in transit and affect how well the truck can start or stop.

A tanker trucker can earn more money if they routinely transport dangerous materials. These include oils, gasoline, and other potentially flammable compounds.

Flatbed Truckers

Flatbed trucks are different from traditional shipping trucks in that they feature beds with no sides or roofs. A flatbed truck can transport massive amounts of materials, including items that can endure rough weather or road conditions. Flatbeds are also useful for loads that might be too wide for a traditional enclosed truck body.

Flatbed truckers usually need to carry massive amounts of weight. They may control trucks with more powerful engines that can handle the extra mass. These truckers aren’t always required to help unload or load their trucks, but they must ensure all the cargo they transport is properly fastened and secured to prevent anything from being lost in the process.

Refrigerated Drivers

Some truck drivers are hired to handle refrigerated contents. A refrigerated driver will transport perishable goods that must be kept at a specific temperature while in transit. One of these drivers can transport meats, medical items, and various foods.

A refrigerated driver must review their truck to ensure it is adequately insulated and keep cold air from escaping. The driver may also have access to a cooling unit that helps produce the cold temperatures inside the truck. The driver also has to routinely monitor the temperature to ensure it is stable enough to keep the inside contents safe.

These drivers are often paid more money because of the extra work necessary for keeping the freight secure. The sensitive nature of some of the products inside the truck also adds to the value of the work.

LTL Drivers

LTL drivers are Less Than Truckload drivers who handle smaller dry vans. These vans often handle shipments that don’t take up the entire capacity of the truck. They focus on local functions for the most part, with many truckers often operating in the same county or state throughout the day.

LTL drivers are expected to load and unload their trucks themselves. These drivers aren’t paid as much as others due to how small their loads are. But many drivers can handle multiple loads each day, making it easier for them to earn enough money during the day.

Car Hauler Driver

A car hauler driver transports various vehicles on the highway. The hauler will load up multiple vehicles on a specialized trailer, and secure them to ensure they can safely reach a car lot or other site. Many car hauler drivers will transport vehicles for sale at different car dealerships or transport cars that need to move across the country or to other sites.

The trailers that car hauler drivers handle can feature several vehicles on its body. These cars are often arranged in a double-decker layout to allow for more cargo. Most trailers can also take traditional passenger cars and more massive trucks or vans. The immense weight that the trailer can support ensures more cars can go on a trailer, although extra help for keeping everything arranged is necessary for work.

A hauler driver must ensure the proper safety of all the vehicles being transported, especially since they are exposed to outside conditions. All vehicles must be secured and tied down to keep them from shifting or slipping off the truck. Special care is also required when turning, as the truck will require a more massive turning radius. The added length and the extra wheels on the trailer bed make turning a little more challenging in most situations.

A car hauler driver can cover the vehicles while in transit if inclement weather becomes a concern. A cover can ensure the vehicles aren’t harmed by rain, snow, or other things that might keep a vehicle for sale from being as appealing to the customer.

Regional Drivers

Not all truck drivers will go across the country when delivering goods. Some truckers are regional drivers that are required to stay within a specific geographic area. Regional drivers can operate within the same city, county, or state.

Regional drivers can handle loads and materials of all sizes and sorts, but the distances they will travel are limited. They can only go in certain places, primarily due to concerns over operating outside of certain states. For example, a regional driver might transport goods that are legal for sale in one state, but that person cannot sell those same items outside of that state.

Do Truckers Make Good Money? 

Truckers make good money, so many work in trucking companies. On average, they earn a median annual wage of $37,930, which is higher than the median wage for other jobs.

Final Thoughts

All of these truck driving jobs are unique in that they offer many ways for truckers to operate their rigs. Truck drivers can transport various types of goods, but they will require the proper skills for some of the tasks they wish to complete. Be sure that you know what you’re interested in hauling when you’re training to become a truck driver. You should also receive the necessary training so you’ll understand how to handle that cargo.