What are different types of loads truckers haul?

Both trucking company drivers and owner operators haul a variety of goods.  What you haul will depend on your CDL endorsements, individual trucking companies, and may depend on the specific area of the country you live.

In general, here are load definitions widely used in the trucking industry:

• LTL or “Less Than a Truck Load” – The least expensive and most popular method of transporting freight.
• Partial Truck Load – Economical means of moving a medium size load, often booked by volume and or running feet of truck
• TL or “Truck load” – Greater than 8,000 pounds or requires a large volume of space needed.
• Air Ride Truck Load or partial Truck Load – Air ride provides a softer ride than a standard freight truck.  Used when the items being shipped are delicate and not packed to withstand the rougher ride of a freight truck.
• Blanket Wrap or Van Move – Blanket wrap services or Van Move is used for items that have not been boxed packed or crated.
• Air Freight – Best for smaller shipments that are very dense in weight.
• Expedited Freight Services – Expedited freight can be moved at high speed (not guaranteed).  Provides delivery within a widow of time that is very predictable.
• Guaranteed Delivery Freight Services – Freight will be delivered on or before the time contracted for. If the delivery is late, you will be reimbursed for the difference between the guaranteed price and the standard or non guaranteed rate.

What is typical day for a truck driver?

One of the biggest advantages truck drivers enjoy is the freedom and diversity of their job.

Trucking is one career where no two days are ever the same.  One day may consist of driving the entire day with minimal stops.  The next day may consist of unloading and setting out on the next trip.

The following items are typically involved with any truck driving job:

• Inspecting the vehicle for any safety concerns
• Making sure the cargo is securely packed
• Driving attentively and safely to deliver the cargo
• Interacting with the client when the delivery is complete to ensure his or her satisfaction

There are also the unexpected items that may arise – detours, mechanical failures, and traffic delays.  Most drivers like both the challenge that driving offers and the freedom to set their own schedules.

Working Hours

In accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, truck drivers involved in long-distance, interstate commerce may not work more than 60 hours in any 7 day period, and must rest at least 10 hours for every 11 driving hours.  These working hours are meant to make sure drivers are rested and alert when they drive.

Physical Fitness

Life as a truck driver does pose some interesting challenges, including physical fitness.  Many truck drivers have found great ways to stay active while on the road.  Some ways include: carrying a few weights with them in the truck to exercise while waiting, running or walking around loading yards, and regional gym memberships to name a few.  Some truck stops even maintain gym facilities for drivers.

Are there physical requirements for truck drivers?

There are certain physical requirements to be a truck driver.  Some requirements are based on the individual trucking company you are applying with, and some are federal regulations.  Truck Drivers must: have 20/40 correctable vision, 70-degree field of vision in each eye, have adequate hearing, not be an insulin-dependent diabetic, not have high blood pressure, not have epilepsy, and not be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

Truck drivers that hold a CDL License are also required to carry a valid medical cards.  Medical cards are issued after a driving physical from a physicians.  Medical cards are as important as your CDL license and must be carried at all times.

It is also important to realize the physical aspects of working in a trucking job.  While there are no set strength standards, hours of driving and some heavy lifting are part of the job for all drivers.  You are also required to sit for extended periods of time.

Before you go to work for one of the many US trucking companies, make sure you understand and potential requirements they may have set.

What is the Future Outlook for Trucking Jobs?

The outlook for trucking jobs is one of positive and continued growth. Trucking is usually one of the first industries to emerge from a recession, and especially with the rise of E-commerce, more and more firms are using trucking services to get their goods across town – and across the world.

Truck driver jobs are constantly being created by small local owner-operators as well as by major trucking companies and container trucking providers, as there is a constant shortage of truckers due to high demand. Salaries for truckers are consistently rising, and trucking has always provided a respectable and steady income especially for experienced truckers who are willing to handle long haul jobs.

With more and more people using online commerce for even large purchases, trucking companies have seen a surge in business, as trucks are used to ship merchandise ordered online either directly or to a distribution and fulfillment center from which they are shipped directly to consumers. Some of the largest online stores now offer trucking jobs either themselves or via their dedicated trucking company or truck leasing company, which may either be in-house or outsourced. These truck driver jobs offer competitive starting salaries and benefits, and their stability is backed by the promise of constant growth of the online commerce sector.

New truck drivers will be necessary to replace drivers who will be forced to retire under the upcoming tougher safety standards that will force dismissal of drivers who do not have satisfactory driving records. Therefore, success as a trucker will depend more and more on safety. In addition, cutbacks on the number of hours any trucker can drive will open up opportunities for new truck driver jobs.

The present shortage of truck drivers has become so acute that some trucking companies are offering bonuses to new drivers who sign up. Higher salaries are another incentive which is being offered to laid-off workers from other industries who are willing to obtain truck licenses and train to become long-haul as well as local truck drivers.

By 2012, it is predicted that there may be a shortage of up to 400,000 truck drivers. Trucking is vital not only for consumer deliveries but even more so for deliveries to retailers and industrial plants. If a truck is not available to deliver ordered merchandise or parts on time, stores can lose sales and plants can experience costly downtime or even temporary closure. Regardless of the cost of fuel and the negative environmental impact of many trucks, there is no replacement for truck delivery to many crucial locations throughout the USA. Even if railroad delivery is used, a truck is necessary in many cases to transport the rail cargo to its final destination, and a truck is not subject to railroad schedules. Therefore, there will probably never be a substitute for trucking, and that means trucking job opportunities will continually be created.

Even though the economic recovery is just beginning and there are some smaller trucking firms which are in danger of closing, the trucker shortage will only grow as the economy emerges from recession within the next two or three years. In addition, the rise of E-commerce means that more and more goods will be transported from central locations, and this includes both bulk merchandise that is trucked to a bulk mailing center as well as larger merchandise that needs to be delivered by truck to its final destination.

Clearly, the main obstacle to growth in the trucking industry is a shortage of personnel. For workers who are willing to train for the challenges of trucking jobs, this presents a great opportunity.

What type of tax deductions for truckers are available?

Taxes 101

Major Deduction Categories

1. Trucking expenses

The largest single deduction category for an owner-operator is trucking expenses: depreciation, fuel, batteries, insurance, oil and lubricants, registration and license fees, repairs, fires, and tolls. Depreciation will likely be the most substantial trucking expense. Depreciation is a complicated issue but in simplified terms, depreciation means applying a portion of the book value of an owner-operator’s equipment each year to his/her taxes until the value reaches zero. If a trucker owns his/her own trailer, it too, is subject to depreciation.

2. Health insurance

Another valuable deduction for a self-employed owner-operator is health insurance premiums. Owner-operators may be entitled to deduct a percentage of the cost of a health insurance premium. If a spouse is employed in a driver’s operation, a complete deduction for the cost of health insurance may be allowed.

3. Meals

Eating on the road in trucking is a unique situation because it is considered a job related expense.  In spite of ongoing lobbying efforts to allow the deduction for meals on the road to 100 percent, the deduction stands at 80 percent. As an alternative, drivers can deduct the standard per diem of $59 per day for 2010. If an owner-operator doesn’t have the receipts to back up meal purchases, he/she may elect to use the per diem rate.

4. Home office

Home office deductions should not be overlooked. It’s possible to deduct a portion of an owner-operator’s home used as an office as a business expense. Although there are a number of restrictions, home office deductions can be a substantial source for tax savings.

Paying Estimated Tax

Owner-operators, because they are self-employed (and don’t typically meet one of the safe harbor exceptions), are required by law to pay estimated taxes every quarter. Estimated taxes intimidate some owner-operators, who put off paying quarterly taxes and get penalized at tax time.

The IRS requires these payments, regardless of whether drivers independently contract for trucking companies or work directly for themselves. Since taxes aren’t withheld from compensation received from brokers or trucking companies, owner-operators (and all self-employed people) should submit estimated income tax payments to the IRS each quarter.

What to expect as a first year truck driver

For those who are figuring out how to become a truck driver, you should be as prepared as possible for the training you’ll need and the first year of your truck-driving career. All honest truckers will likely tell you that the first year trucking is like boot camp.
Completing your CDL training is just the beginning of what it’s like to really hit the road.
 
Since you don’t know what to expect on a road until you travel it, you won’t know what to expect your first year – until you experience it.
 
But, you can be as prepared as possible if you learn from experienced professionals and take your training seriously. Working as a truck driver can be a lucrative career for those in the higher paying positions, and there is a current driver shortage that is driving up wages and competitive benefits to attract the best drivers.
 
So, if you’re thinking about this career, and life on the road sounds pretty good, we suggest talking to schools or employers in your area to learn what the trucking job environment is like for you.
 
The following FAQ’s and tips are meant to help you learn the introductory facts about the challenges first year truckers face. The good news is that every year thousands of new drivers hit the road and make it through their second, and third, and fourth years – and so on into long term careers in trucking.
 
Here are 10 facts you need to know about your first year as a truck driver…

1.) You will be tested

It’s not exactly hazing, but companies and trainers want to feel confident that when they take off the training wheels, they can trust you to steer the ship. This will be especially true your first year truck driving. Many companies offer signing bonuses and other incentives to stand out in the job market. With such a financial investment and risk these positions can pose if careless drivers are allowed on the road – the first year is the time when the poor drivers will be weeded out.
 
The road will also test you in ways you likely can’t foresee. Fortunately, technology has made it easier for drivers to know when low bridges are up ahead, or when alternate routes would avoid construction delays, etc. Be sure to ask your fellow drivers what apps they use to avoid the pitfalls that can delay drivers and cost precious time and money.

2.) Make friends with your trainer

Your first month or so on as a truck driver may be spent with a trainer – and let’s be honest: some people just don’t mesh. You may not like your trainer, but if you’re driving hundreds of miles with them, you should try to be friends with them. Plus, you have to view every encounter with your more experienced peers as an ongoing job interview.
 
Even if you find your trainer irritating, just remember, it’s only for a short period of time. Plus, they may give you insight that is helpful in your role at their company. And you can bank on this: they will report your behavior and attitude back to their superiors who will want to know how your training went.

3.) Prepare your mind for the lifestyle

Look, if you’re used to working 9-5 – no matter what the job – you’re going to have to get your mind prepared for the shift. This could make or break your first year, and career, in the field.
 
That may sound dramatic, but if you embrace the fact you’re going to spend most of your time driving, and find ways to make the most of it, then you’ll be happiest in your job. And you’ll be a better driver for it, your attitude will be positive, and your employer will know it.
 
Think about ways you can keep your mind and body healthy, and still participate in activities you enjoy while working in trucking. This can be challenging to do if you already have unhealthy habits or have formed a negative attitude about your initial challenges.

4.) You may have to ‘win’ local positions

Some companies that have local, regional and cross-country OTR routes don’t just hand out the local positions to the newbies. Are you kidding? That would cause a rebellion or mutiny (take your pick) from the drivers with tenure who have spent years proving their loyalty and abilities.
 
You think they’re going to let the kid who’s fresh out of CDL truck driving school waltz in and take the good routes that guarantee you get home every night? Ha! Of course, with the need for truckers high in most areas of the industry, finding local routes might not be so difficult for beginners in your area. If you know this going in, you’re bound to put more effort into getting the job you really want.

5.) CDL driver salary and pay will be entry-level

For all the talk about signing bonuses and other incentives, you will still start out at a lower per mile rate than a driver with 3+ years of experience. That’s just the way it is, simply because a driver with more miles is (probably) a safer investment than an unproven driver.
 
But don’t let that deter you from moving forward with a trucking career. There are plenty of companies out there who are looking for qualified drivers and who offer paths to top pay, health benefits, 401K, and other incentives for hanging on until you prove yourself. Plus, if you look at the job market, the trucking industry has some promising statistics for drivers. The occupational outlook for trucking is expected to keep pace with the rate of employment for all other industries, on average. 

6.) Be flexible

Life in the transportation industry is never predictable. You will never know what’s in store with each load. There could be issues with the load itself, the route, the information you receive could be wrong, you could break down, or you might have to change your schedule in an instant due to any number of circumstances.
 
Just remember, these things that pop up annoy everyone on all sides of the supply chain. Even though it may seem like you’re alone in your spot within the trucking industry, JFK wasn’t kidding when he said “no man is an island.” There are many moving parts in trucking, and you’re just hanging on to one of the kogs in the machine. Have a good attitude and be the kind of driver your carrier can rely on when the plan flies out the window.

7.) Your first love will not be your last

That may sound a bit dramatic, but don’t get overly concerned with landing your dream trucking job your first year into trucking. Even though you may consider yourself a loyal driver, you never know what opportunities or turns your life may take. Plus, if you’re too picky your first year, you may never get the experience you need to work for your dream carrier.
 
It might even be in your best interests to start with a local delivery driver job. Even though these positions tend to pay less than OTR gigs, they can help you dip your toe in the water and adjust to the trucking life at an easier pace.

8.) Hours are not 40 a week

In full-time CDL driver jobs, you mostly likely will have to work up to 70 hours in an 8-day period. After this, you have to rest for a minimum of 34 hours, according to regulations. This is to ensure you get enough sleep between runs, which increases safety for yourself and other drivers.
 
If you’re an OTR driver, your schedule can fluctuate all the time. If you work a delivery route, or one that is consistent, you may get a better handle on what to expect as a driver. That’s why it’s important to ask every employer what kinds of hours and flexibility is required of drivers.

9.) You need to make sure your life and your job align

If you’re a regional driver you can probably expect to come home about once a week. If you have a regular route, chances are even better that you can have a more regular schedule that you might expect.
OTR drivers are typically out for longer periods of time, so if you choose this path your first year, be sure your personal responsibilities will adapt to this type of lifestyle.

10.) You’re not going to get the best loads

Just like the routes – you’re not going to get the better loads compared to the more experienced drivers that get the higher paying shipments. That’s just the breaks of being a first-year driver.
 
In this way, it kind of can feel like a hazing or rookie ritual you might expect from an NFL training camp. Look, every driver has to make it through his or her first year, which means every driver knows what it’s like to have the bad routes, and lower paying loads. Not everyone is first string as soon as they walk on the team, and that’s just how it is.
 
When you speak with schools or companies, be sure to ask what kinds of challenges or facts their first-year drivers need to understand before signing on. With the need for quality drivers at an all-time-high, you should find the atmosphere is pretty friendly and accommodating for new men and women drivers.
 
Do you think you’re ready to handle the ups-and-downs of your first year on the road in a trucking job? If you need to earn your CDL or certifications for the job you want, use our listings of trucking schools in your area to find out how to get moving down the road!

What is a first-year truck driver salary?

Are you considering a career in the trucking industry and want to know what you can expect for CDL driver salary in the first year? The following information can help you learn the ways your pay can be affected in the trucking industry.
 
In 2015, the Wall Street Journal reported that the long-haul industry was 48,000 drivers short. This has created a demand for quality drivers – even those with limited experience or fresh out of CDL training.
 
In a nutshell, your CDL salary will vary depending on several factors, including:

• What kind of driving job you pursue
• Where you live
• The company you drive for
• What certifications you have
• And other factors

You also need to understand that there is currently a driver shortage industry-wide. This means, in short, that it is a good time to look into CDL training.
 
Most trucking schools have relationships with trucking companies, which can make it easier to find work once you complete your CDL training. Likewise, many companies may offer to pay for your training, or reimburse you after you drive for them for a certain period of time.

Competitive Benefits

That is a term you are probably familiar with if you have scoured the trucking ads for jobs in your area. Because of the need for skilled drivers, companies understand that the salary of a tuck driver isn’t the only factor in your decision to choose to work for a particular carrier.
 
In addition to a fair or generous per-mile rate or trucker salary, you may also receive medical and dental benefits, 401K and bonus programs for drivers. These incentives are certainly worth factoring into your salary concerns. Paid time off and holidays, as well as sign-on bonuses should be on your list of considerations as well. With current demand, sign-on bonuses of $3-5K are not unheard of.
 
The same Wall Street Journal story, linked to above, tells the story of Alex Topolse, who went from ‘flipping burgers’ to driving a chemical truck in 2013. In his first two years, he received two raises, and was on track to earn $70,000 that year.

The Salary Potential for First-year Heavy Truck Drivers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earned a median annual wage of $40,260 in 2015. However, depending on where you live, what kind of industry you work in – and how many miles you’ve driven, there may be other determining factors for compensation.
 
On the low end, the BLS says the lowest paid drivers were paid around $26,000 per year, while the most experienced drivers were paid an average $62,010 per year – which is quite a big jump. It may be easy to conclude that if you don’t have previous experience that you could earn about $30,000 a year. But, it’s best to check your local listings and call a few trucking schools and employers in your area to be sure.
 
The average truck driver salary isn’t just about your level of experience, it can also vary by industry. So, if you’re just starting out, here are the average salaries from 2015 for the top three industries in the heavy trucking industry:

• General freight trucking – $42,320
• Specialized freight trucking – $40,840
• Wholesale trade – $39,500

This work is generally full-time and pays per-mile.

Highest paying states for heavy truck drivers

As noted above, where you live can impact your trucker salary as well. Here are the states with the highest employment levels, along with their annual mean wage, using data from the BLS:

• Texas (181,640 truck drivers) – $41,300
• California (129,170 truck drivers) – 44,030
• Pennsylvania (76,960 v) – $43,840
• Florida (72,280 truck drivers) – $37,830
• Ohio (71,710 truck drivers) – $42,760

Local Delivery Jobs Starting CDL driver Salary

If you do not have trucking experience and might not be ready to commit to the “lifestyle” that over-the-road trucking jobs demand, starting out as a local delivery driver for companies, such as FedEx and UPS might be a good way to enter the industry.
 
Unlike heavy truck driving jobs that require a CDL, some of these driving jobs do not require more than a state-issued driver’s license. Of course, you will still need to have a clean driving record, be ready to pass a drug test, and pass other qualifications based on their needs.
 
In these positions, the pay can vary, but doing a search on several job boards will show pay that can range around $11-20 per hour in today’s job market for delivery driver jobs. That is a wide range, which is why it’s important to look at the requirements for each position. Higher paying jobs may have more requirements. While lower paying jobs may not require as much training or skill behind the wheel.
 
Obviously, if you want to make as much money as possible your first year, OTR trucking is probably right for you. But if you have to weigh family responsibilities, or want to avoid a life on the road, then making a lower wage while you seek CDL training for higher paying routes that guarantee you’ll be home every night.

Average Truck Driver Salary and Pay According to Simply Hired

Although we rely on the BLS for our official salary data, we do recommend readers look for several sources of information to help make up their minds. We have saved you the time, with this simple breakdown of data provided by SimplyHired.com.
 
AVERAGE PAY FOR ENTRY LEVEL TRUCK DRIVERS
$50,965
 
OTR DRIVER AVERAGE PAY
$63,927
 
LOCAL DELIVERY AVERAGE DRIVER PAY
$27,809

How can you increase your earning potential your first year?

Okay, so you get the driving gig you want – and you’re happy with the pay and benefits. So what can you do to make sure you maximize your earning potential from day one?

Safety, safety, safety.

Everyone is familiar with stories of drivers acting irresponsibly or being blamed for accidents on the road. Even though most drivers are top-notch, these few and far between accidents can cause big headaches (financial and PR-wise) for companies and the industry as a whole. That’s why you’ll see safety bonuses written into driver contracts. Make your first year successful by taking your training seriously, and following the advice of your superiors and driving peers.

Save gas. Make money.

Yep, you save fuel, and you can sometimes earn extra pay. Since fuel costs can be unpredictable – and let’s face it, never as cheap as we want it – carriers will sometimes pay you for being fuel-efficient.

DOT inspections.

Carriers also understand the benefit of drivers who always have clean inspections. Learn everything you need to know about DOT requirements, and start your career off on the right foot.

The Time is Right for Starting a Trucking Career

The need for truckers is obvious, and the financial incentives are out there for drivers who would enjoy a life on the road or working local or regional routes.
 
The next step is contacting schools and companies about training and careers. The great thing about trucking is how interwoven the schools and carriers are. Use our directory to reach out to the trucking companies and schools that can help you learn more about salary and career opportunities for entry-level truck drivers.

What different types of trailers do drivers pull?

ver-the-Road and local trucks carry many kinds of loads. To do this, they use a lot of different types of trailers that are designed for specific purposes. Some trailers can be used in many different ways, and some are for one type of hauling. Here is a look at a few different types used by trucking companies, as well as their dimensions and weight limits.

Types of Trailers

Dry Vans

These are also known as box trailers. They are the most plentiful type of trailer, so named because the freight contents are completely enclosed in a box-type container that keeps the freight dry. These range from 28-53 feet in length, 96 (8’0”) to 102 (8′ 6”) inches in width, and 12’6” to 13’6” in height. They will have anywhere from 8 to 16 wheels.

One common variation of the dry van is the curtain side trailer. This type has Heavy duty fabric sides that can be rolled up or moved to the side to allow access to the contents from the side of the trailer, unlike the dry van which must be loaded and unloaded from the rear. It is often used for making multiple stops/deliveries, and having fabric sides makes it possible for fork lift operators to get the freight intended for them without requiring lots of shifting around of other deliveries.

Refrigerator Trailer

Another common variation of the dry van is the refrigerated, or “reefer” trailer. As the name says, this type of trailer has a refrigeration unit to keep perishable freight such as meat, vegetables, and fruit at a temperature that is adjustable to prevent food from spoiling during transportation.

Other than curtain side trailers, dry vans are typically loaded and unloaded from the rear. A driver for a Less Than Truckload (LTL) operator will be involved in a lot of shifting of freight in most cases. The driver will also need to have the skill to back up to a loading dock.

The major benefit of the dry van is the protection from weather that the load receives.

These three trailer types can be combined into tandem or triple combinations, as long as overall length and weight rules are observed. The Commercial Drivers License (CDL) requires a special endorsement for drivers of combination rigs.

Tanker Trailers

Tankers are usually used to haul liquids and gases, although certain types of tankers can be used to carry dry bulk freight such as grain. There is a tanker endorsement required for the holder of a CDL. Tankers are most commonly used for fuels like gasoline, heating oil, and propane, so a driver will be required to carry a Hazardous Material (Haz Mat) endorsement, which requires fingerprinting and criminal background checks, and the passing of additional tests to receive certification.

Liquid tankers can be challenging to drive, especially gasoline tankers that may carry several types of fuel in separate compartments in the tanker, causing weight to shift around as the liquid sloshes, or one compartment is emptied and alters the weight distribution of the load.

Flatbeds

This is just a dry van with no sides. They are commonly used to haul building materials that are off-loaded with forklifts, or large bulky items such as heavy construction equipment that won’t fit in dry vans. In order to keep total height below 13’6” limit, the flatbed trailer will frequently be modified into a “lowboy” where otherwise a high load might exceed the limit. Flatbeds range from 26 to 48 feet in length, and can be combined like dry vans.

Driving a flatbed will generally be very labor intensive due to lots of strapping and tarping of loads.

Weight Limits

Right now, the maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) for truck and trailer combinations is 80,000 pounds.  This weight limit is strictly enforced for drivers and trucking companies.

A pilot project in Maine temporarily raised this to 100,000 pounds on certain Maine Interstates. Those in favor of the increase said that this would save time and fuel, increase safety, lower emissions, and lower costs for trucking companies and receivers and preserve and create jobs.

Those against the idea mostly argued that the increased weight would damage roads, and present more danger to other vehicles.

What are some resources for learning more about the trucking industry?

There are a variety of resources that support truckers and offer information about the trucking industry and trucking companies around the country.

Land Line Magazine

Owner Operator Independent Driver Association

North American Truck Stop Network

American Truck Historical Society

US Department of Transportation

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

What questions should I ask CDL schools?

CDL training schools vary a great deal depending on which one you choose. The more questions you ask up front, the better a decision you will make. The most important areas to ask questions in is the financing and the structure pf the training.

Here are some basics the trucking school should be able to tell you:

• What is the total cost? On the average, CDL training will cost between $2500.00 and $5000.00, but will vary depending on the specific trucking school.
• What is the student to truck ratio? The lower the number, the better.
• What is the student to instructor ratio? Again, the lower the number, the better.
• Will there be any “observation” time? This is when you watch others drive.  It is more productive to spend your time driving, so observation time should be minimal.
• Is there an offer for trucking job placement assistance after completing the course?
• If I don’t like the trucking company I am placed with is there further assistance?
• Is there additional assistance if I fail the CDL test?
• Is the school licensed, accredited, or PTDI certified?  These are not required, but will demonstrate the quality of the school.

The first step to a great truck driving job is choosing a good truck driving school that matches your personal needs. Visit if you are ready to apply to Trucking Schools in your area.