2 Important Things To Consider When Deciding Which Type Of Trucking Job To Take
Are you thinking about becoming a truck driver? Here are a couple of things that should be considered before deciding which type of truck driving job to take.
Long Haul or Regional?
One of the first things you need to decide before choosing a type of trucking job to apply for is whether you want to haul goods regionally or long distance. Working long distance can take you anywhere in the United States depending on what you're hauling and who you are hauling it for. So as a long haul trucker, be prepared to stay on the road for days or even weeks at a time before being able to head back home and see your family.
As a regional truck driver, you may work in your home area or one nearby, but you won't have to worry about staying on the road for long periods of time. You should be able to make it back home nightly, aside from the occasional overnight trip when necessary. Talk to your family to find out how they feel about you being gone for days at a time, and consider what kinds of lifestyle you really want to live before deciding whether to go for a long haul or regional truck driving job.
What Type of Hauling?
It's also a good idea to think about the type of hauling you want to do as a truck driver before looking for a job in the industry. There are a variety of hauling options on the market, all of which are in demand from customers across the country. You may or may not enjoy the following options:
-
Dry Box Hauling – You would be hauling and delivering dry goods such as shoes and office supplies in a box car hauled on your truck.
-
Refrigeration Hauling – You'd haul items such as ice cream, produce, and meats in a chilled or frozen box car that requires special equipment (which could be expensive) to keep cool.
-
Flat Bed Hauling – You would typically haul large items that can't fit in a box car, such as bulldozers and furniture.
-
Tanker Hauling – You'd be responsible for transporting both hazardous and non-hazardous liquids, requiring special skills and knowledge for safety reasons.
Talk to a trucking recruiter to get in-depth information about these types of hauling job opportunities in your area to determine which one you would like to pursue. Depending on exactly where you will be working and what you will be hauling, you may need to attend a certification class or special training in order to pursue some of the options listed here.
Share