Type Detail

Dry Van Typically a 53-foot trailer of non-perishables. Pulling a dry van is how many new truckers get their st
Auto/Car Hauler Extremely valuable cargo. With greater cargo responsibility often comes greater pay and benefits
Bull Hauler Cargo consists of live animals, primarily cattle. Special rules require special training
Container Hauler Transporting large, pre-loaded metal containers originating on ships or train cars
Dedicated Driver These jobs vary, but usually result in a more predictable schedule. Typically means a consistent route
Freight Hauler Shippers and brokers often use this catch-all term to describe any commercial trucker. Specialty truck
Refrigerated Freight/Reefer Freight (like seafood or perishable goods) that is usually time sensitive and must be kept at a specific
Flat-Bed Loads Oversized loads (e.g. steel beams, excavation equipment, etc.) that won’t fit into a standard trailer. Ex
Hazardous Materials Drivers Typical loads include fuel, chemicals, compressed gas, etc. Special training and certifications/permits
Household Movers/Van Lines Loading, unloading and driving means vigorous work and potentially, excellent pay
Local Trucking Jobs/Pick-Up & Delivery (P&D) Home every night. Typically long days that pay by the hour. Light, medium and heavy trucks. Jobs li
Low Boy Hauler/Heavy Equipment Hauler Low-to-the-street, flatbed trailers hauling oversized cargo. Often requires an escort vehicle
LTL Freight LTL refers to “less than truckload” which may involve several customers and multiple stops. Driver t
Oilfield Trucking Includes hauling oil, water, sand, and oilfield equipment. Usually done by companies specializing in
OTR Trucking OTR referes to “Over The Road” driving, or long haul trucking. Interstate (between states) or intrasta
Owner-Operator/Independent An owner-operator owns his or her equipment and hauls on a contract basis. Highly competitive. Ove
Hoppers/Hauling Grain Hopper trailers allow for easy loading and dumping of grain. Often requires extra training
Regional Jobs Usually limited to a 2- or 3-state radius. Could offer time at home between runs
Tankers Cargo includes liquids as well as gases. Extra training required to manage liquid’s shifting center of g
Team Driving Jobs One team member drives while the other sleeps or rests.. Driving double shifts earns more money fas
Class B Drivers Can be lower paying jobs (hourly rates), but these jobs are sometimes easier to find. No Class A licen
 how many new truckers get their start, at a starting wage
comes greater pay and benefits
uire special training
ps or train cars
. Typically means a consistent route or a consistent customer
commercial trucker. Specialty truckers often use it as a generic term for hauling freight that doesn’t fit into a specialty category like auto hauler or refrigerated hauler
sitive and must be kept at a specific temperature. Higher level of responsibility can typically command higher wages
at won’t fit into a standard trailer. Extra responsibility for securing cargo could mean extra pay
al training and certifications/permits may be required. Drivers must be knowledgeable about the contents of their cargo, how to handle it safely and what to do in emergen
ally, excellent pay
t, medium and heavy trucks. Jobs like these with more customer contact sometimes require sales skills as well as driving skills
requires an escort vehicle
stomers and multiple stops. Driver typically loads and unloads the cargo
done by companies specializing in oilfield work
nterstate (between states) or intrastate (within one state). Cross-country trips can last 2-5 weeks. Expect to average 500 miles per day, 100,000+ miles per year. Usually pa
tract basis. Highly competitive. Overhead includes equipment purchases, fuel, maintenance, insurance and more. Husband-and-wife teams are common. Most owner-oper
en requires extra training
between runs
manage liquid’s shifting center of gravity. Some chemicals could be explosive and therefore classified as hazardous materials
double shifts earns more money faster. Husband-and-wife teams are common
mes easier to find. No Class A license required
uto hauler or refrigerated hauler

e it safely and what to do in emergency situations

100,000+ miles per year. Usually pays by the mile. Some drivers work in teams, such as husband/wife teams
eams are common. Most owner-operators gain experience driving for a large company (OTR, flatbed, etc) before starting their own business.
Over the Road / Long-Haul Drivers
Pick-up and Delivery (P&D) / Local Drivers
Specialized Trucking
Hazardous Materials Drivers
An Owner-Operator or Independent Drive
https://www.truckinginfo.com/10150145/2021-hdt-fact-book-driver-trends-remain-consistent