As a new truck driver, the cab you purchase can be used for a plethora of job options, and the field is typically wide open with choices. When you choose a hauling option, many factors go into the decision including the pay, hours on the road, and the distance you will actually drive. One of the biggest considerations is what kind of material you will drive on the road.
The load you carry daily can make a big difference in the way you drive and your duties as a driver. The more you learn about your driving choices, the better decision you can make for your first journey on the road. Check out four options ideal for new truck drivers and one you should avoid until you have more experience.
Consider Dry Van Haulers
One of the most common trucks you will see on the road is a dry van hauler. Essentially, this is the big rectangular cargo trailer that many big rigs drive to deliver goods across the United States. Many companies rely on drivers to haul their goods and distribute them among stores.
As you seek out a job, you may find companies hiring truck drivers just for their products. Dry van haulers often have the simple task of driving, parking, and placing the truck next to a loading deck. From there, a crew will often deal with loading and unloading products.
Dry van haulers include a lot of driving options as well. In some cases, you may get home on the weekends and not have to do extended trips. Some warehouses may keep your delivery just to local areas and allow you to return home multiple days a week.
Consider Refrigerated Haulers
One career path similar to dry van haulers is a refrigerated hauler. The truck cargo often looks the same but includes refrigeration technology to keep products at a certain temperature. Typically, a refrigerated hauler is for food-based products. Deliveries may include grocery stores, restaurants, or schools.
Like dry van haulers, a refrigerated loader will typically only include parking duties. One of the extra responsibilities for a driver is to ensure the temperature remains consistent in the hauler and no major issues occur. Typically, tools and dashboard access right inside the truck will showcase the temperatures.
When you seek out a career as a refrigerated hauler, you might see the job position listed as a reefer. This information can help you quickly scan job searches and find gigs you want.
Consider Dry Tanker Haulers
While truck drivers who transport refrigerated or dry van materials are typically completed products, you also have the option to start your truck career as a dry tanker hauler. A dry tanker includes a large tank that carries dry materials. The dry materials could include anything from flour to sugar or powdered chemicals.
As part of the tank, you will learn how to connect hoses and other tools to transport the materials from the dry tank into the new location where the materials go to. The company that hires you will typically go through the training process, as every dry tanker could feature different mechanics and operations.
After a few trips, you will likely be fully used to the process and can help transfer the raw materials with ease.
Consider Flatbed Truck Trailers
For a little more physical work, consider a career as a flatbed truck trailer driver. The flatbeds will typically haul materials that can withstand outdoor elements. The materials may include construction materials like lumber or large pipes. Securing the load properly to the flatbed is an important aspect of the job.
You also have the responsibility of adding tarps over the load when necessary. If you transport items like haystacks or bags of soil, you do not want items to fly off the back of the trailer and create any issues. You will learn how to climb on top of the trailer, securely attach tarps, or use machinery that can automatically extend tarps across the rear of a trailer.
Avoid Liquid Tankers
While a dry tanker offers fairly easy transportation options for a trained driver, you should have a few years’ experience on the road before you venture into the world of liquid tankers. Liquid tankers may carry a wide range of materials including filtered pool water, oil, gasoline, or chemicals for various plants and companies.
Not only is the material itself often hazardous, but the liquid can cause major changes while you drive. Truck drivers must take different precautions as liquid moves back and forth and up and down through a tank. You need to learn proper road awareness and truck handling before you take on the gig.
For more information on trucking and truck cabs for sale, contact us at Arrow Truck Sales. We will help you find your ideal starter truck and can offer more tips as you venture out on your first gig on the road.