Are you considering a career in trucking and have recently obtained your Commercial Driver's License (CDL)? There are many opportunities available to CDL holders in the trucking industry. In this listicle, we will explore the top 15 CDL trucking jobs to consider in 2021.
1. Over-the-Road (OTR) Truck Driver: OTR drivers typically travel long distances and may be away from home for weeks at a time. This job offers competitive pay and the opportunity to see different parts of the country.
2. Local Delivery Driver: Local delivery drivers typically work within a specific region and make multiple stops each day. This job offers more predictable schedules and the ability to be home every night.
3. Tanker Truck Driver: Tanker truck drivers transport liquid or gas in specialized tanker trucks. This job requires additional training and certification, but offers higher pay.
4. Hazmat Truck Driver: Hazmat drivers transport hazardous materials and must hold a special endorsement on their CDL. This job offers higher pay and additional training opportunities.
5. Flatbed Truck Driver: Flatbed drivers transport oversized or irregularly shaped loads on flatbed trailers. This job requires additional training and may offer higher pay.
6. Team Truck Driver: Team drivers work in pairs and take turns driving to cover more miles in less time. This job offers the opportunity to travel with a partner and potentially earn more money.
7. Owner-Operator: Owner-operators own and operate their own trucks and have more control over their schedules and earnings. This job requires significant investment but can offer higher pay and independence.
8. Refrigerated Truck Driver: Refrigerated drivers transport temperature-sensitive cargo in refrigerated trailers. This job may offer higher pay and additional training opportunities.
9. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Driver: LTL drivers transport smaller loads for multiple customers on a single truck. This job may offer more frequent stops and the opportunity to interact with a variety of customers.
10. Dump Truck Driver: Dump truck drivers transport loose materials, such as gravel or dirt, in dump trucks. This job may require additional training and offers the opportunity to work in construction or mining industries.
11. Regional Truck Driver: Regional drivers work within a specific geographic area and may be home on weekends. This job offers a balance between long-haul and local driving.
12. Intermodal Truck Driver: Intermodal drivers transport containers between rail yards, ports, and customer locations. This job may offer opportunities for additional training and higher pay.
13. Specialty Truck Driver: Specialty drivers transport specialized cargo, such as oversized loads or livestock, and may require additional training and certification. This job offers unique challenges and potentially higher pay.
14. CDL Instructor: CDL instructors train new drivers and help them prepare for their CDL exams. This job offers the opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with others.
15. Dispatcher: Dispatchers coordinate trucking operations, communicate with drivers, and ensure timely deliveries. This job offers a behind-the-scenes look at the trucking industry and the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment.