START A REWARDING TRUCKING CAREER

Truck drivers can earn more than $76,000 a year* and earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the first step towards this rewarding career. Our program also offers job placement assistance so you can start driving as soon as possible, with all the support you need. There are many different types of jobs available to you after graduation, including semi-truck driving and other types of opportunities.

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TYPES OF TRUCK DRIVING JOBS

CDL holders commonly choose to drive a semi-truck or another type of commercial motor vehicle (CMV). There are many different types of driving jobs that fit different preferences.

THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF TRUCKING ARE BASED ON DRIVING ROUTES:

OVER-THE-ROAD

Over-the-road (OTR) truckers drive across the continental United States to transport goods and materials. This type of truck driving involves the most amount of travel and can cover a variety of different routes. In most cases, CDL holders with OTR routes will be on the road for three to four weeks at a time. OTR drivers are in high demand and in most cases, these routes pay more than regional or local jobs.

REGIONAL

There are some truck driving jobs that only require travel within a smaller area, usually one or a few states. These regional trucking jobs tend to pay less than OTR routes and may involve less variety. However, regional drivers are on the road for shorter durations and usually get to spend more time at home.

LOCAL

Local routes often allow drivers to come home daily or nightly. These jobs offer excellent family time but do tend to pay less than longer routes.

THE FOLLOWING CDL JOBS ARE BASED ON WHO YOU DRIVE WITH/FOR:

SOLO DRIVING

As a solo truck driver, you have more control over your vehicle and are the only person driving during your hauls.

TEAM DRIVING

Team truck driving jobs involve two drivers who take turns operating the vehicle. You can drive with someone you already know and it is relatively common for couples to drive together so they can spend more time with each other. In other cases, your trucking company can pair you with another driver. Team jobs are beneficial because you can cover more miles while still getting enough rest. This often means that you get paid more.

OWNER-OPERATOR

In most cases, truck drivers work for a motor carrier and haul freight for them. Owner-operators, by contrast, own their own rigs and contract with companies to transport goods and materials. Owner-operators are among the highest paid in the trucking industry. You will likely need experience after graduation to become an owner-operator or will need time to save up to buy a truck. If you are interested in this career path, we can help you find companies that offer ways for drivers to work toward semi-truck ownership.

IN ADDITION TO THE CATEGORIES ABOVE, TRUCKING JOBS ARE ALSO CLASSIFIED BASED ON CARGO:

DRY VAN

Dry van trucking is a common choice for drivers who are just beginning their careers. These truck driving jobs involve using a tractor-trailer to haul dry goods and other types of materials that do not require special conditions to transport.

REFRIGERATED TRUCKS

Refrigerated trucks, also called reefers, transport goods that must stay at a specific temperature. Reefer truck driving jobs often pay more than dry van hauling due to the greater responsibilities involved.

TANKERS

Tankers are trucks with large tanks and are typically used to haul liquids and/or gases. Some tanker trucks transport dry bulk materials. To haul fluids, you will need to have a tanker endorsement on your CDL. You can earn this at Yuma Truck Driving School.

HAZMAT

An additional CDL endorsement is necessary to transport hazardous materials (hazmat). This type of freight can be dangerous if you do not take proper precautions. Because of the additional certification required, hazmat jobs often pay more.

FLATBED

Instead of a traditional trailer, a flatbed truck has a flat platform attached and you will need to tie freight to the bed in order to secure it. There is more physical labor involved in flatbed truck driving, but the pay-per-mile is often higher.

In addition to trucking jobs, there are many other options for CDL holders.

NON-TRUCKING JOBS YOU CAN USE YOUR CDL FOR INCLUDE:

HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE

Highway maintenance technicians often operate large vehicles that may require a CDL.

TRUCK DISPATCHER

Truck dispatchers facilitate communication between motor carriers and drivers. They plan routes and make sure that freight arrives undamaged and on time. A CDL isn’t required to be a dispatcher, but it can help you stand out among other candidates.

TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL TEACHER

Becoming an instructor at a CDL school allows you to use your license while staying in one location. Although many teachers have previous professional experience in the industry, this is not always required.

FIND THE RIGHT TRUCKING JOB FOR YOU

At Yuma Truck Driving School, our job placement assistance staff can help you find a career that matches your needs, goals, and desires. Our team can work with you to find the types of jobs and companies that may be a good fit for you.

Contact us today to start on the road to a rewarding truck driving job.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $55,990. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $76,000 per year according to the 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm

YUMA TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL

Address: 3180 E. 32nd Street Yuma, AZ 85365

Phone: 888.647.3239

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