If you are looking for a career change to a job that does not require you to be desk-bound with fixed working hours everyday on end, it’s time to consider a driving job, in particular in the trucking industry. As there’s often a shortage of truck drivers and many trucking companies are paying higher salaries to qualified truck drivers to haul loads across the country, the trucking industry has plenty to offer to interested job seekers. Let’s look at some of the benefits of being a truck driver:
- Great travel and scenery.
- Get reasonably good pay.
- Get an extra bonus for good performance.
- Great benefits.
- Have more flexibility over other jobs.
- Have job security.
- Ability to work with teams.
Not all trucking jobs offer the same pay. How much you earn as a CDL truck driver depends on the type of haul you take, the kind of truck you drive as well as the experience you have in the truck driving industry. Here are the 10 highest paying driving jobs in the industry.
1. Ice Road Trucking
Drivers of ice road trucking are paid very well during the Ice Road Trucking season. However, the driving seasons are short (3 to 4 months). In a really good season when demand is high, an ice road truck driver can make a year’s salary in a winter road season.
2. Heavy Haul/Oversize Load
One of the requirements to be an oversize load driver is related job experience. Some companies require as much as 10 years of experience while some employers require you to have hazmat and tanker endorsements.
3. Hazmat trucks
A hazmat truck driver’s job is high-risk as you are transporting potentially deadly materials, but the pay is high and hazmat drivers are in high demand.
4. Tanker
Tanker drivers haul liquids from fuel to milk, corrosive liquids and gas. A tanker driver’s pay is high because hauling liquids is high risk.
5. House Hold Goods Movers
House hold goods movers can earn quite an attractive salary as they are in high demand. However, this job is physically exhausting and it’s a 100% touch freight job.
6. Private Fleets
Private fleets such as Tesco, Walmart and many more usually offer higher pay. According to the American Trucking Association, a private fleet driver earns $33,000 more per year. Many of these employers have high driver requirements, thus it’s not always easy to be hired as a driver with a private fleet. And candidates must have a clean driving record and untarnished employment record.
Trucking can be a very rewarding, exciting and lucrative career. If driving a huge truck gives you the adrenaline rush, get the additional training, maintain a clean employment record and driving history and you’ll have a lot of opportunities for growth in the trucking industry.
If you’re looking to find driving work, or if you’re researching how to start a trucking company, you’ll be happy to know that there are great opportunities for you at Shiply. Check out Shiply today to see how you can benefit from their platform.
Happy job hunting!
