Truck drivers play a pivotal role in enabling economic growth, and the need for more professional truckers is set to increase along with the economy. Apart from providing a reliable income and job security, a truck driving career offers diverse opportunities in terms of truck driving job type, pay, and position.   

From entry-level truck driving jobs that allow drivers to get their foot in the door and develop on-the-job experience to roles that require niche skills, the trucking industry has something for anyone looking to hone their skillset and embrace a life out on the open road. This blog post will delve into the most common types of truck driving jobs, which trucking jobs pay the most, and how to land these positions.   

Types of Logistics Driver Jobs  

Dry Van Haulers: operate semi-trucks with easy-to-transport goods packed in boxes or pallets. Dry van haulers don’t typically have to load or unload cargo, allowing drivers time to relax between shifts.   

Freight Haulers: transport cargo not covered by dry van trucking, like hazardous goods, liquids, or oversized loads.    

Flatbed Trucking: operate an open-air trailer to transport oversized goods too large or awkward to fit into semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, like machinery or other vehicles. These routes are typically longer and require specialized skills to operate safely.   

Tanker Haulers: transport hazardous and nonhazardous liquids depending on the logistics company and client.   

Types of Truck Driving Positions  

Local, regional, and OTR truck driving positions refer to the time spent on the road as part of the job.   

Local: spends the least time on the road, and most local truck drivers return home daily. They usually operate alone and can run dedicated lanes or LTL (less than truckload).  

Regional: drivers transport cargo within specific regions in the US, spending an average of 1 to 2 weeks on the road at a time.  

Dedicated Lane: drivers use a specific route dedicated to a single customer to guarantee ongoing supplies and services at regular intervals. Dedicated lanes can cover short or long distances but are typically local routes.  

Over the Road (OTR): also called long-haul trucking, OTR truckers drive across the country and have likely visited all lower 48 states. OTR truck driving covers the longest distances and can take weeks or even months on the road, but the pay is significantly more than local and regional carriers.  

Which Truck Driving Jobs Make the Most Money?  

If you’re wondering which truck driving jobs pay the most, the answer lies in jobs that require specialized skills or have higher risks. In general, owner-operators, ice road truckers, tanker truckers, and team drivers are among the highest-paying ones in the industry. This is because these drivers spend the most time on the road, have the most experience and specialized training, and take on greater risks.  

How Do I Get These Jobs?

To earn more money as a professional truck driver, you’ll need to go above and beyond the standard and gain the skills, experience, and endorsements to open new doors for your career. Here are a few of the requirements involved in securing one of these highly sought-after trucking jobs: 

Risks & Liability: high-risk jobs like ice road trucking, tanker haulers, and more increase the level of danger associated with the job. Higher risk means more liability for you and your logistics company.   

Skills: complex skills required to navigate potentially dangerous situations  

Experience: the more experience you have on the road, the more you’ll typically make. Truck drivers with over five years of CDL experience are more likely to earn more and secure higher-paying jobs.  

Driving record: spotless record with no accidents or reckless driving citations  

Demand for Work: certain regions with a higher demand for truck drivers will pay more, specifically in more remote areas or areas needing truck drivers.  

What Are the Best Truck Driving Jobs?   

When it comes to truck driving jobs, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. Depending on your priorities, certain jobs might be a better fit for you. For instance, if you prioritize home time, a regional dedicated lane job might be ideal, while if you’re looking for top pay, OTR tanker trucking might be the way to go. It’s important to remember that the best job and salary will vary based on the logistics company you work for.  

Be a Truck Warrior 

Drive with Warrior Logistics for a reliable, rewarding, well-paying truck driving job and advance your professional career. Whether you’re interested in expanding your skills and income opportunities or seeking a stable living with flexible terms, we’ve got you covered.   

As FedEx Ground’s leading linehaul contractor, you’ll be welcomed into our Warrior family with competitive pay, benefits, a modern fleet, and ample growth opportunities. Apply today to join our Dallas, Houston, Denver, or Kansas City team, whether you’re an entry-level or experienced driver!