intermodal truckingIntermodal trucking can be a great option for truck drivers who are looking for a new job over the road and want to try something different than typical dry and reefer hauling. Here are 3 perks of being an intermodal trucker, along with quotes from actual intermodal drivers about what the job is like.

What is Intermodal Trucking?

Intermodal trucking, sometimes referred to as drayage, is the act of using a truck to move international cargo in specially designed containers from point A to point B. Usually this is either the first or last step in the overall intermodal transportation process.

The containers that intermodal drivers haul are large, weather-hardy, and fit securely on several types of transport vehicles so that they can be moved easily between ship, plane, train, and truck. So, what about intermodal trucking makes it appeal to drivers? Here are 3 perks.

1. Consistent Schedule and Home Time

cdl studentsIf consistent home time and a healthy work/life balance are important to you, intermodal trucking might be a good choice for your next driving job. Drivers will tell you that the biggest benefit of this line of work is the consistent schedule and shorter routes. Drivers will usually complete at least one route, (most times more) in a single shift and be home every night.

We spoke with an intermodal truck driver, David, and he shared his thoughts about this line of work,

“Intermodal trucking provides the ability to make great money and be home daily. But the tradeoff is a lot of frustration and hold ups in the railyards,” shares David. 

2. Less Manual Labor and Loading

The shipping containers that intermodal truckers haul move from transport vehicle to transport vehicle without being unpacked or broken down (With the exception of inspections by customs officials). They stay packed as is and sealed from the time they leave, until they get to their destination.

At each stop the container moves to, there’s specialty equipment there to pick up the containers and place them on the trucks. It’s usually no touch for the drivers, which means less wear and tear on your body, and more time moving down the road.

3. Flexibility

Most intermodal drivers find the real perk of the job to be the flexibility that it provides them. We talked to another intermodal truck driver, Ritsuko, and she shared what she loves about intermodal trucking, including seeing the country and making money.

“I enjoy the independence and peace of being on the road and being able to take off when needed and having more flexibility in my schedule,” shares Ritsuko. 

If you think that you’re up to the challenge of being an intermodal truck driver, do some research on companies in your area that specialize in this line of work. Keep in mind that intermodal trucking jobs will be much easier to find the closer you are to large ports and railyards.

If you’re looking for another type of CDL A or B job, consider making a free profile with Drive My Way. Our patented technology matches drivers with jobs that are matches for their qualifications and lifestyle preferences.

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snowplow

If you’re considering becoming a snowplow driver, now’s the time. Much like in every other sector of transportation, there’s a tight labor market for snowplow drivers, so state DOTs as well as private snow removal companies are looking to hire. Here are the need-to-know facts about being a snowplow driver, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.  

What is a Snowplow Driver?

A snowplow driver is someone who clears snow and ice from city streets, driveways, parking lots, and anywhere else cars drive. If the plow is attached to a dump truck chassis, they’ll usually drop salt as they plow as well.  

Generally, there’s two options for people who want to become snowplow drivers. You can either work for your state’s DOT or a private landscaping or snow removal company.  

What Equipment do Snowplow Drivers Use?

It’s a common misconception that a “snowplow” is a kind of truck itself. A snowplow is actually just the attachment that is mounted on whatever vehicle that’s being used.  

If you choose the DOT route, you’ll likely be driving a dump truck with an attached plow. These are sometimes referred to as “winter service vehicles” and are used for plowing multi-lane city streets and highways.  

If you’re working for a landscaping or snow removal company, you’ll be driving a pickup truck or front-end loader with an attached snowplow. These vehicles are primarily used to plow smaller residential streets, parking lots, and driveways.  

What Qualifications are Needed to Become a Snowplow Driver?

Snowplow drivers need to either hold their CDL A or B. There may be additional requirements based on your specific state, so be sure to check with your state’s B/DMW for more information. Since most snowplow drivers won’t be crossing state lines, this makes it a great option for drivers who aren’t 21 yet. 

How Much Does Being a Snowplow Driver Pay?

Unless you live in a region of the country where snow is possible year-round, snowplow driving is a seasonal job. It’s great for drivers who are looking to make extra money during the winter months but isn’t sustainable year-round. 

Snowplow drivers will usually earn an hourly wage. This wage can be anywhere from $15-30 per hour depending on the state you live in and your experience level. This puts snowplow driving wages on the lower side when compared to other CDL B jobs.  

But keep in mind that snowplow driving is seasonal work, usually done to supplement someone’s income, not be their sole source of income. Here’s a breakdown of the average pay for snowplow drivers based on each state.  

What is Expected of Snowplow Drivers?

Snowplow drivers are at the beck and call of the weather. If heavy snow or sleet is in the forecast, snowplow drivers can expect early mornings and late nights.  

Aside from that, snowplow drivers should be comfortable driving in poor weather conditions. These drivers are the first line of defense and often find themselves in the harshest elements, plowing roads that they can barely see.  

If you think that you’re up to the challenge of being a snowplow driver, you’re in luck. Many state DOTs and private companies are looking for these kinds of drivers right now. Visit your state’s DOT website or do some research on landscaping/snow removal companies in your area for more information.  

If you’re looking for another type of CDL A or B job, consider making a free profile with Drive My Way. Our patented technology matches drivers with jobs that are matches for their qualifications and lifestyle preferences.

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ready mix driver

There aren’t many drivers who can boast that they’re helping to literally build their community from the ground up. Ready Mix Drivers are the exception. We were able to talk to Marcus, a ready mix driver with PAHL Ready Mix Concrete to learn what the job’s like as well as some important factors around it, like pay and home time.  

What is a Ready Mix Driver?

Marcus, Driver with PAHL Ready Mix Concrete

“The main job of a ready mix driver is to deliver concrete to a job site. That job site could be for a residential home or a commercial building depending on the carrier you work for and the clients they serve. Ready mix drivers work in a wide range of employment situations.

They may work for a concrete contractor, as an independent contractor, or as part of a concrete delivery service. In most cases, drivers will be responsible for loading and unloading, so this is a labor-intensive job, but don’t let that scare you away.” 

Job Requirements

To get started as a ready mix driver, you will need two things; a CDL and driving experience. Depending on the job, ready mix drivers must have either a CDL A or B. In addition, employers who are hiring for this line of work typically look for drivers who have experience in similar jobs such as tanker and liquid hauling.

Experience with automotive maintenance is also a plus because ready mix trucks require more cleaning than many other types of trucks.  

Those are the resume requirements for being a ready mix driver, but to be successful in the position, drivers should check off a few extra boxes as well. Given the amount of labor required for loading and unloading, a high level of physical fitness is a must.

Similarly, a strong work ethic is extremely important for ready mix drivers. Employers want drivers they can rely on who know how to overcome obstacles and will work hard to get the job done.  

Pros

Pay & Routine

Ready mix jobs typically pay well. This is particularly true considering that many positions are local and only ask for a CDL B. Many (but not all) ready mix jobs are paid hourly. If you’re looking to bring in some extra pay, being a ready mix driver in the heavy season is a great way to do it.  

Ready mix jobs offer a great mix between job consistency and new people and places to meet. Marcus shared his perspective on his typical routine, 

PAHL Ready Mix Truck

Marcus’s Ready Mix Truck

“Mixer drivers get to see everything from start to finish of projects big and small. There’s also a lot of variety in the job as ready mix drivers haul concrete to many different job locations and contractors daily.” 

Home Time

The majority of ready mix driving jobs are local, meaning that drivers will be home every night. This makes ready mix driving a great option for drivers who are unable to be on the road for days or weeks at a time. 

Customer Interaction

If you’re a social driver, a ready mix job might be a great fit for you. Depending on your customers and routes, you may have a high level of customer interaction. As a result, strong customer service skills are a huge plus. Ready mix drivers will often return regularly to the same construction site, so drivers who can build lasting relationships with customers are extremely valuable. 

Cons

Job Seasonality & Weather Concerns

The nature of concrete work means that ready mix jobs are highly seasonal. Depending on where you live and the weather conditions there, the length of the season can vary by a few weeks or a few months.  

In addition, ready mix drivers need to be prepared to work outdoors in a range of weather conditions. As Marcus puts it, 

“Ready mix drivers are ready to work in any kind of weather that’s thrown at them to accomplish the end result.” 

Schedule

If you like to sleep in, ready mix driving might not be for you. Most days will start early in the morning, as 6:00 AM start times are not uncommon. Most drivers can get used to this routine pretty quickly, but if mornings aren’t your thing, ready mix work will be a challenge. 

Job Physicality

A lot of manual labor is required, so ready mix drivers should make it a point to be in good shape. In addition to loading and unloading, ready mix drivers are responsible for cleaning and maintenance. Because concrete can harden in the mixing tank, drivers must carefully clean it out at the end of every shift. On a good day, this might be primarily hose work, but tough concrete pieces may require drivers to chip away at them manually until they come off. 

Finding Ready Mix Jobs

One of the best places to look for ready mix jobs is in your community. The majority of these jobs are local, so drive around town or a call up to some ready mix companies in your area to see if they’re hiring. 

To find a ready mix job that is a great fit for your qualifications and personal lifestyle preferences, you can also check out Drive My Way. We match qualified drivers with companies that fit each driver’s specific qualifications and lifestyle needs. 

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truck driver interview questionsBefore deciding on a job, truck drivers need to consider a lot  of different factors. Pay, home time, type of run, bonuses/incentives and company policies all make a difference in which carrier a driver will eventually choose to work for.  

Ideally, during the interview process, the recruiter or company representative you’re speaking to will be forthcoming with all the information you need to know to make your decision. In the case that recruiters aren’t being as transparent as you’d like, truck drivers need take it upon themselves to ask the right questions to get the information they need.  

You don’t want to be blindsided, or worse, tricked, into accepting a job which doesn’t work for you. We put together a list of the 30 most important truck driver interview questions that drivers should be asking before taking a job with a new company.  

Compensation and Pay

total compensationProbably the most important consideration for drivers are issues around pay and benefits. You want to make sure the company is offering a pay package that fulfils your financial needs. Find out all the details about pay rates, pay models, bonuses, and expected raises. Companies have different ways of offering home time and vacation time too, so you want to make sure you understand the details. 

Finally, you’ll likely end up negotiating on some of these factors. Have a list of non-negotiable items, so the company knows what’s important to you. 

CDL driver Tamera shared this recommendation with us,  

“Before negotiating, have two lists. Have a non-negotiable and a negotiable one. Don’t defer from anything on your non-negotiable list or you won’t be happy down the road. Once the list is prioritized, you can begin to ask questions and make notes. Make sure the items that are verbally agreed to are legit. Wouldn’t hurt to get it in writing. If the recruiting department balks on giving you anything in writing, then chances are they are over-promising and will under-deliver.” 

1. How does your carrier pay? What is the max rate of pay for drivers?

2. How does your carrier handle raises? When and how can I expect a raise?

3. What types of benefits do you offer?

4. How long do benefits take to kick in?

5. Are there any bonuses for safety, fuel, sign-on, performance, driver referral, etc.?

6. Does your carrier offer detention pay?

7. What are the details of your home time policy? PTO, sick time, vacation?

Aside from pay and benefits, the next most important thing drivers want to know about are operational details. What type of freight will they be hauling and what runs will they make? Will they need any additional endorsements? What level of touch will the freight be? Will there be majority drop and hooks or live loads? 

Knowing the answers to these truck driver interview questions will make drivers confident in their decision to either accept or decline a position.  

8. What kind of freight do you haul? 

9. In which states do you operate? What kind of runs do you have? 

10. How do you calculate driver miles? 

11. What is the average length of load?  

12. What is the average number of miles per tractor? 

13. How many terminals does the company have and where are they located? 

14. How much of your freight is drop and hook?  

15. Are drivers required to physically unload freight? 

16. Is there forced dispatch? 

17. How are you managing the ELD mandate? 

Equipment

family owned trucking companyOne of the biggest concerns that drivers have is the kind of equipment they’ll be using. This is understandable as a driver’s truck is their home away from home. Inquiring about what kind of truck you’ll be driving, amenities, and maintenance are important, especially for OTR and regional drivers. 

18. What types of truck does the company use? How old are they? 

19. Am I expected to take care of truck maintenance? 

20. Are drivers able to take equipment home with them during home time? 

21. What amenities do the trucks come with? Refrigerators? Single or double bunks? 

22. Is there slip seating? 

Company Culture

In addition to the questions above, drivers should ask general questions about the company to get a sense of who they will be working for. Many drivers say they are looking for a family-oriented company, which will respect them as a person and not just a disposable number.  

If the company’s culture is strong, it can help drivers feel a sense of belonging and give more fulfillment to the job. If turnover is high, or there are many trucks sitting idle, it doesn’t reflect strongly on the company.  

23. How many employees does the company have? How many drivers? 

24. What is the ratio of driver managers or load planners to drivers? 

25. What is the company’s turnover rate? 

26. How many empty or idle trucks do you have right now? 

27. How long has the average driver been with the company? 

28. What is the passenger policy? The pet policy? 

29. How would you describe the company’s culture?  

30. Am I able to talk to a current driver about their experience with your carrier? 

That last question is especially important to ask. It’s good to do your research on a carrier outside of your direct communications with them. Talking to one of their current (or past) drivers is a great way to make sure you’re getting all sides of the story when learning about a carrier you’d potentially drive for.  

These are just some of the truck driver interview questions you should be asking when considering driving for a new carrier. There will always be other questions to ask based on the specific company and you and your family’s unique needs.

If you’re just starting your search for a new CDL or non-CDL job, consider using Drive My Way. We custom match both CDL and non-CDL drivers with jobs based on their unique needs and preferences. You can make a free profile below.

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This blog is offered by our friends at The National Transportation Institute. NTI compiles, tracks, and analyzes data on hundreds of attributes of driver pay, wages and benefits at thousands of motor carriers per quarter. Learn more about NTI at driverwages.com.  

With competition for drivers heated across nearly all industries and the bullwhip effects of the COVID-19-era economy still lingering, the 2020s have been and will continue to be seminal years for truck driver wages. 

Per-mile and hourly base pay has certainly grown, and all factors point to continued momentum for those attributes of a driver’s paycheck. Beyond simply raising pay, however, fleets are also evaluating and implementing structural changes to how — and why — they build their driver compensation plans.  

From more frequent adjustments to base pay to recalibrating bonuses, incentives, and benefits, motor carriers and private fleets are striving to find compensation solutions that work to attract new hires and to retain their existing personnel. 

An analysis of driver wages and benefits data compiled and reported by The National Transportation Institute reveals five important trends evident across segments, region, and fleet type that should be on every fleet and driver’s radar.

1. Rapidly Climbing Driver Pay for New Entrants

trucking carrierNo trend in 2020, 2021, or 2022 has been more pronounced than the rapid pace of wage growth for newer drivers — those with two years of experience or less. By percentage, the growth in mileage and hourly base pay for drivers with just one year of experience is more than double that of the highest-paid drivers with the most experience and tenure.  

For perspective, drivers with just one year of experience in late 2022 are earning more than the highest paid drivers in late 2018.  

Newer drivers expect this type of rapid and frequent wage growth. Fleets must be cognizant of this trend and ensure they offer a pay progression model that meets those expectations. 

2. Incentivizing Safety Over Productivity

This trend is starting to become clearer in NTI data on driver wages and benefits, but increasingly, motor carriers will move toward pay packages that promote safety and move away from pay packages that promote productivity.  

Pay by the load, standalone productivity bonuses, and even the predominant mileage pay model will decline in prevalence and instead be replaced with compensation programs that promote safer operating standards, such as beefier and more frequent safety bonuses, hourly pay, and even salary pay.  

Productivity will become a personnel management issue, rather than inherent to drivers’ paychecks.

3. Smoothing the Bumps with Guaranteed Driver Pay and Transition Pay

ltl truckingA frustration long held by professional drivers is inconsistent and lumpy paychecks week to week — particularly for causes outside of their control, such as detention time, weather delays, traffic congestion, deadhead miles, and other unpaid or unproductive time that chips away at their earnings. 

Over the past half-decade, there’s been a pronounced trend of motor carriers offering guaranteed weekly pay options for drivers to help make their paychecks more predictable and to support driver’s week to week through whatever issues may arise on the road.  

Nearly 40% of carriers surveyed by The National Transportation Institute in late 2022 are offering guaranteed weekly pay programs. That’s up from just 15% five years ago, in late 2017. Look for this trend to continue. 

Also, look for a rise in transition pay incentives in the coming years. Transition pay is either an upfront payment or a weekly paycheck addition that helps bridge gaps in drivers’ pay when they are transitioning into a job at your fleet.  

Due to onboarding time and paycheck schedules, drivers transitioning jobs from one fleet to another could go weeks without a full paycheck, leaving them cash strapped and making it difficult to meet their monthly bill obligations.  

Transition pay helps solve that issue, and it gives fleets another incentive to market in their recruiting programs. Like guaranteed pay, transition pay helps support drivers and their paychecks by offering consistency, reliability, and preventing early-tenure pay gaps that contribute to turnover in the first 90 days.

4. Weighting Bonuses Toward Retention and Tenure — Not Sign-on

buying a semi truck

Sign-on bonuses have long been a mainstay in the driver recruiting world. However, they’re not effective tools for long-term retention, and they often can exacerbate churn of short-tenured drivers.  

The average amount paid out in sign-on bonuses is more than double that of referral bonuses, but more fleets have been placing a greater emphasis on referrals rather than sign-ons over the past year. The number of fleets offering referral bonuses is now nearly 90% in 2022’s fourth quarter, whereas 70% offer a sign-on bonus.  

Also, the dollar amount offered for referral bonuses on average has climbed nearly 10% year over year, while sign-on bonus amounts have grown just 4%.  

In lieu of sign-on bonuses, more fleets are evaluating and implementing retention bonuses, tenure pay, and referral bonuses that put a greater emphasis on keeping their existing drivers rather than relying on hefty sign-on bonuses to bring in new hires to replace departures. 

5. Meeting Demands for Schedule Flexibility

Truck Driver Hiring Events: What to KnowScheduling flexibility may not sound like it’s directly tied to a driver’s paycheck — but it can and should be viewed as an element of a fleet’s driver compensation package and a vital component of recruiting and retention programs.  

Increasingly, due to both generational shifts in the workforce as well as a greater desire by most workers for better work-life balance, demand for scheduling flexibility is becoming a force that fleets must reckon with, whether by altering routing and shift options to meet expectations for greater work-life balance or putting resources into incentives and bonuses to compensate drivers for the tougher and more undesirable schedules. 

For example, for schedules that aren’t desirable (especially for the many fleets that have a seniority-based bid system that consistently leaves less-tenured drivers with the least undesirable schedules), fleets increasingly are building incentive programs that make those schedules more lucrative and help alleviate resentment by drivers working those shifts.  

To learn more about the trends impacting driver pay and to gain benchmarking insights into how your fleet’s driver wages and benefits compare to peers and within markets where recruiting and retention are vital, visit NTI’s website, driverwages.com

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Tips for Women Truck Drivers Driving provides women truckers with many of the same advantages as it does to men—independence, flexibility, and the opportunity to travel across the country.

But being a woman driver in the male-dominated trucking industry comes with a unique set of challenges. Women truck drivers have to think about the job, safety, and hygiene differently. While the industry is starting to change to become more friendly towards women, there’s still much work to be done. Until then, here are 6 tips for women truck drivers.

1. Work-life balance

While work-life balance should be important for all truckers, it’s sometimes not as important to men. Carriers may become used to offering insufficient home time and opportunities for balance simply because men aren’t as vocal about these concerns as women. Women truckers may find themselves on the short end of the stick simply because their male counterparts aren’t asking for more.

We spoke to Heather, a trucker with 2 years of experience. She said,

“I did OTR just long enough to get a little experience to find a local job. I have 3 boys so I wanted to be local as soon as possible. It was a vey long 7 months, and I learned everything in the winter months in the snow and ice.”

Communication with your fleet manager or leader is essential to ensuring that you get the work-life balance you deserve. In fact, women drivers shouldn’t be waiting that long to start discussions around home time. Communicating with recruiters that this is a priority for you will set you on the right path to achieving the kind of balanced lifestyle you’re looking for.

2. Safety at a truck stop

truck stop safety tips

Truck stops are notorious for being minefields for women truck drivers. Although many truck stops are taking measures to improve conditions and become more woman-friendly, they can’t control the behavior of the characters who lurk around.

We encourage women to know precautions to take to stay safe at truck stops. Heather said,

“When walking through the truck stop at night, have something handy in case you need to protect yourself.”

Women truckers should also take precautions to protect themselves when they’re in their cab for the night at a truck stop. We also spoke to Michele, a trucker with a few months of experience so far in the industry. She suggests that solo drivers keep their bunk curtains closed at all times.

“Let people think there’s someone sleeping in the back even if you’re driving alone.”

Michele also notes that placing a team driving sticker on your truck will also create the impression that you are not traveling alone, and she highly recommends this trick to other women drivers.

3. Behind the wheel

Some of the women we spoke to had specific advice while behind the wheel. Road conditions can become dangerous during nighttime or the winter season. Michele recommends that women truck drivers pre-plan and keep checking their routes, especially in the winter.

“Just because it was open 2 hours ago, doesn’t mean it’s open now.”

Heather listens to forensic files and chews gum to help keep her awake during night driving. She encourages women drivers to pull over if needed and states,

“If road conditions become too treacherous, just stop! Freight can wait.”

4. Hygiene

Women truck drivers will have specific concerns about hygiene that male drivers won’t. And unfortunately, sometimes male drivers, fleet managers, or truck stop employees may be unaware or unsympathetic to these issues.

Heather said that one of the biggest lessons she learned from her OTR driving days is to always have baby wipes handy. She also recommends to keeping an empty big gulp cup in your cab in case of a bathroom emergency.

Hopefully it doesn’t come to that, but with OTR driving, the stops can be few and far between, so it’s better to be prepared in the case of emergencies.

5. Reach out to other women truckers

women truck drivers

While it may seem easy to understand the concerns of women drivers, or imagine what the job will be like, there’s no way to know until someone has done it. We recommend completing some research about what to expect, but there’s no substitute for speaking with other women truck drivers who’ve been there themselves.

Reaching out to other women truck drivers will give you an inside look at what issues they’ve been facing and how they’ve handled them. As you speak to more women drivers, you’ll build a network of colleagues who have each others’ back and can work together. You may also want to connect with organizations like Women in Trucking, which focus on addressing these obstacles.

6. Find the right carrier

While women truckers can take certain measures themselves, they can’t do it all alone. It takes a community that values women’s issues and concerns in the trucking industry. Before signing with your next carrier, do some research and find out which carriers value their women drivers.

Some carriers will do more to promote career opportunities, improve conditions, and deliver resources needed to address women’s issues in trucking. A company’s culture can have a large impact on a woman truck driver’s sense of belonging, identity, and purpose. Finding a carrier that aligns with your own values will help you feel comfortable and secure in a male-dominated industry.

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city truck drivingIf you were to ask truck drivers where their favorite places to drive are, chances are that most would say on the open road, with empty highways and clear skies. What they wouldn’t say is during rush hour in a congested city. Unfortunately, as a truck driver, you’ll have to drive in all types of places, even the latter. 

If you’re a new truck driver worried about city driving, you’re not alone. New truck drivers experience this fear every day. But they also overcome it and drive through crowded city streets with no problem. Here are 5 city truck driving tips for new truck drivers.  

1. Try to be early whenever possible

This is easier said than done, but whenever you can control it, try and be early for your drop and hook appointments if you know they’re in a crowded city. By being early, you can scope out where you’ll need to pull in and how you’ll need to maneuver your truck and trailer. Being early also gives you the time needed to deal with any traffic or construction delays you might encounter in the city. 

2. Use Your Mirrors

Using your mirrors isn’t just a tip for city driving, it’s important at all times you’re behind the wheel. That being said, mirrors become much more useful in a crowded city. Check them often to look out for pedestrians, bicyclists and cars attempting to merge. They’re especially useful when there’s two lanes of traffic turning at the same time.  

3. Keep Extra Distance if You Can

There’s a lot of stop and go traffic in cities. If you’re not giving the proper amount of stopping distance, taking your eyes off the road for even half a second could be enough time for you to rear end somebody. 

4. Be Cautious

More cars and pedestrians, with less room to drive means that you should have a general sense of caution when driving in the city. Don’t try to eyeball sharp turns and difficult maneuvers. Always use your mirrors and, if you’re able to, get out of the cab and check what you’re doing if you’re feeling uneasy about something.

There are some drivers who think this makes them look like a newbie or unskilled, but that’s far from the truth. The best drivers are the ones who put safety above all else. 

5. Know Your Route

If you’ve never been to a customer’s location before, don’t just rely on Google or Apple maps to get you there. While these apps are usually fine to show you which highway or route to take, they’re a little less reliable when you need them to plan routes in cities. They may not tell you about one-way streets, roads with weight limits, construction, and other road disruptions.  

Instead, give the customer a call to get directions. They’ll know the best route to get there and will even give you directions for where and how to park when you get there.  

Driving in the city for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience for new truck drivers, but as long as you’re cautious, and keep your wits about you, you’ll be out of those congested streets and back on the highway in no time. 

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class b cdl

Are you considering getting a commercial driver’s license, also known as a CDL? If you are, you should know that there are 3 options: Class A CDL, Class B CDL or Class C CDL.  

Each CDL has its own training and testing procedures, and there are pros and cons to each. Depending on your career plans, any of these might be the right fit for you. Here, we’re going to explore what you need to know when getting a Class B CDL License.

1. The Basics of a Class B CDL

Dump truck jobsThough getting a Class A CDL will open the most job opportunities for a driver, a Class B CDL can provide drivers with a great career as well.  

A CDL B vehicle is described by the Federal Motor Carrier Association as,

“Any single vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of 11,794 or more kilograms (26,001 pounds or more), or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight that does not exceed  4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds).” 

In layman’s terms, this means that drivers who hold their CDL B can drive a truck that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 26,000 pounds but cannot carry a trailer in tow if that trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds. So, what kinds of trucks can CDL B drivers operate?

2. Vehicles a CDL B Driver Can Operate

With a Class B CDL, a trucker can drive any vehicles endorsed for Class B or Class C. Some of these vehicles are: 

  • Straight trucks 
  • Large passenger buses (city buses, tourist buses, and school buses) 
  • Segmented buses 
  • Box trucks (including delivery trucks and furniture trucks) 
  • Dump trucks with small trailers 
  • Garbage trucks 
  • Ready Mix (Concrete) mixers 

 3. Age Requirements

cdl age requirementTo hold a Class B CDL, you only need to be 18 years old. This is actually true for a CDL A as well, but many companies will not hire 18-20 year old drivers for CDL A positions, since you need to be 21 to travel across state lines.  

This is why many young drivers looking to start early and gain valuable experience before they turn 21 will usually get their CDL B instead. When a CDL B driver turns 21, they can test for a CDL A license if they’re looking to drive bigger rigs over the road (OTR).  

4. Where Can a Class B licensed Trucker Drive?

Fed Ex VanIf you’re a truck driver looking to stay close to home, a Class B CDL might be a great option for you, since most CDL B jobs only run locally. This means that if you’re planning on getting your Class B CDL, you should be prepared for jobs as a mover, delivery driver, bus driver, or garbage truck driver. 

No matter what type of license and endorsements you pursue, the key is to make sure you’re matched with the trucking job that’s the best fit for you. If you’re a newly minted CDL driver looking for your first job, or you’re a seasoned road veteran, let Drive My Way help you get connected with the perfect job. 

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If you’re a truck driver looking for a new haul, you may (or may not have) considered hauling livestock. There’s a lot of notions out there about what working with livestock is and isn’t. That’s why we talked to a livestock hauler who told us what the job is really like and gave some tips for people considering this line of work. So, if you’re curious about hauling livestock, here are 3 things to know.

1. Types of Livestock Drivers Haul

When many people think of hauling livestock, there’s a good chance that they think of cows or pigs. While those animals do make up the largest part of the livestock transportation industry, livestock haulers can carry anything that is live freight. This can mean chickens, goats, sheep, and even bees. There are even some livestock haulers who carry high-value livestock such as show horses.  

Patience and attention to detail while loading and unloading the animals are two huge traits that good livestock haulers must have. As anyone who works with animals knows, getting frustrated with them rarely makes things go faster. It will only stress the livestock and in turn, make you more stressed.  

Livestock drivers also need to be patient behind the wheel and drive defensively. Harsh stops or turns can easily stress or injure livestock. Regulations for carrying livestock vary somewhat by state, so drivers must be detail-oriented to ensure compliance for every load. 

2. A Whole New World of “Touch Freight” and Cleanup

For livestock hauling, sanitation is incredibly important. Livestock haulers must maintain sanitary practices when moving between locations or loading and unloading livestock so they don’t transmit infection. This might seem like too much hassle for some drivers, but for livestock haulers, it’s all part of a day’s work. 

We talked to Dustin, a cattle hauler and co-owner of Nesbitt Transportation, and asked him if he had any advice for drivers considering hauling livestock. He shared this, 

Dustin Nesbitt hauling livestock

Dustin, livestock hauler for Nesbitt Transportation

“Someone who is going into hauling cattle needs to be patient. It’s not like driving freight. You need to give yourself extra time around other vehicles because it takes longer to stop with a live load.

You also need to be patient with the animals and have your head on a swivel—always protect yourself. Cattle’s attitudes can change in a split second and go from cooperating to wanting to kill you, so always keep your eyes on the animals when loading and unloading.”

Agfax adds several additional tips for transporting cattle. According to their website, a thorough pre-trip inspection is even more important for livestock haulers. Delays for maintenance or repairs can cause extra stress on the animals, especially if there are heat or chill concerns.  

They also recommend that drivers master livestock sorting. Within any type of livestock haul, drivers should transport similar animals together. For example, large cows should be transported with other large cows, not with calves or cows that are small or weak. If you do have to transport different animals together, it’s best to use a gate to separate them.  

3. Livestock Truck Drivers Earn More

hauling livestockWhile livestock haulers often have to meet specific requirements beyond a typical CDL driver, they are also well compensated for their work. Livestock haulers are considered specialty haulers, so their pay is increased. That said, these drivers earn higher pay for good reason. 

Livestock haulers must maintain additional certifications that show their understanding of the risks of hauling live animals. In addition, owner operators will need to purchase specific equipment. The type of trailer that drivers need depends on the type of animals and the distance of the haul. No matter the exact specialty, that equipment is not cheap. 

Livestock hauling is a specialty niche for people with a lot of patience who don’t mind the good, the bad, and the smelly of working with live animals. This makes it a good fit if you’re a truck driver who has experience working on a farm or ranch or you’re simply looking for a new challenge in trucking. 

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As a truck driver who’s looking for a new job, there are a ton of factors to consider before making your decision. You’re probably thinking about your preferred range, what you want to haul, and what’s the minimum home time you need, but there’s one option that you might not be thinking about; whether you want to be a part of a union or not. Here’s everything truck drivers need to know to decide whether joining a trucking union is right for them.

What’s the History of Unions in Trucking?

Labor unions have a long and storied history in the United States. Going back to the 18th century, labor unions have been the driving force behind workers advancing their interests, not just in trucking but in almost every blue-collar field.  

For many reasons that are too in-depth to get into, labor unions aren’t as popular as they were at their height in the mid-20th century. Around this time, 35% of all workers in the country belonged to a labor union.  

While unions have steadily decreased in popularity over the last 40 years, For trucking specifically, unions were dealt their biggest blow when congress passed the Motor Carrier Act of 1980. Among other things, this legislation led to a sweeping deregulation of the trucking industry. The bill had (and has) far-reaching effects on the industry and economy at large.  

One of the biggest changes it led to was allowing more low-cost, non-union carriers to enter the industry. This started a trend of there being fewer and fewer union carriers, and decreased power for labor unions.  

But it’s not all bad news for labor unions. According to a recent Gallup poll, support for labor unions among Americans is the highest it’s been in the last 57 years. Could this mean that we’ll see an increase in unionization among truck drivers? Time will tell.  

Are There Union Jobs in Trucking Today?

Yes, the vast majority of truck drivers who are unionized fall under the International Brotherhood of Teamsters – Freight Division. This division includes not only truck drivers, but dockworkers, mechanics, and others.  

Though the number of unionized truck drivers is much smaller than it was in years past, there a still a number of companies with unionized truck drivers. You can find a full list of them here 

How Do I Join a Truck Driver Union?

To join a truck driver union, you’ll need to sign on with a company that has drivers who are a part of that union. But don’t just assume that if a carrier has one location that is unionized, that all of them will be.  

With a lot of carriers, they’ll have some locations that are unionized and some that aren’t. If you’re interested in being a part of a union, do your research to make sure the specific location you want to work at is unionized. 

What are the Pros of Joining a Truck Driver Union?

The thought behind a labor union is simple; strength in numbers. The main benefit of joining a union is being part of a group that collectively bargains for better conditions together. A union will negotiate pay, health insurance, pension, and more for its members.  

Though there’s little data that compares the wages of union and non-union truck drivers specifically, earlier this year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found the following: 

“Nonunion workers had median weekly earnings that were 83 percent of earnings for workers who were union members ($975 versus $1,169).” – BLS News Release, January 20th, 2022 

There’s also added job security for union members, since the union will most likely have legal representation. This is particularly useful for drivers who feel that they’ve been wronged by their carrier in some capacity. 

What are the Cons of joining a Truck Driver Union?

Some drivers have reported that the broad protection that unions offer to their members can lead to drivers with less than stellar work habits being able to stay on without punishment. There can also be internal politics, disagreements, and in-fighting when it comes to union leadership.  

While many drivers enjoy the fact that a union negotiates pay on their behalf, some more experienced drivers may not. They feel that they could earn more if they were able to negotiate for themselves.  

Of course, drivers can have very different experiences with unions. One driver might find value in being part of a larger organization with collective bargaining power, while another driver might see being part of a union as having extra money come out of your paycheck with very little to show for it.  

Just like drivers need to decide what pay, home time, and benefits they want; they also need to decide whether they want to be part of a trucking union or not. There are pros and cons to both sides, so do your research to see if it’s a fit for what you want. 

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