Although the hours can be long, the pay is often worth the labor. As more individuals look to lucrative trade careers, commercial truck driving has taken center stage for many job seekers. Without the hard work of American truck drivers, our country would be at a standstill. Their contribution to our infrastructure is not only highly valued but also generously compensated for their dedication. Below, you’ll find five of the most sought-after truck driving careers with top salaries.
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1. Oversized Load Drivers
You have probably seen them on the highway with their giant, yellow “WIDE LOAD” banners across the back of their trailers. Oversized load truck drivers haul everything from manufactured homes to space shuttles. In recent years, with the increase in greener energy resources, you’ve likely seen massive wind turbines being transported by oversized trucks. Most often, you’ll see escorts with these drivers, helping them to maintain safety on the road. The current average salary for an oversized load truck driver is usually around $80,438 a year.
2. Tanker and Liquid Hauler
We all say “I’ll wait until the morning” to fuel up our vehicles. If it weren’t for tanker and liquid haulers, we might all be walking to work. Tankers and liquid haulers transport gasoline and other hazardous and dangerous materials. These truck drivers undergo extensive training and regularly carry out supplemental safety checks to ensure they are adhering to strict safety regulations for the transport of such materials. You will often see these trucks driving through the night to get to the gas station long before you need to fill up for your morning commute. The salary for tankers and liquid haulers is typically between $62,166 and $89,883 a year.
3. Specialty Vehicle Hauler
When I think of specialty vehicle haulers, my mind immediately goes to the movie “Cars,” where Mack ensured his racecar buddy made it safe from one race to the next (except for that one time). These truck drivers are responsible for transporting anything from Formula 1 race cars to fleets of luxury cars for wealthy collectors. Due to the nature of the extremely valuable cargo being hauled, specialty vehicle haulers are expected to drive with extreme precautions to maintain the physical well-being of their cargo and prevent possible theft. The salary for specialty vehicle haulers can be between $79,290 and $95,146 a year.
4. Owner Operator Truck Driver
Being your own boss is something many individuals strive to achieve. You make your own hours, choose your own clients, and create your own brand. Owner operator truck drivers are independent truck drivers who do not work for a company and own their own carrier vehicles. Often, they will have a business partner that helps them maintain schedules, routes, client needs, and other responsibilities that come with their independent business. Owner operators are responsible for loading and unloading their shipments and maintaining contractual delivery obligations with their clients. Because they own their rig, they are responsible for all vehicle maintenance, from tires to engine problems. The salary for owner operator truck drivers typically ranges from $125,000 to $340,000 a year.
5. Flatbed Owner Operator
Flatbed owner operators own their own commercial flatbed trucks and typically transport one-time deliveries as opposed to the traditional way in which commercial truck drivers often pick up new deliveries at each client warehouse. Loads can consist of anything from raw materials such as steel and lumber (like the infamous lumber truck from the movies) to construction equipment, vehicles, and flats of frozen foods and fresh produce. While some flatbed owner operators are independent contractors, others contract with shipping companies to work with their client base. The salary for a flatbed owner operator can range from $234,500 to $350,000 per year.
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These are just a few of the options individuals interested in commercial truck driving may consider venturing into, each with its own set of unique challenges and rewards. If you are already in the commercial driving industry or are considering entering it, be sure to check out Commercial Truck Trader to find the perfect truck for your needs.
