Truck Driver

Products aren’t much good if they can’t get to customers and that’s where the trucking industry comes in. From over-the-road long-haul truckers driving coast to coast, to delivery drivers that bring goods to your door, everything you eat, wear or use has at some point in the supply chain been hauled on a truck.

WHAT DO TRUCK DRIVERS DO?

Truck drivers do just what their title says — operate heavy-duty trucks to transport loads from Point A to Point B. Truckers run on time schedules, with specified deadlines when loads have to be delivered, and they balance that with road conditions, speed limits and various other regulations to ensure the driver is operating in a manner that’s safe for themselves and other motorists.

But while the name itself is pretty self-explanatory, there are differences within the industry to consider. This article will focus on over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers, which can be divided into various categories: Flatbed Truckers • Flatbed trucks deliver freight secured to a trailer with no walls (hence “flatbed”) hauling such things a military vehicles, large machine parts or lumber. Dry Van Truckers • Dry van truckers drive what most people think of when they think of a semi — an enclosed trailer hauling nonperishable products and dry goods. Tanker Truckers • Tanker truckers transport liquids, which is one of the more difficult trucking operations, from food-grade loads like milk to fuel, chemicals or even hazardous waste. Freight Haulers • Freight haulers deliver goods that are not covered by dry van drivers. Freight haulers often transport liquids, oversized loads, hazardous goods, automobiles and logs on specially modified rigs. Refrigerated Freight Drivers • Refrigerated freight truckers deliver food, medical products, meat, body products and other highly perishable goods in temperature-controlled trailers.

WHAT’S NEW

The basics of trucking haven’t changed — deliver goods on time, safely — but as with every industry, technology has advanced, making trucks more comfortable, more fuel-efficient and loaded with various computerized systems from navigational GPS to monitors that ensure drivers don’t exceed speed limits or their allowable daily mileage.

The regulatory climate for trucking companies is also changing as states push to reduce emissions and air pollution caused by gasoline- and diesel-powered engines. California and New York, among other states, have mandated that trucking companies replace their existing fleets with electric vehicles over the next couple of decades, which is controversial considering electric truck technology is not yet suited for long hauls, nor are charging stations readily available nationwide.

WHERE DO TRUCK DRIVERS WORK?

Over-the-road truck drivers may follow a set territory or they may go anywhere in the lower 48 states, plus Canada and Mexico. Truck routes range from a few days out and back to cross-country runs that keep drivers out for several weeks at a time.

The truck itself is both the driver’s home and office while they are on the road, as most rigs are outfitted with a sleeper compartment. In some cases, drivers will work in two-person teams, which allows for covering more miles per day than driving alone. It also provides companionship and assistance while out on a run.

WHAT'S THE JOB OUTLOOK?

There were nearly 38,000 heavy truck and tractor-trailer driving jobs in Arkansas in 2018, and experts predict demand will only continue to grow in the future. The Department of Labor predicts these positions will grow to more than 40,000 by 2028, roughly on par with the national average. It should be noted these only represent new positions; given the number of current drivers on the brink of retirement, industry demand is actually much higher.

HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $26,190 annually/$12.59 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $44,280 annually/$21.29 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $70,110 annually/$33.71 per hour

It should be noted that earning power varies widely with the type of loads you can handle, as some drivers have earned special certifications and therefore command more money. Also, the current shortage of drivers has driven up wages all over the country, with some companies offering handsome sign-on and retention bonuses to keep their fleets running.

And, unlike in past generations, trucking companies today also provide a full slate of benefits for drivers that rival anything to be found in a white-collar job. For example, Arkansas-based JB Hunt, one of the largest trucking and logistics companies in the world, advertises medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, various types of life, accident and disability insurance, a company-matching 401(k) plan, paid vacation and various bonus programs.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Mechanical skills • Attention to detail • Record keeping • Problem solving • Physical strength and stamina

HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT?

Learning to operate a semi generally happens at schools set up for that purpose, although some community colleges also offer this instruction. On average, trucking school takes three to five weeks to complete while two-year schools’ programs can be completed in a semester or two.

Once training is completed, drivers must pass a test to get their commercial driver’s license (CDL), required to operate semis, buses and other heavy, oversized vehicles. In Arkansas, 18-year-olds can drive commercial motor vehicles within state lines. Drivers must be 21 to drive commercial vehicles across state lines, haul hazardous materials that require placarding or operate a vehicle with double or triple trailers.