20 Types of Truck Driving Jobs

by The Crazy Trucker
(North Carolina)

The trucking industry isn’t just about long-haul or local deliveries—there are many different types of truck driving jobs, each with its own pay, schedule, and challenges. Whether you're new to trucking or looking for a change, here’s a breakdown of 20 trucking jobs you can find.

1. Over-the-Road (OTR) Trucking
Best for: Drivers who want to see the country and maximize miles.

OTR drivers haul freight across multiple states, sometimes coast to coast.
They’re on the road for weeks at a time but often earn the highest pay.

2. Regional Trucking
Best for: Drivers who want to stay in a specific part of the country.

Regional drivers cover a set area (e.g., the Southeast, Midwest, or West Coast).
They get home weekly or every few days, depending on the route.

3. Local Trucking
Best for: Drivers who want to be home every night.

Local drivers handle short-haul deliveries within a city or region.
Jobs include food delivery, package delivery, and port work.

4. Dedicated Trucking
Best for: Drivers who prefer routine and consistency.

Dedicated drivers run the same routes for a specific customer.
Offers predictable pay and home time (great for family life).

5. Flatbed Trucking
Best for: Drivers who like hands-on work and don’t mind physical labor.

Flatbed truckers haul oversized or irregular loads (steel, lumber, machinery).
Requires load securing and tarping, but often pays more due to extra work.

6. Tanker Trucking
Best for: Drivers who want higher pay and don’t mind extra safety precautions.

Tanker drivers haul liquids, chemicals, or gas.
Requires a tanker endorsement and sometimes a hazmat certification.

7. Refrigerated (Reefer) Trucking
Best for: Drivers who want steady, in-demand freight.

Reefer trucks haul perishable goods like food and medicine.
Requires extra care for temperature control but usually pays well.

8. Dry Van Trucking
Best for: New drivers or those who prefer simple freight.

Dry van drivers haul general goods in a standard trailer.
One of the easiest and most common types of trucking jobs.

9. LTL (Less Than Truckload) Trucking
Best for: Drivers who prefer local or regional work.

LTL drivers haul smaller shipments for multiple customers.
Often involves multiple stops and loading/unloading.

10. Intermodal Trucking
Best for: Drivers who want steady work near ports or rail yards.

Intermodal drivers transport shipping containers from ports or rail hubs.
Usually home daily or every other day.

11. Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Trucking
Best for: Drivers willing to take risks for higher pay.

Hazmat drivers haul flammable, toxic, or dangerous cargo.
Requires a hazmat endorsement and strict safety measures.

12. Auto Hauling
Best for: Drivers with patience and attention to detail.

Auto haulers transport new or used cars to dealerships or buyers.
Requires careful loading/unloading but can be very profitable.

13. Oilfield Trucking
Best for: Drivers who want high-paying but demanding jobs.

Oilfield drivers haul equipment, water, or crude oil for drilling sites.
Often based in Texas, North Dakota, or Pennsylvania.

14. Logging Trucking
Best for: Drivers who don’t mind rough terrain.

Logging truckers haul freshly cut timber from forests to mills.
Requires experience with off-road driving.

15. Dump Truck Driving
Best for: Drivers who prefer short hauls and construction work.

Dump truck drivers transport gravel, sand, dirt, or debris.
Often local work with home daily schedules.

16. Livestock Hauling
Best for: Drivers with patience and a strong stomach.

Livestock haulers transport cattle, pigs, or chickens.
Requires care for animal welfare and strict regulations.

17. Household Goods (Mover) Trucking
Best for: Drivers who don’t mind physical labor.

Movers transport furniture and personal belongings.
Involves packing, loading, and unloading for customers.

18. Hotshot Trucking
Best for: Owner-operators who want fast, high-paying loads.

Hotshot drivers use pickup trucks with trailers to haul urgent freight.
Typically short-haul but can be very profitable.

19. Ice Road Trucking
Best for: Thrill-seekers who can handle extreme conditions.

Ice road truckers drive on frozen lakes and roads in the winter.
Dangerous but pays extremely well for a few months of work.

20. Expedited Trucking
Best for: Drivers who want time-sensitive, high-paying loads.

Expedited drivers haul urgent shipments, often in sprinter vans or straight trucks.
Requires quick deliveries but can pay well.
Which Trucking Job is Best for You?
The best job depends on your skills, lifestyle, and income goals. If you want:

💰 High Pay: Hazmat, Tanker, Auto Hauling, Ice Road, Oilfield
🏡 Home Time: Local, Intermodal, LTL, Dump Truck
🚛 Adventure: OTR, Ice Road, Logging, Livestock
🛠️ Less Physical Work: Dry Van, Reefer, Intermodal

There’s a trucking job for everyone—so choose the one that fits your needs!

👉 Which trucking job interests you the most? Drop a comment below!

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