Deciding to become a truck driver is a great first step on to a rewarding career path.
Learn more about the types of jobs you could choose to take with a truck driving career.
Company Driver
Company drivers are those who are hired through a company to drive and transport goods for them. They may be trained by the company or may have earned their CDL prior to joining the company. They are given trucks by the company they work for and are not responsible for the cost or maintenance of the vehicle.
Some benefits of becoming a company driver typically include:
- Not owning a truck means  you will not have to pay for fuel or maintenance costs of the truck you operate.
- Other than the cost to earn your CDL, there is no startup cost.
- A national shortage of company drivers means companies are eager to hire qualified individuals.
- May include various bonuses and amenities depending on the company.
- If you choose to only be involved in trucking for a few years, there is no truck payment left to worry about.
- Typically, company drivers are paid by each mile they run.
Owner Operator Driver
Owner operator drivers own or lease their own truck and choose the companies from which they will run loads. Owner operators typically experience a great deal more freedom in terms of their home time and schedule.
Some benefits of becoming an owner operator typically include:
- Receive more income without being limited by mile or time at company
- Choose your own truck with all of the bells and whistles you want
- Freedom to personalize your truck with decals and upgrades
- Control where and when you run, along with what loads you take
- Take time off when you want
Routes
When starting a trucking career there are four main route options you could choose to take. These types of trucking jobs include:
- Over-the-road (OTR). OTR drivers are able to travel across the contiguous 48 states, as well as Canada and Mexico depending on the company. These drivers are usually gone for a period of 2-4 weeks and travel farther. Â
- Local. Having a local route means being home almost every day. Local drivers stick to a single community and do not have to go far distances.
- Dedicated. If you want to carry cargo for a single customer or set of customers, you would want to pursue a dedicated route. Working on a dedicated route means developing a rapport and familiarity with the same customer(s), getting to know them better over time and knowing what to expect when you arrive at their facilities.
- Regional. Different from local drivers, regional drivers run over a specific area like the Midwest or Northeast. They are typically out several days or weeks depending on the company that they haul for and the region they cover.
Are you ready to embark on your truck driving career? Sign up for Prime’s Truck Driver Training Program.
A recruiter will be in contact with you shortly to go over the types of truck driving jobs and help you make a choice that’s best for you.
