The "best" job to get with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is subjective and depends entirely on an individual's priorities, lifestyle preferences, and career goals. There isn't a single "best" option, as what suits one driver may not suit another. However, a CDL opens doors to a diverse range of trucking careers, each with unique characteristics regarding pay, home time, physical demands, and types of cargo.
Defining 'Best' in CDL Jobs
When considering what makes a CDL job "best," drivers often weigh several key factors:
- Salary and Earning Potential: Some trucking jobs pay significantly more due to specialized skills, hazardous cargo, or demanding routes.
- Home Time: Many drivers prioritize being home frequently, which often means opting for local or dedicated routes over long-haul (Over-The-Road or OTR) driving.
- Type of Freight: The kind of cargo you haul can impact daily tasks, physical exertion, and even the stress level of the job.
- Route Preferences: Drivers might prefer consistent regional routes, varied cross-country trips, or strictly local deliveries.
- Work-Life Balance: The ability to maintain personal relationships and pursue hobbies outside of work is crucial for many.
- Physical Demands: Some roles require more physical labor, such as loading/unloading or securing specialized freight.
Popular CDL Job Types and What They Offer
A CDL qualifies you for various roles in the transportation industry. Here's an overview of common CDL job types, each with its own advantages:
| Job Type | Typical Cargo/Role | Potential Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van Truckload Driver | General freight (pallets, boxes), dry goods, consumer products | High demand, varied routes, good entry-level option | Often less predictable home time, lower pay than specialized freight |
| Dedicated Truck Driver | Specific cargo for a single client/route | Consistent routes, predictable schedule, better home time | Less variety in routes/cargo |
| Tanker Truck Driver | Liquids (fuel, chemicals, milk) or gases | Higher pay due to hazardous nature, specialized skills | Dangerous cargo, requires HazMat endorsement, sloshing cargo dynamics |
| Intermodal Truck Driver | Containers from ports/rail yards | Local/regional work, often daily home time, less loading/unloading | Can involve port congestion/waiting, variable schedules |
| Flatbed Truck Driver | Oversized loads, machinery, building materials, steel | Higher pay, more varied work, hands-on experience | Requires securing loads (physically demanding), exposure to weather |
| Livestock Truck Driver | Live animals (cattle, pigs, poultry) | Steady demand, unique niche | Can be stressful for animals, requires animal handling knowledge, strict regulations |
| Car Hauling Truck Driver | Automobiles (new, used, luxury, wrecked) | Very high earning potential, specialized skill | Demanding physically, requires careful loading/unloading, often long hours |
Let's delve deeper into some of these roles:
Van Truckload Driver
This is one of the most common entry points for new CDL holders. Van truckload drivers haul general freight in enclosed trailers. The work is abundant, and routes can vary from local to over-the-road (OTR). While offering consistent demand, pay might be lower compared to specialized hauls, and home time can be less predictable for OTR routes.
Dedicated Truck Driver
Dedicated drivers typically haul freight for a single client on specific routes. This often leads to more predictable schedules, consistent pay, and improved home time. It's a great option for drivers seeking stability and a better work-life balance, as they become experts on particular routes and client needs.
Tanker Truck Driver
Hauling liquids, gases, or dry bulk in specialized tanks often comes with higher pay due to the hazardous nature of some cargo and the need for a HazMat endorsement. This role requires specialized training to manage the unique dynamics of liquid loads (known as "sloshing") and strict adherence to safety regulations.
Intermodal Truck Driver
Intermodal drivers transport shipping containers between ports, rail yards, and distribution centers. This role often involves more local or regional driving, making daily or frequent home time a possibility. While typically less physically demanding in terms of loading, it can involve navigating congested areas and dealing with tight schedules.
Flatbed Truck Driver
Flatbed drivers transport oversized, irregular, or heavy loads that cannot fit into enclosed trailers, such as construction materials, machinery, or steel. This job typically offers higher pay due to the specialized nature of the cargo and the physical demands of securing loads with chains, straps, and tarps. Drivers often work outdoors and must be proficient in load securement.
Livestock Truck Driver
Transporting live animals requires patience, specialized knowledge of animal welfare, and adherence to strict regulations. This niche can offer steady work and good pay, but it also comes with unique challenges related to animal care, temperature control, and the potential for long waits at agricultural facilities.
Car Hauling Truck Driver
Car haulers transport multiple vehicles on specialized trailers. This is a highly skilled and often high-paying segment of trucking. It requires precision in loading, securing, and unloading valuable cargo, and can be physically demanding. Drivers in this field often enjoy significant earnings due to the specialized nature of their work.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a CDL Job
To determine the "best" CDL job for you, evaluate these aspects:
- Your Desired Income: Research average salaries for different trucking jobs. Specialized roles like tanker, flatbed, or car hauling often pay more.
- Your Home Time Preference:
- Local Driving: Typically daily home time, but often lower pay and more physical labor (e.g., LTL, delivery).
- Regional Driving: Home weekly or every few days, offering a balance.
- Over-The-Road (OTR): Long hauls, often away for weeks, highest earning potential for mileage pay but less home time.
- Tolerance for Physical Labor: Some jobs, like flatbed or reefer with lumpers, require more physical effort than others.
- Desire for Specialization: Do you want to master a specific type of hauling (e.g., hazardous materials, oversized loads) or prefer general freight?
- Lifestyle: Consider how the job will impact your personal life, hobbies, and family commitments.
- Training and Endorsements: Some jobs require additional endorsements (e.g., HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples), which may require further testing and training.
Ultimately, the best CDL job is one that aligns with your financial goals, lifestyle needs, and personal preferences, offering job satisfaction and sustainable career growth.
