A Guide To Finding A High Paying Truck Driving Job

Are you contemplating changing careers and becoming a truck driver? Or are you a truck driver looking for ways to earn more money? Perhaps you're interested in finding out the highest-paying truck driving jobs. If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, you’re at the right place. 

As specialized niches in trucking are often a bit out of the ordinary, the pay for these individuals is often higher than the average salary of a truck driver. For instance, truck drivers who transport hazardous materials, navigate riskier terrain, etc., often earn more than those who transport consumer goods from one location to another. A job will generally pay more when it requires more skills or entails significant risk, and truck driving is no different. 

Trucking offers many lucrative career opportunities for those who possess the right experience and certifications. Read on to know more about the 5 of the most high-paying trucking jobs.

How to find high-paying trucking jobs

After developing the necessary skills and acquiring the additional licenses and certifications, you need to find a job. You can find high-paying trucking jobs through the following means-

• Search online: Truck drivers can find many high-paying job opportunities online. When searching for trucking jobs, you can narrow your choices by setting a filter for the category and minimum requirements.

• Use networking: Perhaps you can ask your friends who are satisfied with their positions for a recommendation.

• Directly contact a trucking company: You might apply directly to a specific company where you want to work.

Five high-paying trucking jobs

Oversized load hauler

Working as an oversized load hauler is a high-paying trucking job because you need extra skills for it. A special license and training are some of the basic requirements in this niche. If you can haul oversized loads like heavy machinery across the state or the country, you can earn anywhere between $53,125 and $90,000. This pay can even reach six figures if you work overtime.

Ice road truck driver

The salaries of ice road truckers are the highest on a per-season or per-period basis. They are responsible for transporting loads over ice during the winter months. There is no doubt that it's a very dangerous profession, but it pays very well in return. The top-end compensation for ice road truckers is commonly between $80,000 and $250,000 per season. 

It is important to note that this is usually only for two months of work. If you wish to earn more, you can always take on another trucking job for the rest of the year.

Private fleet

Manufacturers and retailers sometimes have their own fleets of drivers to transport goods between distribution centers or factories and stores or customers. The expected average salary of a truck driver in a private fleet is $87,500. 

However, private fleets are known for their high hiring standards, and some of them only employ experienced drivers with stellar driving records. Additionally, they have an extremely low turnover rate compared with the rest of the industry. Therefore, if you have the required skills and experience, you can join a private fleet as a driver. People owning private fleets also invest a lot in their vehicles, so you know the equipment you’ll be driving is of the highest quality. They often work with a truck body manufacturer to produce custom vehicles that meet their specific operational needs, ensuring durability and efficiency. This commitment to quality not only benefits the fleet owners but also ensures that drivers have the best tools to succeed in their roles.

Hazmat hauling

Hauling hazardous materials is another more risky but lucrative trucking job. It involves transporting materials such as flammable liquids, gasses, or corrosive substances. Because drivers must take extra care to deliver these volatile loads safely, they are well compensated. 

Hazmat drivers are in high demand in the country, so you can get the job quickly if you possess the necessary licenses and certifications. Hazmat haulers earn around $70,000 on average.

Specialty vehicle haulers

Many specialty vehicle transporters work with dealerships or manufacturers to transport luxury vehicles to showrooms. Since these vehicles have such high values, increased caution is necessary; that is why these truckers get high salaries. Their average pay range is from $50,512 to $65,595.

The trucking industry offers many opportunities for truck drivers who take the initiative to acquire the skills and endorsements they need to earn more. Firstly, you need to go through job eligibility, acquire CDL and other certificates, and begin your career as a highly-paid trucker. 

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