Trucking is a broad industry that includes several types of trucks and deliveries. The best type of trucking depends on the shipment and how it needs to be transported. Understanding the options is helpful for people new to working in the trucking industry and business owners who need to ship products using a professional service. Below are common types of trucking you may encounter.
Dry Van
Even though this type of trucking is called dry van, it uses a standard, enclosed 53-foot trailer on a semi-truck. The items that go into the load are nonperishable items that don't need refrigeration or special conditions. It's a common type of trucking because it's so versatile. While not climate-controlled, the trailer is enclosed to protect the shipments from weather and theft.
Drivers for dry van positions are always in demand since this transport mode is frequently used for hauling goods. Many new drivers enter the industry with this type of truck driving job.
Dry van trucking can be long-haul, local, or regional, depending on the trucking company. The shippers and receivers usually handle the freight rather than the truck drivers. Dry van trucking is often the most cost-effective freight transport method because it uses a standard trailer.
Refrigerated or Reefer
Refrigerated trucks, often referred to as reefers, are used for perishable items that require climate-controlled conditions during transport. These specialty trailers contain refrigeration units designed to maintain a consistent temperature inside the trailer. Refrigerated trucks commonly transport perishable foods, but they also carry other temperature-sensitive items, such as medications, medical supplies, hazardous items, and plants.
Because so many industries use refrigerated trucks, there's often a demand for drivers. However, this type of trucking is more complicated for the driver. They're responsible for ensuring the trailer stays within the safe temperature zone and may need to make adjustments based on outside conditions. Failing to maintain ideal conditions could cause the load to spoil and get rejected by the recipient.
Flatbed
Flatbed trucking refers to the use of open, flat trailers to carry specialty freight that doesn't fit into traditional enclosed trailers. Examples include large equipment and building or construction materials, including pipes and lumber. The open design offers more flexibility regarding shipped items because they don't have to fit within a standard trailer. Flatbed trailers are usually the same length as dry van trailers. While these loads often involve long-haul trips, they can be transported any distance.
The freight is often oversized or otherwise difficult to handle, making this type of trucking more challenging. The items must be secured following the rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and may require special equipment for loading and unloading. Shipping freight via flatbed trucking is often more expensive because of these challenges, and flatbed truck drivers often receive higher pay than dry van drivers.
Tanker
A tanker is fitted with a cylindrical tank to carry large quantities of liquid. Driving a tanker truck is challenging because the liquids can shift as the truck maneuvers, causing the truck's center of gravity to change.
Tanker trucks often carry hazardous materials, including gasoline and gases. Drivers need special endorsements, which they receive after they complete specialized training to transport hazardous materials.
However, tanker trucks can also carry non-hazardous items, such as milk, juice, and liquid sweeteners. Trucks are often designed for the type of liquid they'll hold. For example, trucks meant to transport milk are made from food-grade materials and are insulated, while tankers designed for chemicals use corrosion-resistant materials and have special safety features.
The trucking industry offers several types of hauling trucks designed for different purposes. The pricing, demand for drivers, and considerations for the job vary depending on the trucking type.
