Long haul truck drivers transport goods over hundreds and even thousands of miles. Sometimes they drive trucks called flat bed rigs. These trucks are the kind used for carrying steel. They also drive tank trucks and tractor trailers. Usually long haul truckers do their driving at night, when traffic is not heavy. There are times when they have to make minor repairs on their trucks during trips. If they reach their destination at night when other workers are off duty, they may be responsible for loading and unloading cargo.
It is the long haul truck driver's job not only to transport goods but also to watch over them and the truck. This is a great responsibility because both the truck and its cargo are very valuable. For this reason long haul routes are driven by the most experienced drivers.
Every workday when they are not already on the road, long haul drivers report to the truck terminal. There they are given their assignment usually a loaded truck to be driven to a specific destination. The truck has already been serviced, and it has fuel and oil. Still, drivers have duties to perform before they leave. They always inspect the loaded cargo, making certain that it will not shift around during the trip. They also check the truck itself first to make sure it will run safely, then to be certain it has safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and flares, in case of an emergency.
Long distance drivers must know how to keep alert on the road. On very long trips a second driver goes along, and they take turns driving. Many long distance trucks have a small bunk in the cab where the off duty driver can get some rest or sleep.
During their trips long haul drivers make stops every few hours. They may refuel the truck and buy themselves coffee, or they may just stretch their legs. Such rest stops are important on long trips, helping the trucker drive more safely. In fact, long haul drivers have a lower accident rate than other motor transportation drivers. This is due to the care with which the drivers are trained, as well as to their excellent driving.
It is often early in the morning when long haul drivers reach their destination. There they dock or position their trucks at the loading platform and then they complete their paperwork, which is an important part of their job. Drivers have to keep a travel log for each trip. In it they record the details of the journey: the exact routing, who drove, and the length and location of all their stops. Drivers keep bills of lading itemized lists of goods for each shipment they carry. They must also account for any breakdowns or repairs. If there has been an accident, the driver must write up a report. After every trip, the driver also describes in writing the condition of the truck. All these reports are required by the U. S. Department of Transportation.
Two types of firms hire long haul drivers. First, there are the private carrier firms that are the trucking divisions of companies that transport the commodities they make. Second, there are common carrier firms (also called contract carriers) that transport the goods other companies make. Common carrier firms are available for hire to any business. Both common and private carrier companies normally own their own trucks, and they do similar kinds of work. They are both regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission. Some long haul truck drivers are owner operators. They own their own trucks and have to find their own cargoes to haul.
Moving van drivers are a special group of long haul drivers. Like other drivers they carry freight over long distances, but their destinations usually are private homes.
They also drive farther than most other long distance drivers. Moving van drivers have several helpers who assist them in loading and unloading their goods. They do more heavy work than most long haul drivers.
Education and Training
The U. S. Department of Transportation sets minimum requirements for long haul truck drivers. Drivers must be at least 21 years old. They must have normal blood pressure and must pass a physical examination. This exam is usually paid for by the employer. Applicants must also have at least 20/40 vision, with or without corrective lenses, and they must have good hearing.
In addition, drivers must take a road test with their particular type of truck. They must pass a written test on safety regulations given by the Department of Transportation. Moreover, some states require that drivers also have a state issued chauffeur's license.
Many firms have higher standards than those required by law. For instance, many companies stipulate that their drivers be at least 25 years old or have several years of experience in long haul trucking. Some firms will not hire applicants with fewer than 2 years of high school, and others require a high school diploma.
Because long haul driving is a senior driving job, most applicants have had some local driving experience. An increasing number of private vocational/technical schools and community colleges are offering courses in truck driving. High school courses in auto mechanics and driver training are also helpful.
Once hired, long haul drivers usually take a short course in the company's policy and driving forms. After completing this course drivers make their first trips under the guidance of an experienced driver or a teacher.
Getting the Job
Drivers usually work at local truck driving before they apply to a training program for long haul drivers. Once you are trained you can apply directly to trucking companies and private carriers for a job as a long haul truck driver. State and private employment agencies are other sources to check. You can also check the want ads in your local newspaper.
Employment Outlook
Most long haul truck drivers begin as substitute drivers on the "extra board," which is a list of alternates for the regular drivers. Substitute drivers who have seniority become eligible for regular routes. Regular long haul drivers have limited chances for advancement because they are already at the top of the truck driving profession. A few drivers do become dispatchers, safety supervisors, and driver supervisors.
The employment outlook is good. There is now a shortage of qualified drivers because changes in licensing and driver regulations have caused a number of people to leave the profession. However, since deregulation of the industry, salaries have not kept pace with pay increases in other jobs and are no longer as competitive as they once were.
Working Conditions
Long distance routes keep drivers away from their families for long periods of time. On the other hand, drivers have a good deal of freedom and independence. The hours are long and the work is tiring; long haul driving is strenuous work.
The U.S. Department of Transportation regulates drivers' schedules. It stipulates that no driver may work more than 60 hours in a 7 day period. The regulations also state that a driver may work no more than 10 hours without resting for at least 8 hours.
Earnings and Benefits
Earnings depend on the number of miles driven and the total hours the driver works. The type of truck, its weight, and the kind of cargo it carries also influence pay. For example, drivers of trucks carrying flammable materials are paid higher rates than are others. Moving van operators also earn slightly more because of the extra strain involved.
Currently, the average salary for all long haul drivers is $20,000 to $40,000 a year. Some drivers earn more than $42,000 a year. Benefits include health insurance and pension plans, paid holidays, and paid annual vacations of 2 to 4 weeks.
