
The trucking industry is the lifeblood of America’s economy. In fact, nearly every good consumed in the U.S. is put on a truck at some point. We’ve compiled some trucking stats and facts on the infographic below.





Different Types of Trucking Jobs
[p]Truck driving is a challenging profession that requires incredible mental fortitude. You are constantly on the road, away from family and the warm embrace of your home. On top of that, you are driving most of the time, so there is hardly time for any rest. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose a suitable trucking job that fits your schedule and allows you to relax.
There are plenty of opportunities you can explore![/p]
[p]There are plenty of opportunities you can explore!
[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-1.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Dry Van Hauling[/b][/p]
[p]Dry van hauling is tailor-made for beginner truckers. You only have to deliver non-perishable items from one place to another. The loading and unloading are also done by the client, so you only have to focus on the driving.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-2.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Freight Trucker[/b][/p]
[p]Freight is a very broad term, so anything other than dry goods come under the definition. It's tough being a freight hauler as you are expected to transport all kinds of goods. They can be hazardous, liquid materials, or anything that dry haulers are not allowed to carry.[/p]
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-3.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Oil/Gasoline Tanker[/b][/p]
[p]Hauling a tanker is no easy task. You have to be focused every moment and take care of the cargo at all times. One mistake could result in a horrible accident. Tanker haulers are some of the most sought-after trucking jobs in the industry. The high risk means there is a high reward as well. So, it is natural for truckers to look for tanker jobs.[/p]
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-4.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Refrigerated Goods Transport[/b][/p]
[p]Transporting refrigerated goods does not require a lot of skill, but it involves being punctual. You cannot fall behind the deadline, or the entire cargo can spoil. There is a lot of responsibility on such truckers but the good thing is that these jobs are close to home. You are not always expected to transport goods to far-off places.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-5.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Flatbed Trucker[/b][/p]
[p]Any item that is too large or has an irregular shape, is transported by flatbed truckers. Flatbed trailers are open, which means the cargo is exposed to the elements at all times. The job requires extreme skill, to deliver the goods safely and on time. Trucks, cars, heavy machinery, and other similar items are transported using a flatbed hauler.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-6.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Regional Trucking Jobs[/b][/p]
[p]If you are not worried about earning the big bucks and you are happier near your home, then regional
trucking is for you. Such a job is easy and does not pay much, but at least you don’t have to be away
from home all the time.[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2021/05/202105-TP-BLOG-Different-Types-of-Trucking-Jobs-7.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]Hotshot Trucking[/b][/p]
[p]There is no need to be disappointed if you like trucking and you don’t have a semi. A class 3 or 5 truck can also do the job. Hotshot trucking is attaching a trailer to your small truck and transporting goods using that setup. Once you have the capital and experience to upgrade, you can shift to a semi and accept more serious trucking jobs..[/p]
[p]What about you? Which one are you or which one would you want to try out? Comment below.[/p]
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[p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]
[p] Signing off.[/p]
Trucker Spotlight - Debbie Deb <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-debbie_deb-blog-1.jpg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Debbie Deb</strong>, who's been driving for around 3 years now. She describes herself as ambitious, goal oriented, and charismatic. She once drove school busses in Charlotte before she decided to give trucking a try. Let's get to know more about Debbie and how a career in trucking became the perfect fit for her.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
I decided to drive trucks to pay off student loans from attending Virginia Commonwealth University and Northern Virginia Community College. I wanted to be a social worker and save all the little kids in bad environments but overworking myself interfered with my internship. I graduated college with honors and pursued sociology while minoring in psychology & social welfare.
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<h3><strong>What were some challenges that you faced when you started out trucking?</strong></h3>
The biggest challenge was training with a male trainer for six weeks in a confined area. Sometimes my personality can exhibit someone who is recluse rather than always extroverted. Backing up the truck was another huge challenge, due to inexperience. The concept, I'd sometimes forget, was turning the wheel one way then the truck would go in a different direction.
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<h3><strong>In the years that you've been driving, what are the significant changes that you've noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3>
Apparently, the FMCSA has regulations more stringent on hours of service when logging on devices to keep track of movement. Since it's only been three years, it's difficult for me to say.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3>
I started a Youtube channel to publicize my experience as a lady Trucker & try to convince other women that it was okay to step out their comfort zone. Tried to be informative yet entertaining (debbie deb).
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<h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3>
I'm lonely all the time, but I deal with it because it's mind over matter. I love my space, prefer things to be kept clean, & I'm particular about my truck. Therefore, being a solo driver all this time NEVER bothered me. I pray a lot, listen to videos on what many people are oblivious to in society, and enjoy learning more about the self and figuring out ways to grow or even elevate.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-debbie_deb-blog-2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What keeps you busy nowadays? How did the current Covid-19 situation affect your trucking life?</strong></h3>
Working keeps me busy & COVID-19 made me want to elevate more by purchasing my 1st truck on May 7, 2020. Right now, I'm focused my getting my motorcycle & publishing my 1st book about women in trucking.
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<h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3>
It's between the heart of Seattle, WA or the mountains in Denver, CO.
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<h3><strong>What are your must haves or the things that you bring with you when on the road?</strong></h3>
Must things are my Bible, items to protect myself for safety reasons, laptop, hair steamer/hair care products, and vitamins.
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<h3><strong>Favorite Truckstop? Truckstop Food? Favorite truck model?</strong></h3>
My favorite truck stop is the Flying J in Primm, NV, as for the food it'll be O'Charleys! Truck model is the Frieghtliner Coronado Harrison glider.
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<h3><strong>What are your trucking pet peeves?</strong></h3>
Receiving unwarranted attention (I can be shy at times, but you'll never know),when truck drivers dump their pee or pee bottles anywhere & aren't mindful, when being followed outside after a nice shower by another trucker who's trying to make unnecessary conversation, when drivers do their full 30m break at the fuel island in the daytime (late night is different 2am-3am),when truckers cut you off without giving enough space cause their in a hurry etc.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-debbie_deb-blog-3.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring women truckers?</strong></h3>
Don't let discouragement overpower you, choose your trainer wisely, carry a firearm but 1st learn the rules & regulations of each state, protect yourself at all times, have a plan & execute your goals.
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<h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3>
They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF4iBXy6clLrJLmIaDkmlTA/videos">Youtube Channel, Debbie Deb</a>.
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q7rzBMpHE9k" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Hope you guys enjoy!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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Trucker Spotlight - Matthew Garnett <em>The Trucker Spotlight series explores the lives of truckers and their journey to make a difference in their industry. We interview different truck drivers to understand some life lessons that make them who they are today. We also learn more about their motivations, and the problems that they encounter on the job. We also tackle how Trucker Path's solutions helped them with what they do. The information that they provide helps inform other people who are looking to delve into the trucking world.</em>
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-1.jpg" alt=""]
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Today we are putting the spotlight on <strong>Matthew Garnett</strong>, who's been driving for around 10 years now. Trucking is his 3rd career and he was previously a pastor and a front man for a rock band. Let's get to know more about Matt and how his path made its way into trucking.
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to be a trucker?</strong></h3>
Driving trucks was a childhood dream of mine. But of course when I grew up as a teen, the expectation was to
go to college and “get a real job". It was only when I was at my wits end with “real jobs", that I decided to pursue this age old dream. Let me say this, driving trucks is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. The only regret I have is that I didn’t go into trucking sooner!
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<h3><strong>In the years that you have been driving, what are the significant changes that you've
noticed in the trucking industry?</strong></h3>
The biggest thing is the change in the Hours of Service regulations. It seems like this is something Uncle Sam
can’t settle on. Every time we turn around, it seems like the noose tightens more. I wrote an article for <a href="https://thefederalist.com/2017/09/13/truck-driver-overregulation-literally-looks-like-government-deciding-work-eat-sleep/">TheFederalist</a> as well as interviewed on <a href="https://youtu.be/IR4bCB4WpAI">Fox and Friends</a> about this issue.
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The bottom line is, it makes us truckers hurry more instead of keeping the motoring public safe.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-5.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>What made you decide to put up your Youtube channel?</strong></h3>
Trucking companies do their best to train drivers but unfortunately there’s nothing better than on the ground
experience. I only wish I had some open deck trucking vet showing me the basics of things via a first person camera. Put simply, there was a lot that I didn’t get in training that I had to learn the hard way. Why should guys have to learn the hard way when I can show them via my own personal experience on a Youtube channel?
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<h3><strong>Any times when you get lonely while driving? How do you deal with it?</strong></h3>
No doubt. You’re not going to avoid that. The way I deal with it is constantly occupying my mind. Each day, I have a plan to learn something new each. I have a plan to listen to radio stations and podcasts that will motivate me to keep trucking. One thing I have found very helpful is to listen to podcasts that feature our war fighters. Listening to those men talk about how they’ve defended my freedom to drive trucks gets me through those rough times.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-2.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>As a trucker, what are the current struggles in this COVID19 pandemic?</strong></h3>
It’s been good for us truckers. The biggest “struggle” has been being required to wear a mask when at shippers and receivers. It’s been a wise move to deem us as “essential”. We’ll throw the rest of you on our backs and get the economy back to normal.
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Incidentally, I was on <a href="https://youtu.be/xv_s2WplTk4">Fox Business News</a> with Neil Cavuto discussing this topic.
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<h3><strong>What are your usual routes? Favorite scenic truck route?</strong></h3>
One of the most beautiful routes is I40 out of the Carolinas into Tennessee. The fact you have to shift a lot there is overcome by the beauty of those Smokies! As of late, I’m stuck in the Midwest running regional. But still, some loads put me right on Lake Michigan. A lot of loads put me in the middle of corn fields. Sure I love the spectacular scenery, but looking at acres and acres of corn still inspires me. The rows are perfectly straight. Some farmer took the time to make that happen and I love it.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-6.jpg" alt=""]
<h3><strong>What was your weirdest or most unusual haul?</strong></h3>
I’ve hauled a lot of strange and irregular stuff running open deck, but the one that sticks out to me is a haul I did
when I was training with my veteran teacher, Gary. Gary and I got a run picking up on a farm in the middle of nowhere Nebraska. Honestly, we thought we were lost on the way to the pickup. We were on a narrow dirt road and both of us thought, “This can’t be right……”. Turns out we were picking up a load of potatoes from a small farmer to deliver to Kansas City. It was a unique loading process into our dry van. The unloading was even more amazing. There, we had to detach from the trailer and watch as a gigantic crane and conveyer picked up our trailer into mid-air and emptied it out like a giant emptying out a can of soup! To be sure, if wasn’t hooked on trucking before then, I knew this is what I wanted to do.
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<h3><strong>How often do you use rest stops / truck stops? What are the things that you look for in a truck stop? Favorite truck stop meal?</strong></h3>
Truck stops are a part of the life unless you’re a home daily driver. Being a regional driver, I know the best places to stop for the stuff I’m looking for which is two things: water and coffee. I’ve found that it pays to have your own food and a way to cook it (microwave) already on board. You want to be as self contained as possible. Still, I treat myself to a triple cheeseburger with fries once a week. Don’t do that everyday. But still, you’ve got to give yourself a break! Find a spot to get that sammich!
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-4.jpg" alt=""]
<h3><strong>What are the common troubles or problems you encounter while trucking?</strong></h3>
Driving flatbed means you’re going to get into pickles. You’re going to roll into construction sites that are tight
and where you most likely will get stuck…..like stuck where the crane man has to pull you out. Biggest thing is, don’t panic. Take your time and don’t tear up your equipment no matter what. Also, weight is both a blessing and a curse. Weight / over-dimension and miles is big bucks. But if you get popped for being overweight on an axel, that big money now goes to Uncle Sam. Make sure you know how to axel out your truck and run legally.
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<h3><strong>What are your pet peeves while driving/trucking?</strong></h3>
My Number One pet peeve is that Four-Wheelers do not know how to merge onto interstates! Don’t give them the time of day. It’s not my responsibility to help them merge. If you don’t know how to merge, sell your car and take the bus! You have a brake and an accelerator. Either go ahead of me on the ramp or drop back. I ain’t changing lanes for you unless it’s in my interest to do so.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/09/tsmg-blog-3.jpg" alt=""]
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<h3><strong>We're glad that you use the Trucker Path app on your day to day trucking. What features do you enjoy the most?</strong></h3>
The <a href="http://www.truckerpath.com">Trucker Path</a> app is fantastic. It tells me first and foremost if a truck scale is open or closed. Also, the parking feature is very accurate. It’s a Google maps for truckers.
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<h3><strong>What are some tips that you would like to share for aspiring truckers?</strong></h3>
Do not let your pride get you into an accident. If you’re not sure, don’t do it. Yeah some jackasses might try to make fun of you, but pay them no mind. Always ask questions. The worst drivers are those who act like they know it all. Make it your goal that once you’re driving 50 years you’re still willing to learn and ask questions.
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<h3><strong>Where can people watch your videos on Youtube?</strong></h3>
They can view my videos on my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb0huNWBw2OPZeRu6JAyz7Q">Youtube Channel, Trucker Hacks</a>.
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4rTSTnqCVCk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Hope you guys enjoy!
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<h4>By Aldous Aldwin</h4>
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