Get Home Daily: The Best Trucking Jobs for Work-Life Balance

CDL Driver Jobs

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required to operate commercial vehicles that exceed a specific size and weight limit, consisting of three classes, Class A, Class B, and Class C, with Class A being the most common. Each classification permits the licensed driver to operate various vehicles, such as flatbed trucks, tractor-trailers, and livestock carriers.

In addition to the CDL, certain vehicles also require proper endorsements for the driver to legally operate – for instance, in order to haul hazardous materials or passengers.

While many CDL driver positions involve long-haul responsibilities, which are also typically higher paying, there are job opportunities that keep you close to home. Here are a few:

• Fuel Tanker Truck Driver: This position requires a CDL and special endorsements, as it involves driving a specialized vehicle, transporting flammable liquids, and delivering to commercial filling and/or gas stations. It generally offers a consistent work schedule and no overnight deliveries.
• Dedicated Driver: A Dedicated driver will be assigned dedicated accounts and routes within a certain radius, which helps keep you close to home. This position usually offers consistent pay while allowing you the flexibility to choose your own schedule.
• Shuttle Truck Driver: Shuttle truck drivers often work with airports, hotels, stadiums, or popular tourist attractions. Primary duties include shuttling passengers and helping with their luggage. This position may be for you if you enjoy interacting with people, have excellent customer service skills, and have a clean driving record. It can also involve moving equipment or transporting loads from one place to another, whether a warehouse, supplier, or bakery.

Just because a job ad requires a CDL, don’t assume it’s a long-haul position. Take the time to read the job description more carefully and determine the distance or time requirements. If it’s a company you’re interested in working with, it’s also worth contacting them and putting in an application, making note of your preferred schedule to see if they have anything that fits.

Non-CDL Driver Jobs

Non-CDL driver jobs only require standard licensing because they involve driving smaller vehicles not categorized in the CDL size and weight limitations. These roles are also integral to the industry, as they ensure the transport and safety of various goods and materials.  Some examples of non-CDL jobs include:

• Delivery Driver: The job of a delivery driver is to load, transport, and deliver goods from place to place. Other duties may include delivery deadlines and obtaining customer signatures. Delivery driver routes typically remain local, meaning you’ll be home with loved ones at the end of the day.
• Courier: A courier driver works a designated route, picking up and delivering packages on time. While similar to the delivery driver, a courier may also fulfill same-day orders/deliveries for customers.
• Last-Mile Cargo: In certain areas, you can sign-on as a last-mile cargo driver, which means you can help stores and shipping centers in the area get orders to customers. While perhaps more sporadic since there is no set schedule or route, last-mile jobs sometimes pay more and offer more flexibility. Some examples of what you could deliver include groceries, retail shipments, and small pallets.

Non-Driving Trucking Jobs that Keep the Industry Moving Forward

While truck drivers are essential to the trucking industry, an array of non-driving jobs are also crucial in keeping things running smoothly. These positions include dispatchers, warehouse workers, mechanics, load planners, and sales representatives.

• Dispatcher: A dispatcher coordinates truck driver schedules and routes and communicates with shippers and customers.
• Mechanic: This position involves the repair and upkeep of all trucks and other equipment.
• Warehouse Worker: Responsibilities include inventory management and loading and unloading trucks at the warehouse.
• Load Planner: A load planner coordinates the loading of materials and goods onto trucks while ensuring all cargo is properly distributed and secured.

Where to Find CDL and Non-CDL Trucking Jobs

Searching online is one of the best ways to find CDL and non-CDL trucking jobs. Trucking industry jobs are often featured on job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor. Other options include attending job fairs and company-sponsored community events, which present opportunities to learn about the company and connect with existing employees. And finally, by directly visiting the company website, you can learn about company values and job opportunities in the career section.

Bottom line, the trucking industry offers several opportunities for those seeking a fulfilling career and a healthy work-life balance. Whether you’re already working in the industry and looking for a change, or you’re just starting out, there are plenty of job options that offer daily home time and a predictable schedule. Taking into account your priorities and job requirements will help you find the right trucking job for you.

We’ve Been Balancing Family and Work Since 1978

TCI has been in the trucking industry for over 40 years, and we credit much of our success to our “people-first” mentality. We are always expanding our services and finding ways to help customers excel. We also know that a company is only as good as its employees, which is why we strive to create a positive work environment and provide opportunities for success and future advancement for people of all levels and backgrounds. To find out more about TCI and the positions we have available, visit TCIcareers.com