Want to know what some of the highest-paying trucking jobs are? Read on. Whether you’re looking to start your career in the trucking industry or you’re an experienced truck driver ready for your next big move, this article will help you.

Truck drivers typically earn an average of about $30.74 per hour, roughly over $60,000 annually. But this depends on several factors, including the type of truck driving job, number of miles driven, willingness to endure risk, location, etc. Some experienced drivers earn way more (over $320,900) yearly, and others earn less than the average salary.

Here is a list of the highest-paying trucking jobs to help you make a well-calculated career move and make good money.

The Highest Paying Truck Driver Jobs

As you go through the list below, remember that all the salaries outlined are estimates of the average amount most truck drivers earn in different positions. The actual take-home salary for individual drivers in the same type of trucking job may vary from one week or month to the other.

Skilled drivers with clean driving records and additional endorsements under the following truck driving positions nearly always earn the highest:

Owner Operator Driver

Owner-operators are essentially business owners running their own trucking company. They earn the most between $190,140 and $541,624, on average, because their earning potential depends on how well they run their business.

As an owner-operator, you’ll still have to comply with FMCSA’s strict hours of service regulations, but you’ll have total control over your working schedule. Because of this, there’s no cap on how much you can earn. You’re in charge of the amount of work you take – the more you work, the more you’ll make.

Also, owner-operators have one of the best opportunities for growth within the trucking industry. You can operate in multiple niches and on different routes as an over-the-road or regional truck driver, provided you have the required qualifications. You may even expand your operations and become a fleet owner after some time.

Specialized Team Drivers

Team driving involves two truck drivers taking turns driving the same truck to keep the load moving for up to 22 hours a day, cutting cargo delivery time in half compared to solo drivers. Team drivers complete trips in about three days, whereas solo drivers take six days or more.

The national average annual salary for team truck drivers is approximately $119,464, but specialized team drivers hauling protected loads can earn more. For instance, Department of Defense team drivers skilled in transporting firearms, explosives, or cash typically earn over $8,000 weekly while sharing driving and guarding duties.

Ice Road Truck Driver

Ice road trucking is a famous trucking industry niche with higher-than-average pay. That’s because ice road truckers face unique risks traversing challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions compared to other drivers.

Specifically, ice road drivers operate in remote areas during extreme winter weather and earn an average salary of about $62,422. Making over $60,000 in just four months is quite lucrative. It’s almost the same amount the average dry van load or regional truck drivers make in a year (around $67,000).

Heavy Haul or Oversized Load Drivers

Oversized load drivers transport specialized equipment whose dimensions exceed the standard legal dimensions provided by federal regulations. These over-dimension loads include construction equipment, mobile homes, and heavy industrial machinery.

Drivers operating trucks with oversized loads require extraordinary skills to navigate roads safely. They earn an average annual salary of about $96,532. But this depends on the length, height, and weight of the over-dimension loads hauled. The heavier the load you transport, the higher the pay will be.

Tanker Hauler

Tanker drivers transport liquids in tankers and fall under two categories:

• Truck drivers who transport hazmat liquid loads, like gasoline and liquid propane
• Truck drivers who transport regular non-hazardous liquid supplies, like water or milk.

Transporting hazardous liquid loads is perilous because of their high flammability. A mistake by a hazardous liquid tanker driver can result in devastating fires and intense heat. Given the risks and skills required for transporting hazmat liquid loads, hazmat tanker truck drivers earn an average salary exceeding $100,000 annually.

In contrast, tanker drivers transporting non-hazardous liquid loads earn approximately $88,824 per year.

Hazmat Truck Driver

Hazmat truck drivers transport hazardous materials, which are dangerous and highly toxic. They need to be more careful and alert than nearly all other drivers because the stakes are higher.

A hazardous materials accident can cause a public disaster, leading to a lengthy and expensive clean-up, loss of life, and profits for the hazmat driver and the trucking company.

Considering all these risks and the need for specialized equipment plus additional endorsements required for the job, hazmat drivers typically earn more than $105,500 annually.

Mining Industry Drivers

Mining industry truck drivers operate massive dump trucks required for mining and quarry operations. They transport extracted resources, including minerals and rocks, from the mines to storage areas and processing plants.

These drivers need to be more cautious to operate safely in confined areas and in rough terrain with smaller commercial vehicles and different mining equipment. They must also comply with various transportation and environmental regulations to prevent pollution and avoid inhaling harmful fumes, chemicals, and dust.

Because of the hazardous nature of the entire mining environment, the average annual salary range of most mining industry truckers is more than $95,000 annually.

Car Haulers

Car haulers, also known as specialty vehicle haulers, transport high-value vehicles like luxury automobiles, collectibles, and race cars. They must be extra keen when driving to avoid damaging the specialty vehicles under transport. These drivers must also take additional measures to protect their high-value loads from theft. Specialty vehicle haulers’ salary ranges from $74,815 to $121,002 (or more) annually.

Private Carrier Drivers

Becoming a truck driver for private fleets or carriers, like Amazon, Walmart, Pepsi, or other major retail companies, is one of the most desired jobs in the trucking industry. Such company drivers enjoy the safety of a well-paying trucking job and industry-leading benefit packages.

Private fleet drivers can earn around $110,000 in their first year with a retail company like Walmart. You must have a clean driving record and a few years of experience to qualify for this job.

Highest-Paid Truck Drivers By State

Truck driver earnings differ per state. This means the average salary for regional truck drivers in Mississippi differs from the compensation of regional drivers in Kentucky, Ohio, California, etc. The same goes for other types of truck driving jobs, such as dry van drivers, flatbed drivers, you name it.

If you want to get an above average pay as a trucker in any trucking job, the highest-paying states to consider operating in include:

1. Delaware – average salary is $70,901
2. Rhode Island – $70,834
3. Kentucky – $68,557
4. Pennsylvania – $68,232
5. Indiana – $67,33

Final Thoughts

Truck driving is a rewarding career, no matter what type of driving job you start with. Once you’re in the industry, you can open several new and lucrative doors to grow professionally and financially.

You’ll have to acquire in-demand skills and keep a clean driving record to access the highest-paying opportunities in various trucking jobs. Most truckers begin as local drivers for trucking companies and then work their way to becoming independent owner-operators.

If you’re an experienced truck driver ready to make your big career change and become an owner-operator, email or call us. We’ll customize our first-time buyer loans to your needs and help you purchase your first truck. So you can get started with ease.

All commercial drivers need to be in good health in order to maintain their license. The Department of Transportation has strict health requirements for commercial truck drivers, which is why they have a regular physical exam process in place.

Passing your DOT exam is necessary to operate a commercial vehicle. This is why it’s so important to understand exactly what this exam involves and what factors could lead to failing it.

We’ll break down everything you need to know in the guide below.

What is a DOT Physical?

A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a health check required for commercial drivers in the U.S. It ensures drivers are physically fit to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.

The DOT physical examination, required for a commercial driver’s license, assesses the vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health of the commercial driver. You need to meet these requirements every two years to maintain your commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Who Needs a DOT Physical?

Anyone who is looking to obtain or renew a CDL in the United States needs to take a DOT physical. This mandatory health examination ensures you can operate commercial motor vehicles safely.

Drivers need to undergo a DOT physical every two years to hold a medical certification that lets them maintain their CDL.

What Does a DOT Physical Consist Of?

Certified medical examiners perform a series of checks and look into your established medical history during your DOT physical exam.

Complete Medical History

During a DOT physical, truck drivers are required to provide a detailed medical history to the DOT-approved medical examiner.

This includes information about any existing or past medical conditions, surgeries, medications, and relevant health concerns. Honest and accurate disclosure from CDL drivers is crucial for a comprehensive assessment.

Eyesight and Hearing

Certified medical examiners assess the driver’s visual acuity and peripheral vision. Excellent vision is essential for commercial driving.

Specific vision requirements exist by state driver licensing agencies to ensure drivers can perceive and react to hazards. Hearing is also checked to ensure drivers can hear normal conversational tones and relevant sounds on the road.

If you operate a commercial motor vehicle, good sight and hearing are critical to help you avoid accidents.

Urine Test

A urine test is often part of the DOT physical to screen for underlying health conditions like diabetes or kidney issues. It could also be used for drug and alcohol testing, ensuring drivers meet regulatory standards for substance use.

Blood Pressure

Checking for high blood pressure is a standard part of the physical to evaluate cardiovascular health. Drivers must meet specific blood pressure criteria to ensure they’re fit for the demands of operating commercial vehicles safely.

Sleep Apnea Test

Though not always part of the standard DOT physical, some examiners may assess drivers for sleep apnea risk.

This involves evaluating factors like body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, and other indicators that may suggest a risk of sleep apnea, a medical condition that can affect driver alertness.

Physical Examination

A comprehensive physical examination is conducted to assess the overall health and physical fitness of the driver.

This includes evaluating the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, musculoskeletal health, and general physical condition. The goal is to identify any potential issues that could affect the ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

DOT Disqualifying Medical Conditions

The Department of Transportation has specific medical standards, and certain medical conditions could disqualify you from obtaining or maintaining your CDL. Some disqualifying medical conditions include:

• Cardiovascular issues: Severe heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and certain cardiovascular diseases could disqualify a driver.
• Vision problems: Severe vision impairments that cannot be fixed with corrective lenses could lead to disqualification.
• Hearing loss: Complete hearing loss or significant impairment may disqualify a driver, as hearing is crucial for communication and situational awareness on the road.
• Epilepsy and seizures: Drivers with a history of seizures or epilepsy may be disqualified, especially if the condition is not well-controlled.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes or complications related to the disease can lead to disqualification. Drivers with insulin-treated diabetes must meet specific requirements.
• Drug and alcohol addiction: Substance abuse issues, including a history of drug or alcohol dependence, can disqualify a driver. Regular testing is conducted to monitor substance use.
• Psychiatric conditions: Certain mental health conditions, if severe, may disqualify a driver. This includes conditions that may affect judgment, stability, or cognitive function.
• Sleep apnea: While not an automatic disqualification, severe untreated sleep apnea can affect a driver’s ability to stay alert on the road. Specific treatment adherence may be required.
• Loss of limb: Significant loss of a limb or impairment that hinders safe vehicle operation may disqualify a truck driver.

What if I Don’t Pass My DOT Medical Exam?

If you fail your DOT medical exam, talk to the examiner about the reasons. Address any health issues with your doctor, consider a second opinion, and explore a medical waiver, if applicable.

After addressing these concerns, schedule a re-exam, and, if necessary, consider the appeal process. Stay in communication with medical professionals to increase your chances of passing future exams and maintaining your CDL eligibility.

How Often Must I Get a DOT Medical Exam?

You must get a DOT medical exam every two years to maintain or renew your CDL. This regular examination ensures that you meet the health standards necessary for safely operating commercial vehicles on the road.

Final Thoughts

Commercial drivers should pay close attention to their health and regularly monitor any symptoms that could cause a DOT exam failure. While there are ways to potentially get around any health issues, it’s important that you stay up to date with your health and keep in control of any symptoms that could result in failure.

A health check is an essential step in maintaining your commercial driver license. Of course, you’ll also need to get the right vehicle in order to be a truck driver. Speak to us at Mission Financial if you need the easiest route to financing your semi-truck.

Health tips for truck drivers are crucial considering truckers in the U.S. are more prone to lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease compared to other working adults

Additionally, they face an increased risk of musculoskeletal pain, especially chronic back pain, due to their sedentary lifestyle and prolonged periods of sitting behind the wheel.

However, there are several strategies truck drivers can adopt to mitigate these health risks and lead a healthier life while on the road. Here are some essential health tips specifically tailored for truck drivers

Common Job Health Hazards For Truck Drivers

Professional truck drivers, especially over-the-road (OTR) drivers, face several health hazards while on duty. Some of the most common occupational health hazards in the trucking field include:

• Prolonged driving in poor postures. This increases the risk of severe leg, lower back, and neck pain. Whole-body vibrations can also impair musculoskeletal functions and lead to fatigue.
• Prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Too much sun exposure can cause eye damage.
  Inhalation of exhaust fumes
• Long-term exposure to engine noise that’s too loud (Over 80 decibels) – can lead to severe headaches while increasing the risk of hearing loss.
• Exposure to toxic substances when transporting hazardous cargo. There’s also an increased risk of contamination or infection from biologically hazardous material.
• Limited access to nutritionally balanced meals
• Unbalanced sleep routines
• High stress levels. Often, this is due to changing road situations and being away from family members for too long.

8 Tips for Better Health

While all the factors above threaten your overall health and well-being as a truck driver, you can minimize their impact by actively taking several steps to stay healthy. Here are a few truck driver health tips you can easily weave into your daily routine to promote good health.

Maintain A Healthy Diet

Many truck drivers opt for fast food and sodas because of their easy availability, low cost, and convenience for their on-the-go lifestyle. However, these food choices are detrimental to health. Fast food consumption is linked to increased risk of medical conditions such as high blood pressure and obesity.

To avoid health problems, it’s essential to reduce the consumption of junk food and transition to a healthier diet. A nutritious diet enhances the immune system, improving the body’s ability to combat illnesses, promotes better sleep, and regulates blood sugar levels.

A healthy diet for truck drivers should include foods rich in iron, Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C, such as leafy vegetables, salads, nuts, fruits, and whole grains. Planning meals can help establish healthy eating habits as part of daily routines.

For over-the-road (OTR) drivers who enjoy snacking, opt for low-sugar, high-protein, fiber-rich snacks like whole grain crackers.

It’s beneficial to eat small, light portions of food at a time rather than large servings. Consistently eating smaller portions promotes alertness and focus on the job, while consuming large quantities can lead to fatigue.

Avoid Stimulants Like Caffeine

Overindulging in coffee and energy drinks can have detrimental effects on your body, offering only a temporary surge of energy and alertness. It’s crucial to recognize that these beverages are not substitutes for adequate rest. Instead of relying on them whenever you feel tired, prioritize getting proper rest.

If you enjoy coffee, consider gradually reducing your consumption to lessen dependence. Explore healthier alternatives such as incorporating blended fruits and vegetables into your diet to create nutritious green smoothies. These alternatives can provide sustained energy without the potential negative consequences associated with excessive caffeine intake.

Stay Hydrated

Staying well-hydrated is one of the most underrated health tips for truck drivers. Hydration is vital for truck drivers’ health. Many overlook its benefits, only drinking when thirsty or at truck stops. Aim to drink a few glasses of water regularly to stay hydrated and healthy.

Take Breaks and Stretch

Taking regular breaks to stretch and rest during trips is vital, especially if you are a long-haul truck driver. Regular stretching decreases the risk of injuries from being behind the wheel for long hours. It also improves your mental health and alertness and, thus, is essential for your safety during long-haul trucking.

Make it a habit to stretch for 5 to 10 minutes daily during your downtime, i.e., when refueling or waiting for freight loading or offloading.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise makes a big difference in your physical and mental health. When done right, exercise corrects your body posture, reversing the adverse effects of driving for extended periods. Proper workouts also:

• Helps reduce stress
• Improve your immune system responses
• Boost cardiovascular health
• Helps maintain the correct body weight for your height, body type, and bone structure
• Keep your energy levels up throughout the day

You don’t need hours of workout or gym equipment to reap all the benefits of regular exercise. Take a few minutes from your daily schedule to perform a mobility and strength training exercise routine, then walk or jog for at least 15 minutes.

Quit Smoking

If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking compromises your immunity, making you vulnerable to several health issues, including lung and heart diseases.

Smoking negates the benefits of other healthy habits you may adopt as a truck driver. Even if you eat well and exercise regularly, smoking keeps your risk of heart or lung problems elevated.

Get Enough Sleep

Proper sleep is vital for your health and safety on the road. It restores your body so you can stay focused when driving.

To ensure you get high-quality sleep, wear a sleep mask or close the curtains to prevent light from entering the sleeping area. Sleeping in a completely dark area keeps your melatonin levels high, improving sleep quality.

Manage stress

Stress affects your ability to operate your truck safely – too much stress can make you lose focus when driving. This puts you and other road users at risk of severe injuries from fatal crashes. You can manage stress and remain mindful of your mental health by:

• Practicing meditation
• Taking breaks to relax and actively take in fresh air
• Listening to your favorite tunes
• Staying connected with your loved ones and speaking to them regularly

Final Thoughts

Truck driver health is a concern for almost all stakeholders in the trucking industry because it’s tied to public road safety. The healthier you are, the safer you’ll be on the road.

Implementing the health tips we’ve discussed can contribute to a long, healthy, and safe career as a trucker. However, you don’t need to adopt all these changes at once. Start gradually by focusing on one or two habits at a time.

Consistency is key. The objective is to establish a healthier lifestyle for the long term.

For more truck driver health and safety tips, check out our detailed guides about safety for truckers.

Truck driving and staying fit and healthy is crucial.

While truck driving involves many risks, such as commercial truck accidents, many drivers overlook the importance of taking care of their body. This is something that can have an enormous impact on your overall career and life.

Luckily, truck driving and staying fit on the road isn’t as difficult as you might think. Let’s explore some tips and tactics to help you achieve this.

Trucker Health Concerns

As a truck driver, you spend many hours sitting behind the wheel each day. This makes it hard to live a healthy lifestyle – which is why truck drivers face so many health concerns.

For example, over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers are twice as likely to develop obesity. The life expectancy of truck drivers is also 16 years less than people in other professions.

Knowing how to avoid accidents is important for your occupational safety, but it’s also critical that short and long-haul truck drivers look after their health. Exercising regularly and eating healthy should be a top priority for any truckers looking to avoid obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health concerns related to truck driving.

Benefits of Exercise

Of all the healthy habits, regular exercise is one of the most important things for truck drivers to do. Here are some main reasons why exercise is so important for those wishing to stay healthy.

Improved Physical Health

Regular exercise can enhance cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and improve overall physical fitness across multiple muscle groups. This contributes to better stamina and endurance, making it easier to handle the physical challenges associated with truck driving.

Reduced Stress

Truck driving often involves tight schedules, traffic, and other stressors. Engaging in regular exercise can be a powerful tool for stress management.

Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, helping truck drivers cope with the pressures of the job more effectively.

Improved Posture

Sitting for extended periods in a truck can take a toll on posture. Incorporating exercises that focus on core strength and flexibility can help truck drivers maintain proper posture.

This not only contributes to better comfort during long drives, but also reduces the risk of musculoskeletal issues associated with poor posture.

Weight Management

The nature of truck driving, with its sedentary nature and limited food options on the road, can contribute to weight-related issues. Regular exercise, combined with a balanced diet, plays a vital role in helping truck drivers lose weight and stay healthy.

More Energy

Contrary to common belief, regular exercise boosts energy levels. For truck drivers facing long and demanding routes, incorporating physical activity into their routine can lead to increased energy and alertness.

Improved Sleep

Quality sleep is crucial for the well-being and safety of truck drivers. Exercise has been linked to better sleep patterns, as it helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and promotes relaxation.

If you exercise regularly, you can enhance the quality of your sleep. This leads to improved mental and physical readiness for the challenges of the road.

Exercise Tips for Truckers

Finding truck stop gyms and exercise equipment is not always easy. Not to mention finding the time to exercise. However, with the right approach to exercise, staying fit as a truck driver is completely possible. Here are a few tips to help you achieve this.

Start Small

There’s no need to go overboard with exercise. Instead, start at a manageable pace and build your fitness and exercise routine up over time. For truckers, starting small could mean incorporating short walks, stretching routines, or simple exercises.

Use What’s Around You

Take advantage of your surroundings. Use rest areas or truck stops to perform body weight exercises like squats, lunges, or push-ups. Incorporate the features of the environment, such as steps or ledges, for your workouts.

Travel with Small Exercise Equipment

Carry compact exercise equipment like resistance bands, dumbbells, or a jump rope. This lets you do a variety of exercises wherever you are without taking up much room in your truck.

Simple exercise tools are also great gift ideas for semi-truck drivers.

Do it First Thing

Establish a morning exercise routine. By prioritizing exercise at the beginning of your day, you set a positive tone and ensure that it doesn’t get neglected because of time constraints or fatigue later in the day.

Break it Up

Another approach is to fit in short exercise sessions throughout the day. Instead of trying to find a big block of time, break your workout into smaller segments. This can make exercise more manageable and easier to incorporate into your busy schedule.

Exercise While You Drive

Explore options for exercising while you’re behind the steering wheel. Simple isometric exercises, like contracting and releasing muscles, or using resistance bands, can be done while sitting in the driver’s seat. These exercises help promote blood circulation and reduce stiffness.

Keep it Consistent

Consistency is key to seeing long-term benefits.

Establish a regular exercise routine that aligns with your driving schedule. Whether it’s daily, every other day, or a set number of times per week to maximize the positive impact of your efforts.

Keep Track Of Your Goals

Set realistic fitness goals and track your progress. This could include milestones like increasing the duration of your walk or adding more repetitions to your exercises.

4 Great Bodyweight Exercises for Truck Drivers

Here are four simple exercises that any truck driver can do while out on the road.

Push-Ups

Push-ups are a fantastic bodyweight exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core muscles. They require no equipment and can be adapted to various fitness levels.

For truck drivers, push-ups are an excellent way to build upper body strength, and you can easily integrate them into a quick workout routine at rest stops or during breaks.

Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks provide a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular fitness, agility, and coordination. They engage the leg muscles, work the core, and elevate the heart rate.

Truck drivers can incorporate jumping jacks into their routine as a simple yet effective way to get the blood flowing and boost energy levels.

Squats

Squats are a powerful lower body exercise that targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. They are especially beneficial for truck drivers who spend long hours sitting.

Squats help strengthen the muscles involved in posture and you can do them without any equipment.

Lunges

Lunges are a great exercise for targeting the muscles in the legs, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. They also engage the core for stability.

You can do lunges in various directions, making them a versatile exercise that helps improve balance and coordination. Truck drivers can perform lunges during breaks to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.

Final Thoughts

Whether you opt for in-cab workout systems or just do a few exercises each morning before hitting the road, it can make a major difference to your overall health and longevity.

This is something that all truck drivers should prioritize for a more successful career. Plus, when you exercise regularly, you’ll soon see just how much better you feel on the road each day.

Are you looking to purchase a new semi-truck? Then get in touch with us at Mission Financial Services, where we make it easy to gain financing for your ideal commercial vehicle.