Business

What Different Jobs Do Commercial Truck Drivers Do?

Understanding the different jobs commercial truck drivers do is essential, especially if you’re looking to build a solid career in the trucking industry.

There are several types of commercial truck drivers. Each has different tasks depending on the truck driven, goods hauled, and distance traveled.

We’ve prepared this quick guide to help you understand the most common types of commercial truck driver job categories and their typical duties. We’ll also briefly discuss some requirements and skills you need to excel at various commercial truck driving jobs.

Different Types Of Commercial Truck Driving Jobs

Here are nine common types of commercial truck driver job categories you can consider pursuing:

Dry Van Haulers

Dry van trucking is one of the most traditional truck driving jobs. It involves moving well-packaged, dry goods that don’t need strict temperature control. The dry van is usually a tractor-trailer combination resembling a box with all sides enclosed but has an opening (the door) at the back.

Primary Duties

The primary duty of dry van drivers is hooking up to loaded tractor-trailers and following assigned routes to deliver goods to various destinations. They don’t load or offload the cargo, but they may have to:

Inspect cargo before leaving their pickup station to ensure everything is loaded correctly.
Handle basic mechanical problems as needed.
Manage inventory and collect signatures to verify delivery.

Requirements

As a minimum, you need a class-A commercial driver’s license to secure a job as a dry van driver. This will allow you to drive commercial motor vehicles with a wide gross weight range.

You could, for instance, drive a tractor with over 26,000 pounds and drag one trailer with over 10,000 pounds. Or drive a tractor-trailer combination with double or triple trailers ranging from 120,000 to 148,000 in total weight. Hauling double and triple trailers requires additional doubles and triple endorsement.

Freight Haulers

In freight hauling, truck drivers transport and deliver all types of cargo that dry van hauling cannot deliver. These include specialty freight such as liquids and hazardous materials. Often, freight haulers move larger loads and equipment than small packages. They can also travel over short or long distances.

Primary Duties

Overseeing freight loading to ensure freight weight limits are adhered to.
Securing the freight in place to prevent damage during transport.
Performing basic motor vehicle service checks to ensure the tractor-trailer is in good order before departure. This may include checking the oil and fluid levels plus tire pressure.

Requirements

Besides an active class A commercial driver’s license, most employers require you to have experience transporting large freight. That’s because transporting oversized cargo requires proper balancing throughout the trip.

For specific cargo, like hazardous materials, you must follow a few safety procedures to comply with all federal laws governing the transportation of hazardous materials. Here’s a detailed guide on complying with federal hazardous materials safety regulations to help you understand all the required safety procedures.

Reefer or Refrigerated Commercial Truck Drivers

As the name suggests, refrigerated or reefer commercial motor vehicle drivers haul goods that need specific temperature control. Most times, they transport perishable food items to grocery stores and restaurants.

Primary Duties

Apart from their standard driving duties, reefer tractor-trailer truck drivers are responsible for:

Ensuring their motor vehicle is always at the right temperature when transporting various goods.
Keeping their trailers clean and sanitary
Loading and unloading their tractor-trailers
Regular maintenance to fuel the cooling units and fix any refrigeration issues

Requirements

You require refrigerated trucking skills and all the skills class A CDL drivers must have. Some employers may request a specialized refrigeration certification as well for this job.

Flatbed Commercial Truck Drivers

Flatbed commercial motor vehicle drivers transport machinery and other dry products on open-air trailers. The cargo moved by flatbed drivers is usually too large or awkward and cannot fit into regular dry van trailers. These items may include lumber, steel pipes, or large tanks.

Primary Duties

Load and unload truck
Secure load with chains and tarps to prevent damage during transport
Inspect the vehicle to ensure it’s in safe working conditions before each trip
Prepare reports on cargo loads and deliveries for record-keeping
Prepare and maintain shipping documents like warehouse receipts, bills of lading, and sale
Communicate with dispatchers to get instructions on deliveries

Requirements

Because this job requires driving large trucks, you’ll have to undergo on-the-job training for about four weeks to learn how to operate flatbed trucks. This is in addition to the driving test you must pass to get your driver’s license CDL (class A) when learning to drive heavy trucks.

Most employers require a high school diploma or associate’s degree for this job. They may also assess your physical health and ability to lift and secure heavy loads since the role involves a bit of manual labor.

Tanker Commercial Truck Drivers

Tanker drivers operate trucks with liquids or gases. They transport different hazardous and non-hazardous loads, such as crude oil, diesel, gasoline, chemicals, or milk, over short and long distances.

Primary Duties

Adhering to strict safety regulations to prevent leakages
Supervise or assist in loading and unloading the tanker. This may include connecting hoses and pumps or removing utility hole covers to unload liquids into fuel tanks and other storage silos.
Maintain accurate logs of working hours and all trip activities.
Ensure the relevant staff receives the cargo and signs for their delivery.

Requirements

Tractor-trailer truck drivers require specialized training to handle tankers and the different types of loads they haul. Depending on the properties of the load you haul, you’ll need to learn how to handle various emergencies like chemical spills. You may also require special certifications, including occupational health and safety certificates, in addition to a class A commercial driver’s license (CDL).

You’ll have to follow all the dot regulations to get the required tank vehicle endorsement for operating tanker trucks. To receive this endorsement, you must pass a written knowledge test and practical exam. If hauling hazardous liquids, you must also abide by all FMCSA rules on transporting hazardous materials.

Location-to-location or Less than truckload (LTL)

LTL tractor-trailer truck drivers transport smaller loads or shipments and often make multiple trips a day. Most drivers drop several packages at various locations. Other drivers pick up or deliver packages to terminals, where they transfer the goods to other trucks, which then deliver the loads along designated routes.

Primary Duties

Safe transport of various types of goods at multiple locations daily
Load and unload trucks several times a day

Requirements

Like all other truck driving jobs, becoming an LTL truck driver requires a commercial driver’s license, but it doesn’t have to be a class A CDL. A class B CDL will do, although you’ll be limited to hauling specific types of trucks.

Most LTL drivers are company drivers, and employers require a few years of experience in a delivery position (about two years) with a clean driving record.

Local Commercial Truck Drivers

Local commercial motor vehicle truck drivers transport goods of varying sizes within their locality. They are different from regional commercial truck drivers who cover longer routes (roughly 1000 miles), even though both types of truck drivers perform almost the same duties.

Primary Duties

Local and regional tractor-trailer truck drivers must ensure their cargo remains safe and in excellent condition during transport.
Coordinate with their respective trucking companies to manage new loads effectively and transport them within specified time frames.
Local truck drivers often assist in loading and unloading cargo, whereas regional truck drivers don’t.

Requirements

Both types of commercial truck drivers require extensive knowledge of the routes they operate in. If you choose these trucking jobs, you’ll have to master the many routes in the geographical area you cover.

Over-the-road Commercial Truck Drivers

Over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers specialize in long-distance hauling. They transport goods over thousands of miles and are usually on the road for long periods.

This is one of the most lucrative trucking careers. CDL drivers earn a minimum of $78,113 annually and enjoy several benefits.

Usually, the drivers are required by law to take rest periods in transit. Because of this, some trucking companies employ team drivers to deliver time-critical cargo. Here, two drivers take turns to drive the same truck, delivering the load faster.

Primary Duties

Complying with all dot regulations, including the hours of service and gross vehicle weight restrictions.
Performing prescribed tractor-trailer inspections and documenting its working conditions before departure.
Supervising cargo loading and unloading. This includes managing inventory and getting clients’ signatures to confirm that all items were delivered in pristine condition.
Logging all trip activities, including the hours and miles driven, rest stop durations, plus fuel, repair, and toll road expenses.
Communicating delays or late deliveries due to breakdowns or accidents to dispatchers.

Requirements

Due to the long hours spent behind the wheel, you have to meet specific medical conditions to qualify for this job. You must pass vision tests and go through high blood pressure checks, among other medical tests.

Most employers may also require you to go through various skills tests before hiring you, even if you are a class A CDL driver with years of experience.

Vocational Commercial Truck Drivers

You can opt for vocational commercial truck driving, which includes tow truck drivers and drivers of garbage trunks or dump trucks.

Conclusion

The trucking industry is diverse and has several career growth opportunities. You can start out in one niche, say a dry van driver, then work your way to being an OTR driver, provided you have the required commercial driving license.

Your job security in the industry is secure if you maintain a clean driving record and possess various skills truck drivers need to succeed.

Read our guide on commercial truck driver salary expectations to estimate how much you’ll earn as a commercial truck driver. If you’re interested in buying a semi-truck and starting your own trucking business instead, contact Mission Financial Services! We’ll help finance your purchase.

Commercial Truck Driver Salary Expectations

How much does a truck driver make? This is a common question for job seekers in the transportation industry.

A commercial truck driver’s salary can vary in a pretty big way. This just depends on factors like what kind of vehicle you’re driving, what you’re hauling, what kind of truck driving distances you’re covering, how experienced you are, and so on.

In this guide, we’ll explore the average truck driver’s salary, as well as break down some of the critical elements that influence a truck driver’s salary.

What Influences a Commercial Truck Driver Salary?

Many different factors influence what truck drivers earn. This is because being a truck driver is an incredibly versatile job, with all kinds of different types of truck drivers out there.

Before we get into the average salary for truck drivers, let’s first explore some of the main factors that influence truck driver salaries.

Experience

One of the most significant factors that influence the average base salary of a truck driver is experience.

Entry-level drivers might earn less than those with many years of experience. Experienced drivers often have a better understanding of the industry. They could be more reliable, more efficient, and more valuable to trucking companies. This means more experienced drivers have a good chance of taking higher-paying positions.

Type of Trucking

There are many different types of commercial truck drivers out there, and the type of trucking you’re involved in can affect your pay.

Some drivers work in long-haul trucking, which might involve extended periods away from home but often pays more.

There could also be additional benefits to long-haul truck driving, such as food and accommodation allowances. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you earn more, it could reduce your living expenses if you’re on the road for long enough.

Local or regional trucking jobs might offer more predictable schedules and less time away but could have slightly lower pay than drivers who cover long distances.

The trucking industry is diverse, with all kinds of different routes, schedules, and types of trucking available. Generally speaking, the more time you spend driving, the more you will get paid. Of course, this is not a hard and fast rule.

What You’re Hauling

The transportation industry includes truckers that haul all kinds of different goods. Some truck drivers require special licenses and training to haul specific loads, which generally results in higher-paid roles.

For example, hazmat truck drivers or drivers of oversized loads will earn more, as they are more specialized. Truck drivers in more dangerous conditions, like ice road truckers, will likely also earn more than a regular truck driver.

Any type of truck driving that requires specialist knowledge and skills will probably generate more money. Pay could also vary based on the type of semi-truck you’re driving.

Company Size

Like any job, a truck driver’s salary can vary greatly depending on the company they work for.

The size and reputation of the trucking company play a big role in compensation. Larger, well-established companies might offer more competitive pay and benefits packages. Small-scale transportation companies might offer a lower salary.

If you’re an owner-operator, then how much you earn comes down to how much work you’re able to take on, and what kind of work you focus on.

Location

Salaries can vary greatly based on the region – each state pays truck drivers differently. Areas with a higher cost of living and greater demand for trucking services might offer higher pay to attract drivers.

It’s also important to understand that long-distance truck drivers often drive across multiple states or even countries. The average truck driver salary of these drivers that span multiple locations is often higher than regional truck drivers on shorter routes.

Benefits

When looking at the average salary of a truck driver, you also need to consider the full benefits package that may be available.

Some trucking companies offer additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses, which can impact the overall compensation package. A truck driver’s salary may often only be one portion of their entire compensation, so it’s important to understand the full picture.

Mileage vs. Hourly Pay

Companies hiring truck drivers make payments in different ways. Some trucking jobs pay drivers based on the number of miles driven, while others offer hourly wages.

Hourly pay might be more favorable in situations where drivers spend a lot of time waiting (e.g., at loading docks) or in traffic. However, drivers who earn based on their miles will earn more if they drive more.

So, there could be a broad range in pay when you compare regional drivers and local drivers against long-distance truckers.

Average Commercial Truck Driver Salary

Now that we know what influences a commercial truck driver’s salary, let’s look into how much a truck driver earns.

According to Talent.com, the average salary for a truck driver in the US is $62,483 per year. This is the median average salary, with the high end being $89,186 for top earners, and the low end being $48,750.

According to Indeed, the average base salary of a truck driver is $1551 per week. This could be broken down as:

$0.48 – $0.75 per mile for a company team driver
$0.40 – $0.64 per mile for a company solo driver
$0.94 – $1.79 per mile for an owner-operator driver

Indeed emphasizes the difference in pay between beginner truck drivers and more experienced commercial drivers.

Conclusion

This guide should give you a good idea of the average pay you can expect as a truck driver. Of course, this could vary greatly for solo drivers, ice road truckers, owner-operators, specialist truck drivers, and more.

Whatever the case, make sure you’re paid fairly when taking on a truck driving job.

Interested in buying a semi-truck and starting your own trucking business? Get in touch with us at Mission Financial, where we can help you gain financing for your commercial vehicle needs.

What To Look For In Semi Truck Rental Opportunities By Owner

Are you looking for semi-truck rental opportunities by owners? If you’re not quite ready to buy a semi-truck, renting one directly from an owner could be a great choice.

Semi truck rental by an owner is often cheaper than from an established rental business. Direct owner rentals could also include benefits like greater attention and support from the owner.

However, there is always risk involved in renting vehicles. This means you must consider a few crucial factors before entering any rental agreement.

Here are some of the most important things to look out for when considering semi truck rental opportunities offered by individual owners.

Factors to Watch Out For: Semi Truck Rental By Owner

Vehicle Condition

When you’re looking for trucks to rent from the owner, the first thing you’ll need to consider is the overall quality and condition of the vehicle.

Thoroughly inspect the semi truck’s condition, both visually and mechanically. Look for signs of wear and tear, proper maintenance, and overall cleanliness. Well-maintained trucks are less likely to experience an accident or breakdowns and delays during your rental period.

This means you’ll need to know how to look for bad shocks or damaged fuel filters. Even though you’re renting and not buying the semi-truck, driving a truck in poor condition can result in more significant issues later.

You’ll also want to ask about the truck’s fuel efficiency and average miles per gallon (MPG). Fuel-efficient trucks can save you money on long journeys.

Maintenance Records

A crucial part of understanding the truck’s condition is knowing how well looked after the semi-truck is.

Request maintenance and service records for the truck. A reliable owner will have a documented history of regular maintenance and repairs. This can give you confidence in the truck’s performance and reduce the risk of unexpected issues.

This is important when looking for semi-truck rental opportunities by owners, as the owner should have clear records of this. If the owner cannot show you the vehicle’s maintenance and service history, this could be a significant red flag that signals many potential issues you may face in the future.

Insurance and Liability

When looking for semi-truck rental opportunities by the owner, you’ll need to ensure the truck is adequately covered in case of an accident.

Ensure the truck is appropriately insured and the owner provides insurance coverage proof. Verify the insurance policy details to understand your responsibilities in case of accidents, damages, or other incidents.

It’s also important to know exactly what the insurance policy does and does not cover before you take the semi-truck onto the roads.

Rental Agreement

Now you have a good idea of the truck’s condition. If you’re happy with the semi-truck, it’s time to go through the rental agreement the owner offers.

Carefully review and understand all the details included in the rental agreement. This document should outline rental terms, rates, payment schedules, maintenance responsibilities, and any additional fees or charges.

If there is anything you need clarification on, clear it up before signing anything.

Rental Duration and Flexibility

Determine the rental period that best suits your needs. Some owners may offer flexible rental periods, which can be beneficial if your project timelines change.

Looking for a semi-truck rental opportunity by the owner can be a helpful way to start a trucking business. However, renting a truck is not as sustainable in the long run, so the rental agreement mustn’t tie you down too much. This could impact the future success of your business.

Cost and Fees

You’ll need to know what your rental agreement includes and what you must pay. The last thing you want is to rent a semi-truck only to discover a list of hidden fees when you start driving.

Compare rental rates with other truck owners to ensure you get a fair deal and competitive rates. Inquire about any hidden fees, such as mileage charges, late return fees, or maintenance costs, that may be your responsibility.

Owner Reputation and References

Researching the owner’s reputation within the industry is always a good idea. Ask for references from previous renters to gather feedback about their experiences and reliability.

While this can be tricky, it could be beneficial when uncovering information about the owner’s rental history.

Support and Assistance

One of the benefits of semi-truck rental opportunities by owners is that the owner may offer support while you rent the truck.

Ask about the owner’s availability for assistance during the rental period. A responsive owner who offers support for maintenance or technical issues can save you time and stress if any problems arise.

Cancellation Policy

Understand the owner’s cancellation policy if you need to end the rental arrangement earlier than planned. This will help you avoid any unnecessary financial issues.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver for any semi-truck driver. Check if the owner provides roadside assistance or if you need to arrange for it separately. Knowing you have support in case of breakdowns or emergencies can give you peace of mind.

If the owner provides roadside assistance, understand what states and locations this is available. You’ll also need to understand what type of assistance is offered.

Communication

Ensure you have a transparent communication system in place with the semi-truck owner. Know how you’ll stay in touch with each other, and know how any issues or queries will be directed.

Precise and reliable communication is essential throughout the semi-truck rental period.

Conclusion

Finding the right semi-truck rental opportunities by owners can be ideal for starting or growing your business.

However, you’ll need to ensure the rental agreement and truck match your requirements.

If you’re looking to purchase a semi-truck, then get in touch with us at Mission Financial. We help all truck drivers access the financing they need to purchase their ideal vehicle – even if it’s an older model.

Renew Your Commercial Vehicle Insurance With These Steps

One of the most essential parts of operating a trucking business is ensuring you have the right commercial vehicle insurance coverage. This means you’ll often have to renew commercial vehicle insurance policies – a process that could require multiple steps.

Renewing your commercial vehicle insurance ensures your business is properly protected on the road. When doing this, there’s a detailed process you should follow.

Here’s a breakdown of how to successfully renew your commercial vehicle insurance policy.

Review Your Policy

Before you renew commercial vehicle insurance, you’ll want to ensure you understand your existing policy.

Take the time to go through your current commercial auto insurance policy. Understand the coverage it provides, the premiums you’re paying, and any deductibles. This will help you assess if the policy still meets your business needs.

Understanding your commercial vehicle insurance policy will also help you establish what areas you have been missing that you want to look for in a new policy.

Shop Around For Commercial Vehicle Insurance

While you can renew with your current insurer, it’s also an excellent opportunity to shop around for better rates and coverage options. Before choosing a commercial vehicle insurance policy that best matches your needs, you’ll need to know what’s out there.

Contact multiple insurance providers and get quotes to compare. This might help you find a more cost-effective policy that suits your requirements. The more commercial vehicle insurance companies you reach out to and investigate, the better you’ll understand the pros and cons of each policy.

Gather Your Commercial Vehicle Information

Before renewing commercial vehicle insurance, you must ensure your business and vehicle information is ready. Gather all necessary documents early on in your commercial vehicle insurance journey. Finding and applying for the right policy will be a far easier process.

Prepare all the necessary information about your business and vehicles. This could include vehicle details, driver information, business registration, and commercial vehicle insurance claim history.

Assess Your Commercial Vehicle Insurance Policy Needs

Your trucking business needs might have changed since you last dealt with an insurance company.
You may have acquired new vehicles, expanded your operations, or made significant changes. Whatever the case, your commercial vehicle insurance coverage needs differ.

So, understand what your commercial vehicle insurance policy needs to include. Beyond covering your vehicle, you could also look for other insurance requirements, like third-party liability, personal accident cover, mechanical or electrical breakdown coverage, financial protection, and more.

Decide On Your Coverage

Based on your commercial vehicle insurance assessment, decide if you need to change your coverage.
You can adjust your policy to include additional coverage options like collision, comprehensive, liability, and more. Make sure the insurance policy aligns with your business risks.

Of course, you’ll also want to consider the commercial auto insurance cost and ensure the insurance provider covers enough insured declared value in their policy. Sometimes, cheap semi-truck insurance isn’t worth the lack of coverage.

Look For Discounts

There’s a good chance that each insurance company you deal with offers a discount. Your commercial vehicle insurance policy could reward you for good driving records, vehicle safety features, bundling multiple policies, or being a loyal customer.

Ask the insurance company you’re interested in about possible discounts. This could help you with the commercial auto insurance cost.

Get In Touch With Your Current Insurer

If you stick with your current insurer, contact them well before your policy expires. This will give you enough time for any necessary paperwork and adjustments.

If you use a new commercial vehicle insurance company, contacting your existing provider is still a good idea. You must follow all the correct steps when ending your policy with them.

Provide Updated Information

This applies if you renew your commercial vehicle insurance policy with the same insurance provider.

If there have been any changes in your business, vehicles, or drivers, inform your insurance provider. This makes sure you have accurate coverage and premium calculations. If the details are wrong on your commercial vehicle insurance premium, claiming your insured vehicle could get messy.

Carefully Review The Renewal Offer

When you get the renewal offer, carefully review the details.

Check for any changes in coverage, premiums, deductibles, and insurance policy terms. Make sure that every detail in your commercial vehicle insurance policy aligns with your expectations.

Ask Questions

If you have any questions or concerns about the renewal offer, don’t hesitate to ask your insurance company or agent. It’s essential to understand the commercial vehicle policy you’re renewing clearly.

The better you understand your commercial vehicle insurance, the more value you could get from your policy.

Make Payment On Time

Pay by the specified due date if you’re happy with the renewal offer. This ensures your commercial vehicle insurance policy coverage continues without any gaps.

The last thing you want is to drive commercial vehicles without any commercial vehicle insurance plans or coverage.

Keep Proof Of Your Insurance

After renewing your policy, keep a copy of your new insurance policy and proof of coverage in your commercial vehicles. This is essential for any legal or regulatory requirements. It will also make any commercial vehicle claim process easier to handle.

Conclusion

Whether you renew your commercial vehicle insurance online or through a representative, following the right steps will help ensure you have the right policy and coverage for your business needs. Taking the time to do this carefully can save your business money while offering greater commercial vehicle insurance coverage.

If you’re looking to purchase a new commercial vehicle, then get in touch with us at Mission Financial. We can help all kinds of truck drivers gain financing for practically any kind of new and used commercial vehicles.

Best Commercial Truck Insurance Brokers

Finding the best commercial truck insurance brokers can be a tricky task.

Before you go ahead and sign a policy with the first insurance provider you come across, make sure you understand what options are out there. Different commercial insurance plans can vary significantly in both cost and coverage. Your truck is your business’s most important asset, so you must protect it adequately.

This guide explores some of the best brokers to consider to help you find the right insurance company to match your commercial trucking needs.

How To Choose The Best Commercial Truck Insurance Brokers

There are many different commercial truck insurance companies- each offering its unique policies, pros, and cons.

Choosing the right commercial truck insurance company is one of the most important decisions when setting up your trucking business. Your insurance provider can majorly impact your business’s financial security and overall operations.

To help you make an informed choice, here are some crucial steps and considerations to consider when choosing between commercial truck insurance companies.

Assess Your Needs

Understand your business’s unique commercial trucking insurance needs. Factors like the type of trucks you have, the cargo you transport, the routes you take, and your safety record all play a role in the kind of commercial auto insurance you choose.

Research Reputation

Always look for commercial truck insurance companies with a solid reputation in the industry.

Read online reviews, ask for recommendations from other trucking businesses, and check the broker’s history of claims handling and customer service. Getting first-hand feedback from their clients is incredibly valuable when choosing a commercial truck insurance policy.

Expertise

Choose a broker with experience in the commercial trucking industry. Truck insurance can be complex, so working with a broker who understands the specific challenges and regulations of the trucking industry is essential.

Coverage Options

Understand the range of coverage options the commercial trucking broker offers. They should be able to customize policies to meet your unique needs, business size, and motor truck cargo.

This means small owner-operators or trucking companies operating a large fleet can find a suitable commercial truck insurance policy.

Compare Quotes

Getting quotes from multiple brokers to compare their commercial truck insurance premiums and coverage is always a good idea.

This will give you a clear picture of the market rates and help you identify unusually high or low quotes. It will also help you understand which commercial auto insurance policy offers the best coverage.

Claims Handling Process

Ask about the broker’s claims handling process. You want to look for a broker that offers smooth and efficient claims processing. The easier and faster it is to make claims, the more value you could get from the commercial insurance provider.

Transparency

The commercial truck insurance provider should be transparent about the terms and conditions of their policies. Avoid brokers who seem evasive or hesitant to provide clear information. Make sure you understand every detail of the insurance costs, terms, and coverage that they offer.

Additional Services

Some brokers offer extra services like risk management advice, safety training resources, and compliance support. These value-added services can be valuable for your trucking business.

You’ll also want to understand the full range of coverage options the broker offers. Beyond simply insuring your vehicle, look for business insurance, general liability, non-trucking liability coverage, cargo insurance, medical costs, rental reimbursement, and more. There are many different elements that your commercial truck insurance policy can cover.

8 Best Commercial Truck Insurance Brokers To Consider

Now that you know what to look for in a commercial truck insurance broker, it’s time to compare different companies. Here are some of the best commercial truck insurance brokers to consider.

Progressive Commercial

Progressive Commercial is a big name in the insurance industry, offering a range of commercial insurance options. Additionally, Progressive vehicle insurance provides comprehensive coverage for commercial trucks, including plans for trucking businesses of all sizes.

Nationwide

Nationwide provides all kinds of insurance plans – including coverage for commercial trucks. The company has a strong presence in the insurance market and offers flexible plans to match your specific needs.

Allstate

Allstate offers tailored commercial truck insurance solutions. The company provides detailed coverage solutions, helping protect your vehicle and business. This includes collision coverage, liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, and more.

OOIDA

Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) offers affordable coverage for small business owners. The association provides a full range of coverage options tailored to individual truck drivers’ needs.

Aon

Aon is a global company that offers a range of insurance products – including commercial truck insurance. Their policies are flexible to match your specific business needs.

CoverWallet

CoverWallet is technically not an insurance company – it’s an online insurance aggregator tool. However, comparing commercial trucking insurance options is beneficial to find the best broker for your needs.

Evolution Insurance Brokers

Evolution Insurance Brokers offers comprehensive coverage for truckers. Their commercial trucking insurance policies are designed to meet the needs of truckers and businesses of all sizes – including short and long-haul trucking insurance.

The Hartford

The Hartford is a well-respected and long-standing trucking insurance provider. This commercial trucking insurance company is ideal for large fleets, offering nationwide comprehensive coverage options. The company also offers multiple discounts, making the commercial truck insurance cost worthwhile.

Conclusion

These are some of the best commercial truck insurance companies out there. However, the broker and insurance policy you choose should come down to your specific business requirements. Always compare policies and providers to find a solution that matches your business needs perfectly.

Commercial truck insurance is an essential step in buying a semi-truck. You’ll also need to get the proper funding. If you’re interested in purchasing a new vehicle, then get in touch with us at Mission Financial, where we can help you gain the financing you’re after.

What To Expect From A Job As A Commercial Truck Driver

Are you interested in becoming a commercial truck driver? It can be a fantastic career path for the right person.

Being a truck driver involves much more than just sitting behind the wheel on a highway. You’ll need to manage many different responsibilities and skills on each delivery route you drive. No two days as a commercial truck driver are the same.

If you’re wondering what to expect in a truck-driving job, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Commercial Truck Driver Responsibilities

Being a truck driver is a dynamic and challenging job with various functions. While no two truck drivers’ jobs are the same, here are some primary responsibilities you can expect as a commercial truck driver.

Driving Long Hours

Of course, the main thing you can expect as a truck driver is spending long hours driving your semi-truck. Depending on the type of trucking you do, this could involve driving across states, or even across countries. However, you could also do shorter local routes.

As a long-haul commercial truck driver, you can expect irregular work schedules and possibly overnight trips or extended stays away from home. Being a truck driver is all about traveling long distances and spending the bulk of your working hours behind the wheel.

Safety Responsibilities

Safety is a top priority in commercial truck driving. You will be responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle, which involves maintaining a safe speed, following traffic laws, and being alert to potential hazards on the road.

You’ll also need to ensure you keep your cargo safe – as this is why you’re driving your trucking route in the first place. Depending on the type of cargo you’re carrying, you may need special skills and qualifications to manage it.

Vehicle Inspections

Beyond just driving a truck, commercial truck drivers also need to make sure their trucks are in good condition and adhere to federal regulations. As your vehicle is vital to your job, you must spend plenty of time keeping it running well.

Before and after each trip, you’ll need to thoroughly inspect your truck, checking for any mechanical issues, leaks, or other problems that could affect its safety or performance. This means commercial truck drivers need to have a good understanding of the different parts of their truck and how their truck works.

Maintaining a Delivery Schedule

The whole reason that commercial truck drivers are on the roads is to ensure their cargo is delivered to the right place on time. This means commercial truck driving involves managing delivery schedules and working within tight time frames.

As a commercial truck driver, you must know how to plan your routes and drive efficiently to keep your deliveries on schedule.

Paperwork and Records

Everything you do as a commercial truck driver needs to be recorded. This is important for the smooth operation of your trucking business and for any legal reasons – like making a commercial insurance claim.

As a truck driver, you’ll be responsible for maintaining accurate records, including logbooks, mileage reports, and delivery receipts. This documentation helps with compliance. It also makes it easier to get paid.

Maintain the Right Licensing and Training

To become a commercial truck driver, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) specific to the type of commercial vehicle you’ll be operating. The specific process and training in getting your commercial driver’s license can differ from state to state.

You must also have relevant qualifications and licenses to carry certain goods. Some types of dangerous cargo require additional training.

CDL drivers also need to ensure they stay updated with the laws and regulations around commercial trucking wherever they operate. These laws can often differ as you pass state borders, so ensure you understand what is required of you in each route you drive.

Various Job Opportunities

Commercial truck driving could look very different for each commercial motor vehicle driver. This depends on the type of trucking you do.

For example, you could get into long-haul trucking, local delivery, or specialized freight transportation. Each job type is unique, with its responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities.

Luckily, the demand for goods transport keeps the trucking industry relatively stable. This means you should have good job security as a reliable driver.

Commercial Truck Driver Skills

To become a commercial truck driver, you must match the right skills for the job. Here are some of the most essential skills you should possess:

Physical Stamina: Truck driving can be physically demanding, as you may be required to load and unload cargo, handle paperwork, and spend extended periods sitting and driving. Make sure you’re up for the challenge.

Independence: While you may have a dispatcher or supervisor to guide you, commercial truck driving involves plenty of independence. You’ll be responsible for making decisions on the road and completing your deliveries. You’ll also be alone for long periods.
Time and Stress Management: Commercial truck drivers manage tight schedules. You must also know how to keep calm in emergencies or stressful driving conditions.
Communication: Even though you spend long periods alone, you must also deal with multiple people in the supply chain. You’ll need to show good communication skills to everyone involved in your delivery schedule and other drivers. This is essential for smooth trucking operations.

Conclusion

Being a commercial truck driver is full of challenges. It’s also an exciting career path for people with the right skills and motivation.

If you’re considering becoming a commercial truck driver, then it’s essential to understand everything involved in the role before you start training for your licenses.

You may also need to purchase your semi-truck to start a trucking business. Mission Financial makes it easy for any commercial truck driver to gain financing for buying a vehicle. Get in touch with us to see how easy the application process is.