4 Types of Truck Driving Jobs You Might Not Have Thought Of

Where do truck drivers work and what do they do? The popular picture of an over-the-road trucker who drives back and forth across the country isn't the only option in this exciting industry. If you're ready to start a new career with a CDL (commercial driver's license), take a look at some of the top non-long-haul jobs for trucking school grads.

Construction Vehicle Driver
Do you want a local job that pays well and doesn't take you away from your family or friends for days or weeks at a time? Construction site drivers operate forklifts, bulldozers, backhoes, cranes, dump trucks, and other similar vehicles. They may also transport heavy or oversized materials from one construction site to another.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), six percent of truck drivers work in the construction field. While this number is lower than general truck transportation workers (42 percent) or wholesale trade drivers (12 percent), you will still find plenty of construction driving jobs in most major cities. These may include jobs working for large construction companies, small HVAC, plumbing, or landscaping contractors, or local governments.

This type of truck driving job is ideal for anyone who enjoys working outdoors, prefers to operate machinery over heavy lifting or physical labor, and has problem-solving skills.

Garbage Truck Driver
This type of truck driver may work on a construction site, hauling away debris or other heavy materials. But this isn't the only potential job for a garbage or refuse truck driver. These truckers also work for private refuse companies, recycling plants, and government or local municipal employers.

This type of driving job may require you to work a residential route, lifting garbage cans or other refuse items and placing them into the truck. If this doesn't appeal to you, a commercial refuse job, such as construction debris haul-away, is an option to explore. Some refuse hauling jobs in California require drivers to have a CDL with a commercial Class A endorsement for HazMat (hazardous materials).

Water Tank Truck Driver
The water tank vehicle driver is a construction subspecialty. Instead of driving a dump truck or a bulldozer, you will transport water to construction and other similar sites (such as oil or fracking fields). Along with driving, you may need to load and unload the contents of the truck. Drivers who work with this type of tank vehicle may also transport gasoline or other liquids.

To work as a professional tank truck driver you will need your CDL and a commercial Class C Tank Vehicle (TV) endorsement. You may also need the Class C HazMat endorsement for your job.

Bus Driver
Do you prefer to work around other people? If a solo truck driving job doesn't fit your personality, consider working as a bus driver. These jobs include school bus driver, commercial or municipal bus driver, and private coach-type bus driver positions. Like other types of driving jobs, you will need additional endorsements (along with a CDL). In California, this is a PV or passenger vehicle commercial Class C endorsement.

Drivers who transport students or special populations must meet additional requirements. California has six categories of Special Driver Certificates. These include school bus driver, school pupil activity bus driver, youth bus driver, vehicle for developmentally disabled persons, farm labor vehicle, and general public paratransit vehicle.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), professionals who operate school bus commercial motor vehicles must pass the (S) School Bus knowledge and skills test. You will also need to pass a Live Scan background check and a first aid examination to transport school students or other special populations in California.

Are you ready to start a career as a truck or bus driver? Contact the Commercial Trucking School for more information.