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Heavy haul trucking involves moving oversized loads that exceed the standard legal size and weight limits. This type of trucking requires specialized equipment and experienced drivers who can safely transport goods over long distances. As a result, heavy haul truckers are among the highest-paid drivers in the industry. In this article, we will explore how much heavy haul truckers make and factors that affect their earnings.
What is Heavy Haul Trucking?
Heavy haul trucking involves transporting oversized loads, such as large equipment or machinery, that exceed the legal size and weight limits. These loads require specialized equipment, such as lowboy trailers or multi-axle trailers, to transport them safely. Heavy haul truckers must have a specific skill set and experience to handle these types of loads, including knowledge of state and federal regulations and expertise in loading and unloading oversized items.
How Much Do Heavy Haul Truckers Make?
Heavy haul truckers are among the highest-paid drivers in the industry due to the specialized nature of their work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $45,260 as of May 2020. However, heavy haul truckers can earn significantly more than this depending on their experience, the type of cargo they transport, and the company they work for.
Factors That Affect Heavy Haul Truckers’ Earnings
Several factors can affect how much heavy haul truckers make, including:
- Experience: Experienced heavy haul truckers can command higher salaries due to their specialized skill set and knowledge.
- Cargo Type: The type of cargo heavy haul truckers transport can impact their pay. Some types of cargo, such as hazardous materials or fragile items, require additional training and certifications, which can result in higher pay.
- Company: The company a heavy haul trucker works for can also impact their pay. Some companies offer higher salaries or bonuses to attract and retain experienced drivers.
- Location: The location where a heavy haul trucker works can also affect their pay. Drivers who work in high-demand areas or in areas with a high cost of living may earn more than those in other locations.
How to Become a Heavy Haul Truck Driver
To become a heavy haul truck driver, you must first obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and gain experience as a tractor-trailer driver. Once you have gained experience, you can seek additional training and certifications to specialize in heavy haul trucking. Some companies may also require a certain level of experience or certifications before hiring heavy haul truckers.
Conclusion
Heavy haul trucking is a specialized field that requires experienced drivers and specialized equipment to transport oversized loads safely. Due to the specialized nature of their work, heavy haul truckers are among the highest-paid drivers in the industry, with salaries ranging from $45,000 to over $100,000 per year. Factors that can affect their earnings include experience, cargo type, company, and location. If you are interested in becoming a heavy haul truck driver, you must first obtain a CDL and gain experience as a tractor-trailer driver before seeking additional training and certifications.