Focus on one type of load or Diversify

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Oso_07, May 30, 2025.

  1. Oso_07

    Oso_07 Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    May 30, 2025
    0
    I'm planning on getting my CDL in a few years and i'm wondering if it would be better to just focus on only dry vans, reefer, tankers, etc or would it be worth it to get my hazmat and swap between different load types, for example one load im pulling reefer and the next i get a tanker.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

    7,215
    35,256
    May 3, 2011
    Redding,CA
    0
    Would have to work for a place that is diverse in that many area of trucking first off. Not many places that run every aspect of it.
     
  4. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

    22,266
    114,758
    Dec 18, 2011
    Michigan
    0
    I wonder why this is in this part of the forum?


    You will pull whatever loads that need to be pulled that the company arranges; the trailer is the only choice.
     
  5. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,660
    12,167
    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
    0
    I f your a company driver, most truck co's will specialize in certain types of freight. And they will have a fleet of reefers or dry vans or tankers. But not all only have that freight base. Highly unlikely you would switch from dry van to tanker etc
     
    Rugerfan and 201 Thank this.
  6. 201

    201 Road Train Member

    12,176
    24,844
    Apr 16, 2014
    high plains colorado
    0
    I agree, today it's much more specialized. My 1st trucking job in the late 70s,, the outfit primarily had bulk sand tankers and dump trailers, but he did have a van(s) and a flatbed, and we were expected to do whatever the boss said. Not knowing how didn't get you out of it, you asked questions. Besides, I was young and ambitious and wanted to learn all facets of the job. I was mostly a dump trailer guy, but when slow, I did do some van work. 1st time I was at a grocery warehouse with load of chow mein noodles.
    To this person, I say, get all the classifications you can. While it's unlikely a van or reefer outfit will have a gas can, even with a van, you will get something that needs a placard, or a change in jobs, you can start right away. A reefer insures you more work, as it can double as a van, but not t'other way 'round. Generally, from what I've seen now, starting out, it will most likely be a van with a load of diapers to Kroger, about as simple as one can get, and go from there. Good luck.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.