Is there a difference?

Yes..





ok, more serious now. I was a heavy guy, running either reefers grossing out to 95k lbs or dry vans at 90k-105k.

Reefer: One more tank to fuel, noisey at night, partial loads, odd ball grocery docks, checking temps of product, must clean trailer often. Good news? Everybody needs food so the reefer rigs keep rolling and you can use it for non-refrigerated loads too.

Dry Van: easy. Load bars (or net/straps) to secure in trailer.

Flatbed/Skateboard: Tarping/chaining down the load in all weather. Very physical work and prone to injuries such as broken chains or binders, back strains, slipping while climb on bed or load. Good news, side wind gusts don't affect as much...

Tanker: Never done any of this but these guys have my respect. Heavy shifting loads as the liquid surges forward and back or side to side slop. These guys are paid well and earn every cent.

As you can see, there are tone of niches. There's also Intermodal, chip hauling, log haul, livestock.... each has their ups and downs. If you like driving trucks, there will be a niche that you'll enjoy.