After you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are many types of trucking jobs available to you. There are different varieties of freight and route lengths, as well as variations in who you are delivering for. Dedicated trucking is when you haul goods or materials for one specific freight customer. This type of driving could be a good fit if you are looking for consistency and since every shipper is different, you can choose one that best matches your career goals.
Differences Between Dedicated Jobs
The one thing that all dedicated driving positions have in common is that you haul for a consistent customer. Beyond this, the responsibilities differ depending on the type of freight being delivered and the needs of the shipper. Some have local routes that allow you to be home every night. Other customers need to move goods and materials over long distances and are very similar to over-the-road (OTR) jobs. If the freight is time-sensitive, a company may be hiring team drivers, whereas others have openings for solo truckers. If you are interested in dedicated trucking, it’s a good idea to make a list of what is important to you in a job. This list can help you narrow down your search to options that match your desired lifestyle, pay, home time, et cetera.
Benefits of Dedicated Trucking
Consistency
The main reason people are interested in dedicated driving is the consistency. A typical OTR driver will be assigned freight from multiple customers and won’t necessarily know what their next route will look like. This leads to variation in pay and home time. With a dedicated job, you get consistent miles and, except in unique circumstances, usually have a regular schedule.
Getting to Know Customers
Dedicated truckers work with the same company for each delivery, so they have the opportunity to get to know the customer better over time. This gives you the opportunity to build a relationship and make a good impression on them.
Familiarity
Driving the same route gives you the opportunity to become familiar with traffic patterns, truck stops, and potential challenges. This familiarity makes it easier to be efficient and safe during your deliveries.
What to Consider
While there are many benefits to dedicated trucking, it is not right for everyone. While some individuals appreciate the consistency, others prefer the excitement of seeing the country and traveling a new route with each haul. In this case, an OTR job may be a better fit for you. One of the great things about getting your CDL is that you aren’t limited to one type of career. You can always try out dedicated trucking then move into OTR or vice versa, in addition to other CDL jobs.
Earn Your CDL
At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we can help you start your trucking career with the skills you need to succeed. Our job placement assistance team can also help you explore the different job opportunities that are available to you.
