A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) can open the door to many exciting and rewarding career opportunities.
Whether you want to travel across the country or stay closer to home, there are plenty of jobs available for those with a CDL.
At Daly’s Truck Driving School, we’re here to help you understand the different types of CDLs and the career paths they can lead to.
Understanding CDLs: CDL A and CDL B
Before diving into the job opportunities, it’s important to understand the two main types of CDLs: CDL A and CDL B.
CDL A: This license allows you to operate a combination of vehicles with a total weight of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the vehicle you’re towing weighs more than 10,000 pounds. With a CDL A, you can drive larger trucks and trailers, making it one of the most versatile and sought-after CDLs.
CDL B: This license lets you drive a single vehicle with a weight of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle that’s towing another vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds. A CDL B is typically used for operating buses, dump trucks, and delivery trucks.
Job Opportunities for CDL A Holders
1. Over-the-Road (OTR) Truck Driver
– Description: OTR drivers transport goods across long distances, often traveling from one end of the country to the other. They typically spend several days or weeks on the road before returning home.
– Benefits: High earning potential, opportunities to see different parts of the country, and often flexible schedules.
2. Regional Truck Driver
– Description: Regional drivers cover shorter distances than OTR drivers, usually within a specific region of the country. This job often involves being on the road for a few days at a time.
– Benefits: More home time compared to OTR driving, steady routes, and consistent schedules.
3. Local Truck Driver
– Description: Local drivers transport goods within a specific area, allowing them to return home every night. This job is ideal for those who prefer not to spend long periods away from home.
– Benefits: Regular hours, daily home time, and familiarity with local routes.
4. Flatbed Truck Driver
– Description: Flatbed drivers haul oversized or irregularly shaped loads that require a flatbed trailer. This can include construction materials, machinery, and large equipment.
– Benefits: Higher pay rates due to the specialized nature of the job, variety of loads, and often physical work that keeps you active.
5. Tanker Truck Driver
– Description: Tanker drivers transport liquids or gases, such as fuel, chemicals, or milk. This job requires additional safety training and certifications due to the hazardous nature of some loads.
– Benefits: Higher pay, specialized skills, and a crucial role in transporting essential goods.
Job Opportunities for CDL B Holders
1. Delivery Truck Driver
– Description: Delivery drivers transport goods to businesses and residences within a specific area. This can include packages, food, and other products.
– Benefits: Regular working hours, daily home time, and the chance to interact with customers.
2. Bus Driver
– Description: Bus drivers transport passengers along predetermined routes. This can include school buses, city transit buses, and charter buses.
– Benefits: Steady work schedule, interaction with passengers, and the satisfaction of providing a vital service to the community.
3. Dump Truck Driver
– Description: Dump truck drivers transport loose materials, such as sand, gravel, and construction debris. They are often employed in construction and landscaping industries.
– Benefits: Regular hours, physical activity, and the chance to work on different projects.
4. Recycling and Garbage Truck Driver
– Description: These drivers collect and transport waste or recyclables from residential and commercial areas to disposal or recycling facilities.
– Benefits: Steady job demand, regular hours, and the opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability.
5. Utility Truck Driver
– Description: Utility truck drivers operate vehicles used by utility companies, such as electric, gas, and water providers. They transport equipment and materials needed for maintenance and repair.
– Benefits: Job stability, regular hours, and the chance to work for essential service providers.
Why Choose a Career with a CDL?
Job Stability: The demand for skilled drivers remains high, ensuring a stable career path.
Good Pay: CDL holders often enjoy competitive salaries, with the potential for bonuses and benefits.
Travel Opportunities: For those who love to travel, CDL A jobs, in particular, offer the chance to see new places while getting paid.
Variety: Whether you prefer long-haul driving, regional routes, or local deliveries, there’s a CDL job to fit your lifestyle and preferences.
Independence: Many driving jobs offer a sense of independence, with drivers spending much of their time on the road and managing their schedules.
How to Get Started
At Daly’s Truck Driving School, we offer comprehensive training programs to help you earn your CDL A or CDL B. Our experienced instructors provide the skills and knowledge you need to pass the CDL exam and succeed in your driving career. Here’s how to get started:
1. Choose Your CDL: Decide whether you want to pursue a CDL A or CDL B based on your career interests and goals.
2. Enroll in Training: Sign up for a training program that fits your schedule. Daly’s Truck Driving School offers flexible training options, including full-time and part-time courses.
3. Complete Training: Our hands-on training will prepare you for the CDL exam and real-world driving scenarios. You’ll learn everything from vehicle inspection to safe driving practices.
4. Pass the CDL Exam: With our support and guidance, you’ll be ready to pass the CDL exam and obtain your license.
5. Start Your Career: Once you have your CDL, you can begin exploring job opportunities and start your new career as a professional driver.
A CDL can open up a world of opportunities, offering stable and rewarding careers for those who love to drive.
Whether you choose a CDL A or CDL B, there are plenty of job options to suit your preferences and lifestyle.
Daly’s Truck Driving School is here to help you every step of the way, from training to job placement.
Start your journey today and discover what you can do with a CDL!
