The distance you travel is the primary distinction between operating a line haul truck and a long-haul truck. Long-distance drivers may spend weeks at a time away from their homes because they are on the road for a longer period of time. Line haul truckers almost always head home after one shift. Line haul trucking has been dubbed the closest thing to a nine-to-five trucking job you can get because it allows you to be at home for other commitments and follows the same route every day.
DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LINE HAUL DRIVER AT ESTES EXPRESS
What does a line haul driver do?
There are many responsibilities a line haul driver has, including:
In addition, line haul drivers might be required to sort packages, check the vehicle’s oil and gas levels, and help out in the warehouse between deliveries.
What is a line haul driver?
A professional who drives a commercial vehicle to transport goods from one place to another is called a line haul driver. For the safety of themselves and those they are traveling with, they must abide by the rules and laws that apply to their sector.
Line haul driver salary
Line haul drivers frequently receive these benefits:
What are the differences between a line haul driver and a long haul truck driver?
There are some differences between a line haul driver and a long haul truck driver despite the fact that both jobs entail moving goods and materials from one place to another. These differences include:
How to become a line haul driver
Take into account the following actions to begin a line haul driving career:
1. Pass a drivers license exam
Before you can work as a truck driver, you need to have a valid drivers license that enables you to drive a regular car on public roads. To be better prepared and feel more confident when attempting to obtain your commercial drivers license (CDL), practice driving safely and make sure you comprehend the traffic laws. Having a spotless driving record is also crucial because most employers run background checks on qualified applicants.
2. Earn your high school diploma or equivalent
A high school diploma or an equivalent qualification, like a general education diploma (GED), is typically required by employers who hire line haul drivers. A diploma or GED gives you the fundamental knowledge and skills you’ll probably find useful in any career you decide to pursue, including one as a line haul driver.
3. Obtain a college degree
While a college degree is typically not required to work as a line haul driver, having at least an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university can help you stand out from your peers and the other candidates for the same position. If you have a degree, your manager might also take you into consideration for promotions or other duties. Consider choosing a major in a field like business or logistics, or at the very least, enroll in a few college-level courses in related areas.
4. Attend a truck driving school
If you want to succeed in a career as a line haul driver, think about enrolling in a truck driving school to gain the knowledge and specialized training you may require, such as the industry regulations. You can enroll in a variety of private truck driving schools, and the instructors might even be able to act as mentors or sources of recommendations when you later apply for a job.
5. Earn your Commercial Learners Permit (CLP)
The CLP enables you to travel with a driver who has a CDL license. This helps you gain first-hand experience in the role and prepare for what to expect. Gaining a professional in your network who you can contact if you have questions about your chosen career path or learning some useful advice that can help you in your own career are both possibilities. Additionally, it’s likely that before taking your own CDL exam, you’ll have to log a certain number of hours of driving with a CDL expert.
6. Pass your CDL exam
To drive a commercial vehicle on roads and highways as a line haul driver, you need a CDL license. Driving a commercial vehicle has different mechanics and logistics than driving a standard vehicle, so completing a CDL course and passing an exam can help you get ready for the job and demonstrate to a hiring manager that you meet their requirements and are qualified to begin working as a driver.
Consider checking with your state’s Department of Transportation to see if there are any specific requirements you should be aware of since each state’s CDL exam is unique.
7. Pass additional exams
Due to the nature of your duties as a truck driver, vision and hearing are crucial. Youll need to have good vision to see road signs and avoid accidents, and good auditory levels to hear car horns or emergency vehicles on the road To ensure that you can safely operate a commercial vehicle, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) exam tests your vision and hearing. Traffic laws are covered in another section of this test, so it’s crucial to study them in order to pass.
You can also obtain additional endorsements and certifications, such as those that focus on HAZMAT or doubles.
8. Gain experience
It may not be necessary to have much experience if you obtain the education and certifications that an employer demands, but just like with a higher education degree, having driving experience may help you stand out from the competition and land a job as a line haul driver. You could work as a chauffeur, delivery driver, or taxi driver to gain experience.
9. Take advantage of job placement assistance
You can get assistance finding a job as a line haul driver from your driving school or an independent job placement service. For a hiring manager to learn more about you as a candidate, they can help you write a resume and cover letter that highlights your qualities. These experts can also instruct you on how to use the internet to look for open positions and provide you with interviewing technique advice.
FAQ
Why is it called line haul?
Line haul, as used in logistics, describes the movement of goods by any mode of transportation, including land, air, or water, between two designated stations. These stations can be cities, ports or even warehouses.
What is line haul and long haul?
Line-haul: The transportation of freight over land or water, typically over great distances, from one terminal to another Line-Haul Vehicles—Vehicles used to transport various types of freight over long distances are typically tractor-trailer combinations or rail cars.
