Share:

You’re not locked into one lane or one type of work once you earn your CDL. You’re stepping into a diverse career with a wide range of freight, equipment, and schedules. The type of freight you choose to haul will shape your day-to-day routine, your income potential, and even how much you enjoy the job.

The more you learn about different types of freight and equipment, the more control you have over your career path. That kind of flexibility is one of the biggest advantages you can have in an industry as dynamic as trucking. Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about making a switch, here’s a closer look at the major freight types in trucking and what they bring to the table.

Dry Van

Dry van freight is where most drivers begin, and for good reason. It’s the most common type of freight to haul, using standard enclosed trailers to transport everything from packaged goods to retail products. The freight is typically palletized, and loading and unloading are often handled by shippers and receivers. The barrier to entry is low since no specialized endorsements are typically required, and freight is steady year-round. That consistency makes dry van freight hauling an appealing starting point for newer drivers seeking experience. However, because it’s so common, pay is often on the lower end compared to more specialized niches. It’s a reliable starting point, but drivers may eventually move on in search of higher earnings or more engaging work.

• High demand: Dry van freight is consistent and offers a variety of hauling opportunities
• Easy to load and unload: Standard loading docks make the process more efficient
• Wide range of cargo: You’ll have the chance to haul different items on various routes, helping to keep your job interesting

• Lower pay compared to specialized freight
• Potentially long wait times at the docks
• Less variety in day-to-day work
• High competition for jobs

Reefer

Refrigerated freight, or reefer, takes things up a notch. These trailers transport temperature-sensitive goods like food and pharmaceuticals, which means drivers are responsible not just for delivery, but for maintaining strict temperature controls. That added responsibility and specialized equipment translate into higher pay compared to dry van hauling. It also comes with consistent demand, even in slower markets. The largest tradeoff is that reefer freight can be more demanding. You’ll deal with tighter delivery windows and the need to monitor equipment closely. Some loads will require driver help with loading and unloading, while others involve another company overseeing the process. For drivers who don’t mind the extra oversight, it can be a solid step up in earnings.

• Higher pay rates: Because of the extra responsibility and equipment required, reefer loads often come with better compensation
• Stable demand: The need for refrigerated transportation continues to grow, making this an attractive niche.
• Opportunity for longer routes/more miles

• Requires monitoring temperature and equipment
• More responsibility and stress
• Longer loading/unloading times
• Can involve odd hours due to delivery urgency

Flatbed

Flatbed trucking offers a completely different experience. Instead of enclosed trailers, flatbeds haul oversized or irregularly shaped loads such as steel, lumber, and machinery. This type of freight requires drivers to secure loads using straps, chains, and tarps: physical work that isn’t part of dry van or reefer jobs. Flatbed drivers typically earn more due to this increased physical demand. It also appeals to drivers who want to stay active and avoid the monotony of dock-to-dock freight. The downside is exposure to the elements and stricter safety requirements, but for many, the higher pay and variety make it worth it.

Step deck and lowboy trailers take flatbed work even further into specialized territory. These trailers are situated lower to the ground and are used for taller or heavier loads that exceed standard height restrictions. Hauling this type of large freight often requires more experience and sometimes additional permits or route planning. Pay can be significantly higher, especially for oversized loads, but so is the responsibility. Drivers in this niche need to be detail-oriented and comfortable handling complex logistics. It’s not typically an entry-level path, but for experienced drivers, it can be one of the more lucrative options.

• Hands-on work: You have the opportunity to actively build valuable load-securement skills
• Higher earning potential than dry van or reefer

• Physically demanding (tarping, chaining, strapping)
• Frequent exposure to weather conditions when working
• Higher risk if loads aren’t secured properly
• Steeper learning curve for beginners

Dry Bulk

Dry bulk involves transporting loose non-liquid granular or powdered materials, such as cement, grain, plastic pellets, or sand, in specialized trailers called hoppers. Dry bulk trailers can also be pneumatic, utilizing compressed air for loading and unloading. Dry bulk offers a good middle ground, being less physically demanding than flatbed but more technically specialized than dry van. You will need additional training to operate pressurized systems safely, manage flow rates, and ensure materials are delivered without contamination, but no special endorsements are necessary. This freight offers strong, consistent work across industries such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.

• Steady demand in construction, agriculture, and industrial sectors
• Less physical demand than flatbed freight
• Specialized skillset means better pay than dry van
• Extra endorsements not required

• Requires extra training on pneumatic or hopper equipment
• Materials can be messy (including dust and other residue)
• Frequent equipment maintenance and cleaning are required
• Loading and unloading take extra time and care

Tanker and Hazmat

Tanker trucking is another high-paying niche, especially when dealing with hazardous materials. Tankers transport liquids or gases, which behave differently from solid freight and require extra training to master. The constant motion of cargo and shifting weight can affect vehicle stability and make driving more challenging. Drivers need a tanker endorsement (N) to operate tanker equipment.

Hazardous material freight requires a hazmat (H) endorsement, and many drivers obtain a combined hazmat tanker endorsement (X) because hazardous materials are often transported in tankers. These extra requirements come with higher pay and steady demand. This is particularly true in industries such as fuel and chemicals, where safety risks are higher due to the nature of the materials. Tanker work may appeal to drivers who want to specialize without necessarily doing physical labor, like flatbed drivers, though it does require a strong focus on safety and precision.

• Among the highest-paying trucking jobs
• Often steady, consistent work
• Less physical labor than flatbed freight
• Valuable endorsement increases job opportunities

• Requires license endorsements
• Liquid surge makes driving more challenging
• Higher safety risks with hazardous materials
• Strict regulations and inspections

Ultimately, the “best” type of freight comes down to what you value most. Some drivers prioritize steady miles and simplicity, while others chase higher pay or more engaging work. The good news is that trucking offers the flexibility to move between these niches as your experience grows. Understanding the tradeoffs between pay, training requirements, and job structures can help you make smarter career decisions and find a lane that truly fits.

No matter where you start, there’s always room to level up!