heavy haul trucking salary

If you are considering a career in heavy haul trucking, you may be wondering about the salary outlook for this field. Heavy haul truck drivers are responsible for transporting extra-large equipment, such as construction trucks, excavators and cranes, across long distances. Due to the specialized skills and experience required, heavy haul truck drivers can earn a higher salary than traditional truck drivers. The salary outlook for heavy haul trucking can vary depending on factors such as location, experience level, and the type of equipment being transported.

Factors That Affect Heavy Haul Trucking Salary

Heavy haul trucking is a specialized field within the trucking industry that requires drivers to transport oversized loads that exceed the weight and dimension limits for typical freight. Because of the increased responsibility and skill required for this job, heavy haul trucking salaries are typically higher than those for other types of trucking. However, there are several factors that can affect how much a heavy haul trucker can expect to earn.

Experience

Like any other job, experience is a key factor in determining heavy haul trucking salary. As a driver gains more experience, their skills and knowledge improve, making them more valuable to employers. Experienced heavy haul truckers also tend to have a better safety record, which can translate to higher pay.

Equipment

The type of equipment a heavy haul trucker drives can also have an impact on their salary. Drivers who are skilled at operating specialized equipment such as double-drop trailers or extendable trailers may be able to command a higher salary than those who can only operate standard flatbeds or vans.

Destination

The location of the destination for a heavy haul job can also affect the salary. Jobs that involve long hauls or trips to remote locations may pay more due to the increased time and effort required for the driver.

Industry

The industry that a heavy haul trucker works in can also affect their salary. For example, those who work in the oil and gas industry may make more than those who work in construction or agriculture.

Certifications and Licenses

Heavy haul truckers who have certain certifications or licenses may be able to command higher salaries. For example, those who have a hazmat endorsement or a TWIC card may be able to earn more than those who don’t.

Unionization

Heavy haul truckers who are members of a union may be able to earn higher salaries due to the negotiating power of the union.

Geographic Location

The geographic location of the heavy haul trucker can also have an impact on their salary. Typically, drivers in larger metropolitan areas or areas with a higher cost of living may earn more than those in smaller towns or rural areas.

Employer

The employer that a heavy haul trucker works for can also affect their salary. Large carriers may offer higher salaries and better benefits than smaller operations, while private companies may offer more specialized or customized driving opportunities that come with a higher salary.

Driver Performance

The performance of the driver can also have a direct impact on their salary. Drivers who consistently meet or exceed expectations, maintain safety record, and have good time management skills may receive bonuses or other incentives in addition to their hourly or annual salary.

Negotiation

The ability to negotiate salary is also a factor in determining a heavy haul trucker’s salary. Experienced drivers who are highly sought after may have more leverage when negotiating salary with prospective employers.

Overall, heavy haul trucking salary varies based on a number of factors, with the biggest influencer being the driver’s experience level. However, factors such as the type of equipment, location, and employer can also affect salary. Discussions around salary and benefits should take place upfront to determine all expectations up front to avoid surprises and disappointments.

Top Paying Heavy Haul Trucking Jobs

Heavy haul trucking jobs can pay quite well, but some positions offer even higher salaries. Here are some of the top paying heavy haul trucking jobs in the industry:

Oversize Load Hauler

As an oversize load hauler, you’ll be responsible for transporting large, heavy equipment and machinery. This can include items such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators. Oversize load haulers typically need to have several years of experience and may require additional certifications or special training, which can be reflected in their higher salaries. According to Payscale, the average salary for an oversize load hauler is around $66,000 per year.

Freight Dispatcher

Freight dispatchers are responsible for coordinating and scheduling the movement of goods and equipment via trucks on behalf of clients. Experienced freight dispatchers can make upwards of $70,000 per year, according to Payscale. These professionals need to have excellent communication skills, as well as a strong understanding of the trucking industry and its regulations.

Owner-Operator

Owner-operators are self-employed truck drivers who own and operate their own rigs. These individuals need to have an entrepreneurial spirit and be knowledgeable about the industry to achieve success. However, it can be quite lucrative. According to Indeed, owner-operators can make upwards of $200,000 per year.

Team Driver

Team drivers work in pairs and can cover longer distances in shorter amounts of time. According to The Truckers Report, team drivers can make between $60,000 and $80,000 per year, per driver. This means that a two-person team can make upwards of $160,000 annually.

Hot Shot Driver

Hot shot drivers typically operate smaller, more specialized trucks and trailers and often haul goods or equipment on tight timelines or to difficult-to-reach locations. According to Indeed, hot shot drivers can make around $80,000 per year.

Hazmat Driver

Hazmat drivers are responsible for transporting hazardous materials, such as chemicals, fuels, and biological substances, that require special permits and certifications. Due to the dangerous nature of their cargo, hazmat drivers often earn higher salaries. According to Payscale, hazmat drivers can make around $72,000 per year.

Tanker Driver

Tanker drivers transport liquids, such as oil, gasoline, and chemicals, in specialized tanker trucks. Due to the specialized knowledge and certifications required, tanker drivers can earn higher salaries. According to Indeed, tanker drivers can make around $78,000 per year.

Flatbed Driver

Flatbed drivers haul loads on flatbed trailers and typically need to be skilled in securing and covering their loads. According to Indeed, flatbed drivers can make around $70,000 per year.

Specialized Car Hauler

Specialized car haulers transport vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and SUVs, often via multi-level trailers. Due to the specialized knowledge and certifications required, car haulers can earn higher salaries. According to Payscale, a car hauler can make around $68,000 per year.

Transportation Manager

Transportation managers oversee the operations of the entire trucking and transportation company, including budgeting and logistical planning. According to Glassdoor, transportation managers can earn around $85,000 per year.

How factors affect heavy haul trucking salary

There are several factors that can affect the amount of salary earned by a heavy haul truck driver. Understanding these factors will help employers determine the right compensation package for their drivers, and help drivers negotiate better salaries.

Experience

Experience is a major factor that determines the salary of a heavy haul truck driver. The more experience a driver has, the higher their pay is likely to be. According to a survey conducted by Payscale, heavy haul truck drivers with less than a year of experience earn an average salary of $54,000 per year, while those with over 20 years of experience can earn upwards of $90,000 per year. Experience not only shows an employer that you have the necessary skills to handle the job, but it also means that you can be relied on to handle a variety of situations.

Location

The location of the job can also affect the salary of a heavy haul truck driver. For instance, heavy haul truck drivers in states like North Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska earn higher salaries due to the high demand for their services. Drivers working in major metropolitan areas may also earn more than those in smaller towns and rural areas.

Top paying states for heavy haul trucking
North Dakota
Wyoming
Alaska
California
Texas

Type of cargo being transported

The type of cargo you transport can also determine how much you are paid as a heavy haul truck driver. Drivers transporting hazardous materials, for instance, may earn more than those carrying non-hazardous materials. Carriers who haul large oversized loads also tend to make more money due to the added difficulty in transporting such cargo and the specialized vehicles and equipment required for the job.

Company size

The size of the company a heavy haul truck driver is working for can also affect the salary they receive. Larger companies may have more resources and higher paying customers, which can translate to higher salaries for their drivers. Smaller companies, on the other hand, may not have the same financial resources and may offer lower pay as a result.

Additional qualifications

Additional qualifications such as endorsements on a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or specialized training can also increase the salary of a heavy haul truck driver. For instance, a driver who has a Hazmat or Tanker endorsement may be eligible for a higher salary as there are fewer drivers qualified to transport hazardous materials. A driver who has completed specialized training to operate heavy machinery or special permits to transport overweight or oversized loads may also be able to command a higher salary.

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Thanks for reading and keep on truckin’!

We hope that this article has provided you with valuable information on heavy haul trucking salary. Remember that, just like any other career, the salary of a heavy haul truck driver can increase with experience and skills. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and do research when considering a career in heavy haul trucking. We encourage you to come back to our website for more informative articles on various career paths. Until then, safe travels and keep on truckin’!