A good trucker is dedicated to their profession, but dedicated trucking doesn’t actually have anything to do with this type of dedication. Instead, it is a specific type of job within the trucking industry. Also known as contract or primary freight, dedicated trucking involves hauling goods or materials for a specific client as opposed to driving for a large customer network. This allows drivers to become familiar with the routes, schedules, and designated locations of the job. It is a good option for those looking for consistency and relationship building in the trucking industry.
Benefits of Dedicated Trucking
Becoming a dedicated truck driver has many benefits, including consistency, familiarity, relationship building, and more time at home. It can be a great fit for drivers looking for those attributes.
Some of the top benefits include:
Consistency
One benefit of dedicated trucking is that it is consistent. Drivers know in advance what route they will take and what freight they will haul. In addition, most contracts are annual, which allows drivers to plan, forecast, and budget their trips accordingly. Being able to count on consistent loads also means consistent cash flow.
Familiarity
Dedicated drivers stick with the roads they are most familiar with. They have time to get accustomed to the routes they will be taking, as well as the traffic patterns, truck stops, and potential challenges along the way. They do not have to prepare for the weather or roads of a different region, which makes deliveries easier.
Relationship Building
Relationship building is a top priority for dedicated truckers. Interacting with the same customers can help build customer service skills as well as relationships. This is crucial because exceptional service can be the difference between a one-time customer and a repeating one.
More Time at Home
Perhaps the biggest benefit of dedicated trucking is that drivers can enjoy more home time with their families. Dedicated drivers often have shorter and more predictable routes, even if they are still driving over-the-road (OTR). They also typically know ahead of time just how long they will be on the road and can plan for home time accordingly.
Is Dedicated Trucking a Good Fit for You?
While dedicated trucking has a lot of benefits, it is not for everyone. Some drivers enjoy the freedom and flexibility of being on the road, so driving the same route every day can cause them to feel burnt out. Dedicated driving is also a greater responsibility because a poor experience with a customer can cost the company a client. For that reason, long-haul driving might be a better choice for some truckers.
Dedicated truck driving is a popular choice for drivers with families because it allows them to support their loved ones both financially and with time at home. Consider the benefits of dedicated trucking to help you decide if it is a good fit for you.
Becoming a Dedicated Truck Driver
The first step in becoming a dedicated truck driver is earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) has been helping students in Tucson earn their CDL for over 30 years. Our program can be completed in as little as four weeks.
