According to Nebraska's Department of Labor, these are the most in-demand jobs in Nebraska right now:
1. Truck Drivers
2. Registered Nurses
3. General and Operations Managers
4. Carpenters
5. Accountants and Auditors
Which means now is a great time for Omaha drivers to consider a new CDL-A regional job. But which jobs are the highest paying, and what type of experience do you need to land one? Here are a few options to consider ...
PNEUMATIC TANKERS
● Large tanks which haul bulk dry products such as feed and food grade or construction materials
● In this job, you may need to load/unload tankers through pipes with compressed air
● Regional drivers can make up to $85,000 per year
● Easier to drive than liquid tankers due to no slosh factor (which can happen if the product you are hauling gets too much motion from either stopping or accelerating and you lose control of the truck)
● Tanks are typically 42ft with a total truck length of 58ft and many drivers prefer these to van trailers
● Some companies, like Carleton Transport, offer freight that is not hazardous or dangerous in any way
● 1-2 years of regional CDL-A driving experience preferred for most pneumatic jobs
TANKER/LIQUID HAULING
● Drivers can make between $85,000+ a year
● Most of the jobs include hauling Hazmat such as hot oil, gasoline, or something else which requires drivers to wear fire resistant coveralls and an H2 monitor as protection from toxic fumes
● Normal activities such as checking your load and monitoring your drive time can also be more dangerous
● There is a "slosh factor" (which can happen if the product you are hauling gets too much motion from either stopping or accelerating and you lose control of the truck) This takes getting used to and drivers will need to adapt accordingly
OVERSIZED LOADS
● Average annual salary is $60,000 but drivers can make as much as $90,000
● Driving oversized loads presents challenges dealing with state regulations, specialized safety equipment (flags, banners, warning lights) and permitting processes that can get costly
● Typically companies require many years of experience with various trailer types including flatbed, step-deck, and perimeter frame deck to name a few
● Drivers must also know how to coordinate and sometimes adjust their routes to find roads that allow oversize loads
● Running time is also restricted and regulated depending on the state
As with any driving job, there are pros and cons depending on each company’s culture, the pay, and the type of driving. But by weighing all the factors including pay versus risk, you can find a great paying regional CDL-A job in Omaha that also fits your personal needs.
At Carleton Transport, our goal is to create calm in the chaos of the trucking industry through offering drivers more flexibility. If you’re interested in hearing more about our current driving opportunities, call 402-332-0260 to speak with our recruiter. Or, visit our driving jobs page at carletontransport.com/driving-jobs today.