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Considered working in as a Dump Truck Driver? This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect in the position, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more.

I became interested in becoming a truck driver when I was operating a roadside espresso business, catering largely to truckers. Eventually I decided to take the plunge; I sold my business and went to truck driving school.

For me, trucking school was an exciting adventure, loads of fun, and worth every penny. The day I went to the D.M.V. and passed my driver’s test, I truly felt like I had accomplished something special, and it wasn’t long before I landed myself a good local job hauling dirt in a dump truck with a small fleet. I soon learned that my education as a driver had only just begun.

What they don’t tell you in trucking school:

• Truck drivers don’t double clutch. It’s hard on the clutch, and it just isn’t done. Instead, drivers float the gears, by shifting without using the clutch at all.
• You don’t have to be away from your family to be a trucker. There is plenty of regional/local work available which allows you to be home every night. The hours (up to 80 hours every 8 days) are a killer, though.
• It pays to check up on prospective employers, by searching the county website for lawsuits. Multiple judgments for nonpayment definitely is a red flag. A company, or individual, that routinely cheats drivers, can still enjoy a good credit rating and a good BBB rating. I learned this lesson the hard way, and although I was awarded a judgment, it was never paid (80% of all judgments are not paid).
• Trucking is fun! Operating a 10 wheeler dump truck is like playing with a big toy. I don’t think I will ever tire of it.
• Mechanical knowledge is not only a plus, it’s a must! I have learned a lot along the way, and I am still learning.

Everywhere a sign

Workers at construction sites have their own unique language; sign language. Not American sign language, or signed English – construction worker’s sign language.

When I first saw a worker on a jobsite gesturing toward me by repeatedly pointing to his own rear-end, I was a bit baffled. At first I thought he was joking around. Finally, I realized he was telling me to back in toward a loader full of dirt.

Eventually, I learned to interpret the various hand motions used regularly on construction sites and at plants.

The pay is more than Ok

There are two ways to get paid while working as an employee for a trucking company. By the hour or by a percentage of the loads hauled. When it comes to working on construction sites, pay is typically by the hour; usually $20.00 per hour, or more.

The standard pay for 10 wheelers on a job site is around $80.00 per hour, with a 4 hour minimum. If you are working with your own truck as a subcontractor, you are responsible for fuel, insurance and maintenance.

One distinct advantage to working on construction sites, as opposed to traveling long distances, is that fuel costs are significantly lower, and there tends to be a lot of sit around and wait time, which can be a good thing

.

Money for nothing?

Every once in a while, as a dump truck driver, you will find yourself in the enviable position of getting paid to sit around and wait. For instance, when an underground pipe is ruptured, the foreman will keep you on standby until they are able to fix the problem and resume work.

At that point, you can turn off the engine, and turn to a good book, while you continue to earn money with each passing hour, without burning fuel. Ka-ching!

Seasons in the sun

Construction work is largely seasonal. However, dump truck drivers are often able to earn enough during the summer to enjoy some time off during the winter.

If you own your own tractor, it is possible to detach the trailer with the dump container, and attach a van trailer for long haul work in the winter.

I purchased a 1979 KW tractor that ran like a dream, and I made my money back in one summer. I have been able to continue using it for a few years, but it’s time is coming to an end.

The United States federal government has enacted new emission requirements, rendering old trucks like mine worthless. I was aware of this going in, and I came out ahead. However, I will be shopping for a new tractor in the near future.

Luckily, I know enough to do my homework when it comes to buying a truck. What seems like a good deal could turn out to be a total loss, because people are unloading old tractors that will not pass muster with the Department of Transportation.

In four years as a female trucker, I have had nothing but support from the guys in my fleet. I have personally never been subject to any sexual harassment, and I have met many women working in the industry that have also had good experiences.

I plan to enjoy a long career as a subcontractor, hauling dirt, paving and patching roads, and repairing damaged levees along the rivers, among other jobs. I expect to remain gainfully employed, no matter what the future of our economy brings, because trucking will never stop.

This is a true career story as told to LogisticsJobs.org and is one of many interviews with logistics professionals which among others include a Logistics Customer Service Representative.