Roughly 72% of all freight in the United States moves by truck. That's 10.93 billion tons of goods every year — everything from the produce in your grocery store to the steel beams in new construction projects. For new CDL holders, the type of freight you haul shapes your daily experience, your pay, and your career trajectory.
Dry Van: The Backbone of Trucking
Dry van hauling is where most new drivers start. You're pulling an enclosed trailer loaded with non-perishable goods: packaged food, clothing, electronics, household products, and retail merchandise. It's the most common type of freight, which means plenty of available loads and steady work. Carriers like Swift, Werner, and Schneider — all partners of National Standard Trucking School — run massive dry van fleets across the country.
Refrigerated (Reefer) Freight
Reefer drivers haul temperature-sensitive cargo: fresh produce, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and floral shipments. The pay is typically higher than dry van because of the added responsibility of monitoring temperatures and the time-sensitive nature of perishable goods. Reefer loads often come with tighter delivery windows, which means stronger time-management skills are a must.
Flatbed and Specialized Loads
Flatbed drivers haul oversized or irregularly shaped cargo — lumber, steel coils, heavy machinery, construction equipment, and wind turbine components. This work requires skill in securing loads with chains, straps, and tarps, and it generally pays more than van work. It's also more physically demanding, as drivers handle their own securement.
Tanker and Hazmat Freight
Tanker drivers transport liquids and gases — fuel, chemicals, milk, and water. Hazmat-endorsed drivers haul hazardous materials, which requires additional CDL endorsements and training. Both specialties command premium pay because of the added risk and regulatory requirements involved.
Choosing Your Path
The freight you haul is a career choice, not just a job assignment. At National Standard Trucking School in Tacoma, our programs prepare you for the full range of opportunities. Whether you start with dry van and work toward specialized hauling or aim straight for flatbed work, having a solid Class A CDL opens every door. Call (253) 210-0505 to discuss which path makes the most sense for your goals.
