One of the attractive things about working in the logistics industry is that there are plenty of different opportunities for professionals to find the best career fit for their unique lifestyles.
Trucking is one area that offers lucrative, flexible jobs hauling loads. There is a wide range of loads of varying sizes and characteristics that require specific skills and equipment for a successful delivery.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the short-haul division and what being a dedicated short-haul trucker entails. It just might be the service you’re looking for! Let’s dive in…
What is Short Haul?
Trucking can be separated between long haul or short haul divisions, taking into account factors such as distance and the types of vehicles utilized for delivery.
Short haul truckers cover deliveries within a 150-mile area, while long haulers generally operate within a 250-mile radius or more.
Another distinguishing feature of short haul are the types of vehicles used to transport goods. This includes smaller vehicles, such as vans, box trucks, or straight trucks.
These smaller vehicles are more efficient for traveling in urban areas, traffic increases and the streets are narrow.
What Are the Advantages of Being a Short Haul Truck Driver?
Each logistics sector has its own set of benefits that appeal to different types of drivers. For short haul drivers, there are plenty of advantages to staying within a smaller area of travel.
1. Familiarity
Short haul drivers typically travel the same routes within a small area, which means that over time local navigation becomes second nature.
It can be stressful for drivers to travel in new areas that they don’t know, especially when they’re in a race against time to complete a delivery.
Short haul allows drivers to get to know the area like the back of their hand, so they know the fastest routes, backroads to take in case of delays, and the daily traffic patterns.
2. Down time at home
If you want a job that gives you more time at home with family, short haul trucking offers that benefit.
Every job varies, but generally most short trips can be completed within a day. Since you’re staying local, you won’t have to worry about sleeping in motels or at truck stops like long haulers must do. Instead, short haul drivers get to spend most nights at home.
3. Superior driving skills
Short haul is an excellent way to garner driving experience that hones skills and enhances safe driving practices.
Driving frequently in an urban area means a lot of reversing, tighter turns, and being aware of pedestrians.
Sure, it’s challenging, but mastering these maneuvers only bolsters your truck driver skillset for the future, no matter what you want to haul.
