Trucking is the backbone of several industries. Typically, ships, trains, and planes are used to transport cargo in bulk. But a fleet of smaller trucks and semi rigs are used to disburse this cargo inland from major train junctions, shipping ports, and airports. Without skilled drivers, the entire process worth millions of dollars transporting to all corners of the nation would come to a grinding halt.

So, depending on the type of cargo, here is how much truck driver jobs would fetch annually or season-wise.

Special oversize haulage
Special contracts can earn truckers up to $100,000 in yearly income. The bigger the risk, the value of the cargo, and the duration of the haul, the higher the payday for veteran truckers. Specialty cargo can be anything from trailers loaded with valuable electronics to vintage car collections for dealers spread across the country. Truckers who specialize in heavy haulage and oversized loads will always earn more than regular trailer pullers on any given day.

Ice road trucking
Driving across snow-covered terrain to reach the farthest, most remote points of North America and even Canada requires nerves of steel. Truckers are exposed to whiteouts, avalanches, ice road fractures, and brutal temperature drops of nearly -70° C (-95°F) in the peak winter season. This type of trucking is seasonal as the ice road can freeze and construct only during the coldest winter months. But it is also one of the highest paying truck driver jobs depending on the type of haul, weather condition, and duration of the transport. Ice road truckers can make anything between up to $80,000 in just three short months. This is mainly determined by the number of trips possible between two hauls, inclusive of rest time.

Hazardous material trucking
Hazmat loads are dangerous to transport. Truckers undergo special training to be eligible for such driving jobs. Here, both experience and skill matter, and that is why veteran drivers usually do most forms of hazmat trucking. There are nine different classes of hazmat loads, with different types of placard for each class. This includes explosives, gasses, flammable or combustible liquids, flammable solids, oxidizer or organic peroxide, toxic inhalants, radioactive corrosive, and limited marking quantity loads. Depending on the type of hazmat class, the experience of the driver, duration of the haul, and the number of trips, truckers can earn anywhere between $50,000 to $80,000 annually.

Residential and commercial goods moving
Truckers looking for stable income and risk-free truck driver jobs can also make decent money by providing residential and commercial moving services. According to the national average data collected, household truckers can make up to $54,000 annually working for a moving company or franchise. Those who prefer team driving or can afford to employ drivers for an additional rig can earn more with commercial interstate relocation services. Private fleets can earn up to $80,000 or more, transporting goods for major retail outlets nationwide.

Tanker truck driver jobs
Tankers are special containers designed to transport a specific type of liquid. The type of load can range from milk, beverages, and liquified food products to chemical, fuel, and even compressed natural gas. Depending on the type of tanker, experienced drivers can make approximately $60,000 to $80,000, depending on several factors like skill, experience, and distance to be hauled. Since the cargo is always shifting throughout the journey, only skilled drivers are allowed to drive tanker trucks.