If you enjoy driving and are looking for ways to earn some extra money or are interested in a career change, there are a number of unique jobs you could pursue. Here are 6 jobs that you’ll excel at if you love to drive. Most of these jobs require a special license to carry passengers or drive large vehicles.
Taxi Drivers
Taxi and Uber or Lyft drivers will typically make more in big cities, but you can even make some extra cash in smaller towns. These jobs are perfect for those who enjoy socializing since you’ll frequently meet new passengers. While the base pay for these positions may not be very high, you can make a decent amount of extra cash in tips. You’ll have to prepare yourself for some odd working hours, though, since your services will be needed most on weekends, evenings, and during large events.
Chauffeur
Unlike taxi drivers, chauffeurs are usually hired to drive the same people around. The pay can often be higher for these positions, but you may need to be ready to go at a moment’s notice. If you’re driving a limo for your employer, you’ll also need to have a special license.
Shuttle Driver
An airport shuttle driver is a type of personal driver who takes customers to and from the airport or between airport terminals and parking areas. They will be required to determine the collection and drop-off points for each trip and adhere to the vehicle’s passenger limit. An interesting variation on the airport shuttle driver theme is the theme park shuttle driver. Places like Disney and Universal studios also need drivers to take “guests” from their parking lots to the main entrance and between various other locations.
Truck Driver
There are a variety of different types of truck drivers. The first distinction is based on the distance driven, i.e., local, regional, or long-distance haulers (called OTR or Over-the-Road drivers). Then there is the breakdown based on the type of truck such as auto haulers, tanker drivers, refrigerated haulers, and flatbed haulers. The most common truck that you see is called a “dry van” They haul non-perishable goods like clothes, furniture, or non-perishable foods. Many drivers start out as dry van drivers.
Hotshot Haulers tend to drive smaller vehicles but are expected to deliver goods quickly so several different loads may be taken in a single day depending on the distance needed to transport them.
LTL Freight Drivers, i.e., “less-than-load”, transport smaller than normal loads. The trailer is divided into several sections. The LTL driver will make stops at different points to deliver each section. This is more cost-effective for the customer, as they only have to pay for the part of the trailer being used.
Intermodal truck driving means that you’re driving freight that you picked up from a different mode of transportation to get to your customer. In most cases, the customer is a large store, distribution center, or factory. Other modes of transportation are often railroad, air, or ocean travel. Different from regular truck driving, these trips are usually completed in one day or less. Intermodal truck drivers receive generous pay and work a very reasonable schedule.
Valet
This can be the perfect part-time position if you’re looking to earn some extra money. If you’re working in the right location, you can make decent money with tips. The one drawback is that you’re completely responsible for the owner’s car when parking it, which can be nerve-wracking – but if you work for a “high-end” place you could have the opportunity to drive some pretty cool cars… albeit only for relatively short distances.
Bus Drivers
Whether you’re interested in being a city bus driver and seeing the sights each day or you love kids and want to operate a school bus, driving a bus can be a good way to earn a living. Some training will be required up-front if you don’t already have a CDL license. You’ll also be responsible for all of the people riding on your bus, so take pride in this position.
Driving can be a very lucrative career or a great way to earn some money in your downtime. If you love to drive and have the right personality, the jobs listed above could be a great fit for you.
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