Why “No-Touch Freight” is a Game Changer for a Long-Term Trucking Career
For many truck drivers, the best part of the day is driving a truck — not moving freight. If you’re considering a career in truck driving but don’t want to be responsible for moving cargo, you may be interested in opportunities involving no-touch freight, meaning drivers don’t load or unload cargo themselves. This type of work has been around for years, but no-touch freight is gaining more attention every day.
Knowing what no-touch freight is and about the advantages of no-touch freight jobs can help you decide if this type of work is right for you.
What Is No-Touch Freight?
What does “no-touch freight” mean? It’s freight that is not moved by the truck driver. No-touch freight opportunities allow the driver to focus on driving only. In these cases, load handling is done by cargo movers and experts.
How does this compare to touch freight jobs? Traditional touch freight jobs require drivers to manually handle cargo, often moving it off the truck and onto the cargo bay or loading dock, or elsewhere.
How No-Touch Freight Works
There are different ways that no-touch freight works, but for many drivers, the truck pulls into a loading dock, where it sits until warehouse personnel or dedicated handlers unload the cargo. During this time, the driver may stay in their truck and relax or take care of other tasks.
What Is Drop-and-Hook Freight?
Drop-and-hook freight is a type of no-touch freight. In these loads, the driver drops off their trailer at the customer’s location, hooks up to another trailer, and then leaves. The driver never handles the freight. For many drivers who like no-touch freight, drop-and-hook is the best option. It’s highly efficient because the driver is not required to wait for the trailer to be unloaded or reloaded.
What Type of Cargo is No-Touch?
Not all types of freight are suitable for no-touch work. Some examples of the types of freight that are more likely to be no-touch include hazardous materials and refrigerated freight. This type of freight requires the driver to have special training, but they may not be handling the freight directly.
By contrast, touch freight may involve hauling cargo like furniture, building supplies, and other materials that the driver may be required to move around, even if they aren’t required to load and unload.
Benefits of No-Touch Freight for Truck Drivers
There are many reasons that drivers seek trucking companies with no-touch freight. Below are some of the advantages to consider as you try to decide if this sort of work is right for you.
1. Reduced Risk of Injury
No-touch freight requires no heavy lifting, moving, pushing, or pulling. This means that drivers are at reduced risk of injury. No-touch freight leaves the moving to the cargo experts who should be fully trained to move freight without injury.
2. Improved Safety and Reduced Liability
Drivers are less likely to have accidents on the loading dock if they’re not moving freight around. This improved safety can mean a better quality of life for drivers.
3. More Time for Rest
Drivers who move no-touch freight have more opportunities to rest, sleep, eat, or engage in personal tasks while the trailer or cargo is being unloaded. For many drivers, this becomes the time to prioritize self-care.
4. Career Longevity
Some drivers retire when their bodies start to wear out. No-touch freight means less physical wear-and-tear and more years on the road. If career longevity is important to you, then no-touch freight may be the best option.
5. Potential For Improved Job Satisfaction
If you love driving but don’t like moving freight, then a no-touch freight opportunity may be your best chance for a job you love.
Challenges and Considerations of No-Touch Freight
While there are many advantages of no-touch freight, there are some challenges to be aware of. Here are some examples:
- Waiting can reduce productivity: Sometimes, loading docks have long wait times, impacting driver productivity.
- Some no-touch jobs do involve minimal freight moving: If it’s important to you to have a fully no-touch route, check the job description and make your needs clear when speaking to recruiters or employers.
- Some drivers like the activity: If you prefer moving around, then a no-touch driving opportunity may feel boring and unsatisfying.
No-Touch Freight FAQ
Is no-touch freight good for new drivers?
Yes, no-touch freight is good for new drivers. This type of freight allows new drivers to focus on honing their driving skills while avoiding potential injuries on the job. It’s always good when a driver is able to build their experience without concerns about heavy physical demands.
How can I tell if a job is 100% no-touch freight?
The best way to ensure that your job is 100% no-touch is to take a position that is drop-and-hook. If the job you’re considering is supposed to be dedicated run no-touch freight, ask questions to learn more about the position. Some questions to ask include:
- Are loads live or drop-and-hook?
- Are there exceptions to the no-touch freight?
If the position involves some driver assist, keep considering other opportunities.
Is no-touch freight better for long-term careers?
No-touch freight opportunities can contribute to driver longevity, leading to less wear and tear on the body and longer careers overall. For some drivers, having a no-touch freight opportunity means less burnout.
Interested in No-Touch Freight Opportunities?
If it’s important to you to find dedicated run no-touch freight opportunities, start by searching with a trucking company you can trust. The team at Barr-Nunn Transportation helps new drivers find opportunities for no-touch freight, drop-and-hook, and more. We are proud to offer 100% no-touch freight driver jobs, ensuring you can focus on the road without the physical burden of loading or unloading. This commitment to driver comfort and efficiency makes our roles ideal for those seeking a more streamlined professional driving experience. To get started, contact us to learn more about jobs for truck drivers with Barr-Nunn Transportation.