Drive away trucking is a specialized sector of the logistics industry that operates distinctly from traditional freight hauling. Unlike most commercial drivers who transport goods inside a trailer, drive away drivers transport the commercial vehicles themselves. This niche involves moving new, empty, or refurbished commercial vehicles directly from a manufacturer, upfitter, or seller to a dealership or end-user.
This process requires drivers to operate a wide variety of equipment, ranging from semi-trucks and buses to utility vans and recreational vehicles. For drivers seeking flexibility and independence, the drive away model offers a different career path compared to long-haul, over-the-road (OTR) freight transport. Understanding the operational framework and financial structure of this work is necessary for evaluating it as a career choice.
Defining Drive Away Trucking
Drive away trucking is defined by the fact that the vehicle being delivered is the cargo, moved using its own power. This differs from auto transport, where vehicles are loaded onto a separate trailer. The vehicles moved are typically commercial units like Class 8 tractors, vocational trucks, buses, or large RVs.
Jobs often fall into two primary categories: single-unit moves and convoy moves. A single-unit move involves driving one vehicle directly to its destination. A convoy move, also known as a “decked” or “piggyback” move, involves connecting two or more vehicles together, with the lead vehicle driving and towing the others. In a convoy, the driver operates the front truck while having additional trucks mounted or towed behind it, sometimes requiring specialized coupling equipment.
The Operational Process
The logistics of a drive away job begin when a driver accepts a contract, often sourced through a company’s dispatch or an independent load board. Prior to departure, the driver must perform a thorough pre-trip inspection of the vehicle and complete the necessary paperwork. This documentation typically includes a Bill of Lading, inspection forms, and detailed trip sheets to track expenses and hours.
Once the inspection is complete, the driver plans the route, which must account for the specific handling characteristics of the vehicle being driven or the complex configuration of a convoy. The employer or contractor typically provides an initial fuel advance or a fuel card, although the driver must meticulously track all fuel and toll receipts. Upon reaching the destination, the driver confirms delivery, completes a final inspection report, and submits required paperwork.
The process of delivering a convoy often involves “undecking,” where the driver must safely dismantle the coupling devices used to connect the vehicles. This step can require physical effort and specialized knowledge. After delivery, the driver must manage the deadhead trip back to a new load or home base.
Driver Qualifications and Requirements
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements
The type of license required depends entirely on the vehicle’s size and weight. Driving a single, heavy-duty commercial truck, or a decked convoy, requires a Class A CDL. A Class B CDL is sufficient for operating a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, such as a large straight truck or bus, provided it is not towing a unit weighing over 10,000 pounds.
Licensing and Endorsements
Drivers must ensure they have all necessary endorsements for the vehicles they transport. An air brake endorsement is typically required for most commercial vehicles. If a driver is moving an empty bus designed for 16 or more passengers, a Passenger (P) endorsement may be required on the CDL, depending on the specific interpretation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules.
Insurance Requirements
Independent contractors, which make up a large portion of the drive away workforce, must secure specialized insurance. This usually includes Non-Trucking Liability and Bobtail/Deadhead coverage, which protects the driver during periods when they are not hauling a revenue-generating load or are traveling back to a new pickup location.
Physical Requirements and Background Checks
All drivers operating commercial motor vehicles must meet the physical standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and pass a regular medical examination. Additionally, companies require a clean driving record and often conduct background checks. These steps ensure compliance with federal safety regulations and company standards.
The Drive Away Driver Lifestyle
The drive away driver experiences a high degree of independence, a factor that attracts many to the career. Drivers often operate as independent contractors, allowing them to select loads and determine their own work schedules. This self-determination, however, results in an irregular and sometimes unpredictable workload, with periods of high activity followed by downtime.
The most distinguishing logistical challenge of this lifestyle is “deadheading,” the process of getting the driver back to a location where a new load is available. Since the delivered vehicle is the product, the driver is left at the drop-off point with no vehicle to drive for the return trip. Managing the deadhead requires complex personal logistics, often involving commercial flights, buses, or ride-sharing services, all of which are usually paid for by the driver.
This constant travel and reliance on public transportation necessitates meticulous record-keeping for expenses and travel time. The variety of vehicles driven and the constant change of scenery provide a break from the monotony of traditional freight routes, but the travel back creates a significant personal and financial burden.
Evaluating the Career: Pay and Trade-Offs
Compensation Structure
Drive away drivers are typically paid per mile for the distance traveled in the vehicle being delivered, or sometimes a flat rate per job. Pay rates for CDL-required units often range from $0.60 to $0.70 per mile. Some specialized or complex convoy jobs that involve “undecking” can offer higher flat rates due to the additional physical labor and time required. The gross earnings for a single load might range from $1,000 to over $4,000, depending on the distance and complexity.
Driver Expenses
The financial model places substantial responsibility on the independent contractor. While the company often pays for fuel via a fuel surcharge or advance, the driver is generally responsible for all other operating costs. These expenses include tolls, food, lodging, and most significantly, the cost of deadheading. The expense of traveling back home or to the next load location—such as airfare, bus tickets, or rental cars—can significantly reduce the net income of a trip.
Advantages
The career offers several advantages over traditional OTR trucking. Drivers incur virtually no wear-and-tear on a personal tractor, as they are operating the customer’s new equipment. The work provides extensive route variety, moving across different regions and often dealing with diverse clients and manufacturers. The independence of selecting loads and setting one’s own schedule is a major draw for drivers.
Disadvantages
The primary drawback is the financial volatility caused by the deadhead travel and unpredictable workload. Since the driver is covering the cost of the return trip, a long delivery can result in high, non-reimbursable travel expenses that erode profits. Traditional OTR drivers are often paid for all miles, including empty miles, but drive away contractors are generally only paid for the loaded miles. This trade-off requires drivers to be skilled at cost management and logistics to maintain a profitable operation.