There are dozens of opportunities in the heavy equipment operating arena. Heavy equipment operators are responsible for operating a wide range of equipment ranging from hydraulic truck cranes, forklifts and bulldozers to cargo trucks, backhoes and dump trucks. Qualified cargo haulers are always in high demand.

Job opportunities are available as independent operators, with private employers and government entities. Individuals have options that include those that are local in scope or long-haul jobs that may take them anywhere across the nation. Florida requires individuals to keep their certifications and endorsements current. Some equipment may require a specific license in Florida, along with passing a DOT physical.

Heavy equipment operators on salary in Florida typically earn between $51,000-$71,000 per year. Those that are paid by the hour make an average of $17.60 per hour. Overtime opportunities are available and some companies offer signing bonuses. Insurance benefits are usually offered and some companies may even provide parental leave and assistance with personal development or relocation expenses.

Individuals contemplating a career in operating heavy equipment will need a high school diploma or GED and be required to complete an approved heavy equipment training program. Passing a written and skills test is also required. A commercial driver’s license also known as a CDL is required and there are three levels of CDL endorsements.

• A Passenger (P) endorsement enables the carrying of passengers
• A Tank (T) endorsement allows the operation of trucks containing liquid cargos
• A Hazardous Materials (H) endorsement is for operating trucks containing flammable liquids, explosives or radioactive substances.

There are also different classes of CDLs. A Class A is needed for vehicles with a gross weight combination of 26,001 or more lbs. It includes tractor-trailers, flatbeds, livestock haulers, and tank vehicles.

A Class B is required for a vehicle not hitched to a trailer with a cargo weight greater than 26,000 lbs. encompassing passenger and segmented buses, tractor-trailers, and dump trucks with small trailers.

A Class C is needed to operate a single vehicle with a gross weight less than 26,001 lbs., towing a vehicle that weighs 10,000 lbs., or transporting 16 or more passengers including the driver. It includes passenger vans, small HazMat vehicles, and vehicles not included in Class A or B.

With the many opportunities available for heavy equipment operators, there’s an option to accommodate a wide range of personal interests, income desires, and in multiple fields. Individuals can choose to work in areas ranging from mining and construction to hauling heavy equipment.

North American Heavy Haul is a full-service Heavy Equipment Transportation and Machinery Shipping Firm. With Professional Heavy Equipment Drivers in All 50 States, we have more experience transporting oversized and over-weight machinery than anyone in the industry. North American Heavy Haul is dedicated to providing our clients with professional, personalized services and guidance in all your heavy equipment transportation needs.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure your heavy equipment is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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