A heavy truck is a straight truck weighing more than four tons. Most have ten wheels, and all have massive engines. Because they are highly customizable, the same basic model can be equipped to serve as a concrete mixer, an airline fuel tanker, a refuse and recycling truck, or even a fire engine. It takes skill, experience, and a special touch to control the momentum of a four-ton truck carrying three tons of material, once it gets up to speed. That’s why heavy truck drivers must obtain a special commercial driver’s license or “CDL.” Training is available, but before paying for a course, make sure that it is certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute of America. Working conditions can be dirty and noisy. But most drivers in this part of the industry are full-time employees, receiving full benefit packages. Most runs are local, so unlike long-distance truck drivers, heavy truck drivers have the added benefit of working close to home.