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Desert Transportation Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Desert Transportation information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$19

$36

How much do desert transportation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for desert transportation in Raleigh, NC is $19.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is desert transportation?

Desert transportation refers to the methods and systems used to move people and goods across desert environments, which are characterized by extreme temperatures, arid conditions, and challenging terrain. Common modes of desert transportation include off-road vehicles, camels, and specialized trucks designed to handle sand and rough surfaces. These transportation solutions are essential for supporting local communities, tourism, and industries such as mining and oil extraction in desert regions.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals working in desert transportation and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in desert transportation often face unique challenges such as extreme heat, sandy terrain, limited access to resources, and unpredictable weather conditions. Managing these challenges involves thorough route planning, regular vehicle maintenance, and training in desert survival and navigation. Teams often coordinate closely to monitor environmental conditions and ensure communication systems are reliable in remote areas. Adaptability and proactive problem-solving are key to ensuring safety and efficiency in this demanding environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in desert transportation, and why are they important?

Success in Desert Transportation requires a valid commercial driver's license, knowledge of vehicle maintenance, and experience with safe navigation in arid and challenging environments. Operators typically use GPS navigation systems, satellite communication tools, and may need certifications in hazardous materials handling depending on the cargo. Strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and resilience are crucial soft skills due to unpredictable weather and isolation. These skills ensure safe, efficient transport and help overcome unique logistical challenges presented by desert conditions.

What is the difference between Desert Transportation vs Truck Driver?

AspectDesert TransportationTruck Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), safety trainingCommercial Driver's License (CDL), safety training
Work EnvironmentDesert routes, remote areas, long hauls in arid regionsHighways, urban areas, various terrains across regions
Industry UsageLogistics, freight, transportation companies operating in desert regionsFreight, logistics, delivery services nationwide

Desert Transportation and Truck Drivers both require CDL licenses and safety training. Desert Transportation focuses on routes through desert and remote areas, often involving long hauls in arid environments. In contrast, Truck Drivers operate across diverse terrains and regions, serving a broader range of industries. While their skills overlap, their work environments and specific routes differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Desert Transportation jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Desert Transportation jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Local P&D Driver (Class A - Fully Endorsed)

Estes Express Lines

Morrisville, NC • On-site

$1.2K - $1.6K/wk

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Estes Express Lines rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 64 rated delivery companies


Job description

Job Summary:
  • Will be required to operate all types of equipment to perform all safety functions, including, but not limited to, operating manual transmission, chaining tires, etc. and must be skilled and qualified to drive in all types of terrain, routes and environmental conditions.
  • Responsible for safely operating a tractor/trailer in the transportation of freight in accordance with Company, Federal, State and Local laws with regard to run times and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
  • Must adhere to all FMCSA requirements of those holding a Commercial Driver's License
  • Maintain records required with compliance with local, state and federal regulations
  • Comply with all requirements for safe and legal transportation of hazardous materials
  • Insure security of equipment and cargo
  • Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure safe working conditions of the tractor and trailer prior to each trip and at the end of each trip
  • Check gauges and visual indicators for malfunctions, ensure seal or lock on trailers and conducts inspection of vehicle before and during trips to determine problems that may be occurring
  • Promptly report all maintenance problems to Fleet Services and/or supervision
  • Verify unit numbers versus paperwork given and report any discrepancies to your supervisor
  • May be required to use in-cab technology, to include electronic logs and other items
  • May be required to drive different schedules and work the dock based on business needs
  • As approved by Safety, will be allowed / needed to run over-the-road on occasion, as dictated by business needs
  • Provide professional and courteous service to our customers and the general public
  • Will assist where needed based on business requirements: Dock work to include loading/unloading freight, Customer site loading/unloading freight
  • Regular attendance is required.
  • This is not an all-inclusive list of job requirements and/or duties and may not contain all mental and physical capabilities necessary to perform the job at all times due to circumstances. Operational, safety and other needs may require the employee to perform any and all other duties as assigned. Employees are expected, and must be able to perform all such duties and tasks.
Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or General Educational Degree (GED), or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background
  • 21 years of age required per FMCSA regulations (1 year driving experience required)
  • Must possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License
  • Must be registered with the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
  • Must reside within 75 miles of the domiciled Service Center and/or work assignment
  • HazMat, Tanker and Doubles endorsements required (LCV requirement may apply)
  • Must be able to drive a tractor trailer for a period of time that will conform to FMCSA requirements
  • Stable employment history preferred
  • Ability to operate a forklift (minimum 7,500 lb. vehicle)
  • Must be able to push or pull a loaded pallet jack and/or hand truck with a minimum load of 70 lbs.
  • Physical activities include: standing, lifting, twisting, turning, climbing a ladder, etc.
  • Must be capable of dropping/hooking and coupling trailers which involves cranking landing gear, pulling 5th wheel pin which takes approximately 65 lbs. of pressure; and maneuvering a trailer dolly
  • Must be able to provide an acceptable MVR
  • Must be familiar with state motor vehicle laws and FMCSA rules and regulations
  • Must pass a FMCSA required medical exam
  • Must pass a road test
  • Ability to meet the FMCSA's requirements to speak and read English
  • Must be able to lift approximately 70 lbs., or more if required by the essential functions of the job
  • Must be able to drive all routes and in all types of terrain, including, but not limited to, mountains, steep inclined roads, curvy highways, desert areas, bridges, tunnels, etc.
  • Must be able to drive in a wide range of environmental conditions, including, but not limited to, rain, wind, snow, freezing temperatures, hot weather, etc.
  • Must be able to operate all safety and operational functions of equipment, including, but not limited to, chaining tires, driving manual transmission vehicles, etc.
  • Must be able to comply with all company policies, rules, procedures and Code of Conduct
  • Must be able to interact well with others
  • Must be able to work independently, or in a team setting
  • Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high volume environment with multiple priorities
  • Responds well to questions; Ability to read, interpret and comply with written information and documents such as safety rules, operations / procedure manuals and maintenance instructions with a high comprehension and concentration level to include the ability to meet deadlines
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, random drug and/or alcohol tests, and will be subject to a criminal history background check
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to lift and/or move a minimum of 70 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to lift, twist, turn, and may climb. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and climb or balance.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles. The employee may be required to work in high/precarious places, with hazardous materials, and in various weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to loud as required by the essential functions of the job.
Race, Color, Ethnicity, Religion, Age, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Disability, Marital or Veteran Status, Place of National Origin and Other Categories protected by law are not factors in employment, promotion, compensation or working conditions. The information in this application may be used and prior employers will be contacted for the purpose of investigating the applicant's safety and performance history information as required by 391.23 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. If your employment in the preceding three years has been regulated by the Department of Transportation, you have the following rights: the right to review information provided by previous employers; the right to have errors in the information corrected by the previous employer and for that employer to re-send the corrected information to Estes Express Lines; and the right to have a rebuttal statement attached to the alleged erroneous information, if the previous employer and the driver cannot agree on the accuracy of the information. If you wish to review the previous employer-provided investigative information, you must submit a written request to Estes Express Lines no later than 30 days after being employed or being notified of denial of employment.


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About Estes Express Lines

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Estes Express Lines, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, USA, is a full-service freight transportation provider. Founded in 1931, the company has grown to be one of the leading freight carriers in North America. They serve customers across the continental U.S., Canada, Mexico, and across the globe with an extensive network of nearly 260 terminals. Their services encompass less-than-truckload (LTL), time-critical guaranteed, volume and truckload, global, and custom solutions. Estes values reliability, responsibility, and resources, showing their commitment to delivering quality services and an unmatched freight transportation network.

Industry

Trucking

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Richmond, VA, US

Year founded

1931