Boom driving is a type of driveaway where specialized boom equipment connects multiple commercial vehicles so one driver can transport them together. Because the setup is more involved than moving a single truck, boom driving requires specific training to safely assemble, operate, and undeck each load from pickup to delivery.

boom driving related driveaway decked truck lineup

What Is Boom Driving?

Boom configurations use specialized equipment, the boom, to link commercial vehicles into one combination. One unit does the driving, and the boom connects the others so they travel together. Like deck driving, boom work lets one driver move more than one vehicle per trip.

Norton delivers single, deck, and boom loads throughout the US and Canada.

How a Boom Load Works

  • Inspect each unit. Document the condition of every vehicle before setup.
  • Assemble the boom. Mount and secure the equipment and every connection to spec.
  • Check the combination. Verify lights, brakes, connections, and clearances before you roll.
  • Drive with care. A boom combination handles differently than a single truck, especially in turns, backing, and braking.
  • Undeck and deliver. Break down the setup at the destination, complete inspections, and close out paperwork.

Boom Driving vs. Deck Driving

Both move multiple units with one driver, and both take added training. The difference is in the equipment and how the units are connected. Some drivers specialize in one, and some are trained on both. Read more about deck driving, or see how both fit with the other options in our types of driveaway overview.

What It Takes to Drive Boom Loads

  • Meet the driveaway driver requirements
  • Be comfortable with hands-on mechanical work and physical setup
  • Bring patience and attention to detail. A rushed setup is an unsafe setup.
  • Complete boom-specific training

See our driveaway training page for more on how drivers prepare for multi-unit work.

Safety First on Every Boom Load

Multi-unit loads leave no room for shortcuts. Experienced boom drivers build habits that protect themselves, the equipment, and everyone they share the road with:

  • Re-check connections at every stop, not just at pickup
  • Plan routes with turns, grades, and clearances in mind
  • Leave extra following distance for a heavier combination
  • Take setup and breakdown slow, especially in bad weather or poor light
  • Call dispatch the moment something doesn’t look right

Why Drivers Choose Boom Work

Boom driving rewards drivers who like to master a skill. It’s specialized work that not every driver can do, and it puts you in a smaller group of professionals trusted with multi-unit loads. Norton pays by the mile, with pay per mile that’s the best in the industry, plus bonuses and incentives for going the extra mile.

Like every Norton driver, boom drivers have a dedicated dispatcher who knows them by name and 24/7 support, so you’re never on your own with a complex load.

Boom driving still means following the same federal FMCSA hours-of-service rules as other commercial driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is boom driving in driveaway?

Boom driving uses specialized boom equipment to connect multiple commercial vehicles so one driver can transport them together to their destination.

Do I need special training for boom driving?

Yes. Boom driving requires specific training on how to safely assemble, operate, and undeck the configuration.

Is boom driving the same as deck driving?

No. Both move multiple units with one driver, but they use different equipment and different methods of connecting the vehicles.

Is boom driving physically demanding?

Setting up and breaking down a boom involves hands-on work with heavy equipment, so drivers should be comfortable with physical, mechanical tasks.

Can singles drivers move into boom driving?

Many drivers add multi-unit skills after starting with singles. Talk with our onboarding team about how your experience lines up with boom training.

Hear From Real Driveaway Drivers

Want the unfiltered version? These Six-Figure Trucker podcast episodes feature drivers who do this work every day:

If boom driving sounds like the challenge you’re looking for, apply to drive with Norton Transport or browse all driveaway driver jobs. Prefer to talk first? Email onboarding@nortontransport.com or call (423) 617-0218.

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