Deck driving is a type of driveaway where one driver moves several trucks at once by connecting them in a specialized configuration, often called decking or saddlemount. Deck driving driveaway loads take additional training and responsibility, but they let a driver deliver more units per trip and can open the door to more specialized work.
What Deck Driving Driveaway Loads Involve
In a typical deck setup, the lead truck does the driving. One or more additional trucks are mounted to it with specialized equipment so their front ends ride on the unit ahead while their rear wheels roll on the road. The result is a single combination that one driver takes to the destination.
Federal rules (49 CFR 393.71) cover how driveaway units can be coupled and towed, so every setup has to be built and secured the right way. That’s why training matters.
A Deck Load, Start to Finish
- Inspect each unit and document its condition
- Assemble the deck: mount, secure, and check every connection
- Do a full walk-around of the combination before rolling
- Drive with extra attention to turns, clearance, and braking
- Undeck the units at delivery and complete inspections and paperwork
Why Drivers Move Into Deck Driving
- More units per trip. One drive, multiple trucks delivered.
- More specialized loads. Decking is a skill not every driver has.
- Earning potential. Deck work can open the door to additional earning potential, and Norton offers bonuses and incentives for going the extra mile.
- Pride in the craft. Deck drivers take real ownership of setup, safety, and delivery.
What It Takes to Be a Deck Driver
Deck driving builds on everything a singles driver does and adds mechanical setup, physical work, and attention to detail.
- Meet Norton’s driveaway driver requirements, including two years of commercial driving experience in the last five years
- Be comfortable with physical work: lifting, climbing, and handling deck equipment
- Be detail-oriented about securing every connection
- Complete deck-specific training
Learn how training works on our driveaway training page.
Deck Driving vs. Singles
Singles driveaway is one truck, one driver. Deck driving moves several trucks with one driver. Deck loads take longer to set up and break down and carry more responsibility, but each trip delivers more. Compare every option in our types of driveaway guide, and if you’re ready to look at openings, see current deck driver jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is deck driving in driveaway?
Deck driving is moving multiple trucks at once by connecting them in a specialized configuration so one driver can deliver several units in a single trip.
Is deck driving harder than singles?
It takes more skill and responsibility. Deck drivers have to assemble, secure, and break down the configuration correctly and handle a longer combination on the road.
Do I need training to drive deck loads?
Yes. Deck driving requires additional training on the equipment and on how to safely assemble, operate, and undeck the units.
Is deck driving physical work?
Yes. Setting up and breaking down a deck involves lifting, climbing, and handling equipment, so drivers should be comfortable with hands-on physical work.
Do deck drivers earn more than singles drivers?
Deck work can open the door to additional earning potential because each trip moves more units, but earnings always depend on the loads you run and how often you drive.
Hear From Real Driveaway Drivers
Want the unfiltered version? These Six-Figure Trucker podcast episodes feature drivers who do this work every day:
- EP127: Mastering Deck Driver Training with Segun Davis. Segun Davis breaks down what deck driver training looks like.
- EP118: Decked Out: Leshaundra McAdams’ Path to Driveaway Success. Leshaundra McAdams on her path to success as a deck driver.
- EP78: Driveaway and Deck Driving’s Industry Edge with Nathaniel Sensley. Nathaniel Sensley on the edge deck driving gives drivers in driveaway.
- EP51: Deck Demon vs. Single Love with Jose Palma and Steven Love. Jose Palma, the Deck Demon, debates decking versus singles with Steven Love.
If deck driving driveaway work sounds like your next step, apply to drive with Norton Transport and tell us you’re interested in decking. Prefer to talk first? Email onboarding@nortontransport.com or call (423) 617-0218.