When looking at CDL job opportunities, drivers often see terms like touch freight, no-touch freight, driver assist, or pallet jack required. These descriptions can tell you a lot about what will be expected once you arrive at a pickup or delivery location.
Understanding touch freight before accepting a driving position is important because two CDL jobs with similar routes and schedules can have very different day-to-day responsibilities.
So, what exactly is touch freight, and what should drivers know before accepting a position?
What Is Touch Freight?
Touch freight generally means the driver is responsible for physically handling some or all of the freight being transported.
That can involve loading, unloading, moving, organizing, or delivering products rather than simply transporting a loaded trailer from one location to another.
Exactly how much freight handling is required depends on the position. One touch-freight job might involve moving pallets with a pallet jack, while another could require manually unloading individual boxes.
That is why drivers should look beyond the words “touch freight” and ask what the physical responsibilities actually involve.
What Is No-Touch Freight?
With no-touch freight, the driver generally isn’t responsible for loading or unloading the cargo.
Warehouse employees, dockworkers, customers, or other personnel typically handle the freight while the driver focuses on transportation responsibilities.
No-touch does not necessarily mean there is no waiting or involvement at the delivery location. Drivers may still need to position the trailer, communicate with receiving personnel, complete paperwork, inspect the load, or wait while loading and unloading are completed.
What Does Driver Assist Mean?
Driver assist usually falls somewhere between touch and no-touch freight.
Another person or team may handle most of the loading or unloading, but the driver may be expected to help.
For example, a driver might help move freight to the back of the trailer, operate a pallet jack, assist with unloading, or help organize products at a delivery location.
Because “driver assist” can mean different things depending on the employer, drivers should ask exactly what type of assistance is expected.
What Equipment Might Be Used for Touch Freight?
Not every touch-freight position requires drivers to move products entirely by hand.
Depending on the job, drivers may use equipment such as:
- Pallet jacks
- Forklifts
- Liftgates
- Hand trucks or dollies
- Carts
- Straps or other load-securing equipment
Some positions may require previous experience using certain equipment, while others may provide training.
Drivers should make sure they understand what equipment they will be expected to operate and whether any additional experience or qualifications are required.
Touch Freight Can Be Physically Demanding
One of the biggest differences between touch and no-touch positions is the physical component of the job.
Touch freight may involve lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, carrying, or repeatedly getting in and out of the truck throughout a shift.
The physical demands can vary significantly depending on what is being transported.
A driver moving palletized freight with equipment may have a very different experience from someone manually unloading individual products at multiple stops.
Before accepting the job, make sure you understand the expected lifting requirements and how frequently you will be handling freight.
Number of Stops Can Make a Difference
The number of deliveries on a route can also affect how demanding a touch-freight position is.
A driver making one or two deliveries may have a different workday than someone completing multiple stops and unloading products at each location.
For local CDL positions in particular, it is worth asking:
- How many stops are typical each day?
- Who unloads the freight?
- How much weight will I regularly handle?
- Is a pallet jack, forklift, or liftgate available?
- Will I be unloading entire pallets or individual items?
- Are deliveries made to docks, businesses, jobsites, or other locations?
The answers can give you a much clearer picture of what the job actually involves.
Why Drivers Should Read the Job Description Carefully
A CDL job is about more than the license class.
Two Class A positions can require completely different skills and experience depending on the equipment, freight, routes, schedule, and unloading responsibilities.
When reviewing an opportunity, pay attention to whether the posting mentions touch freight, no-touch freight, unloading, pallet jack experience, forklift experience, lifting requirements, multiple stops, or driver assist.
These details can help you decide whether the position matches your experience and the type of driving job you’re looking for.
Ask Questions Before Accepting a CDL Position
If a job posting says “touch freight,” don’t be afraid to ask for more information.
A few questions before accepting an opportunity can help prevent surprises on your first day.
Ask what you will be moving, how heavy the freight typically is, what equipment is provided, how often unloading is required, and whether another person will be assisting.
The more you know about the actual responsibilities, the easier it is to determine whether the opportunity is the right fit.
Finding the Right Driving Opportunity
Every driver has different preferences. Some enjoy active positions where they’re regularly out of the truck and handling freight. Others prefer opportunities where their primary responsibility is driving.
Neither is necessarily better-the important part is understanding what the job requires before accepting it.
At Driver Source, we work with CDL and Non-CDL drivers to connect them with opportunities that match their experience, qualifications, and preferences.
When considering your next driving opportunity, make sure you understand more than the route and pay. Ask about the freight, equipment, unloading responsibilities, schedule, and physical requirements so you know what to expect before you get behind the wheel.
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