You've probably heard of the Southwest Airlines jet that had an engine explode recently.  What a tragedy it was - when the engine exploded, it punctured a window and partially sucked a woman out of the plane at 35,000', at over 500 mph.  You can read more about it here.  The maintenance of jet engines, which is already of the highest importance, was made even more so with this tragedy.  There are a few trucking companies like Southern Pride and Aviation Express which exclusively serve the aviation industry with jet engine transport.

Firstly, notice the large custom sleepers.  These companies are typically looking for teams who want to stay out a long time.  This isn't a home every weekend type of operation, but more of lifestyle.  Teams are used with step deck trailers and usually solo drivers will pull the double drop trailers for over-dimensional (OD) loads. OD loads usually aren't allowed to move at night and that's Truck_010117-548.jpgwhy teams don't usually move these loads. 

Jet engine haulers must have all air-ride equipment with satellite tracking.  All drivers must pass stringent background checks and undergo special training for TSA procedures and airport security measures.  Sometimes they may have to wait at the airports for long periods of time so the large sleepers come in handy. Otherwise they would have to escorted anywhere on the property for food or bathroom breaks.  They transport new engines from the factory to the airline and they also transport used engines from airline back to the factory for refurbishment and/or repairs. 

If you're one of the top tier owner-operators in the industry and like being on the road for longer periods of time - you may be up to the challenge of working for one of these elite trucking companies. Exclusively serving the high demands of the aviation industry will be a very challenging and rewarding career. 

Thanks to TruckStockImages.com for the use of this photo.

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Joey Slaughter

Joey Slaughter is the owner of Blue Ridge Transport, LLC. Joey has been in the trucking industry since 1992.

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