At Carter Express, drivers work with one of three types of tractors depending on the types of load assignments they have. As their names suggest, Yard Tractors, Day Cab Tractors, and Condo Sleeper Tractors are built for different kinds of routes and operations.

Yard Tractors: Yard Tractors are optimized and utilized for Carter’s yard management programs. The yard tractor features a sliding rear door that allows a driver to access electrical and airline systems without leaving the tractor fully. A driver in a yard tractor can perform the tasks without having to get off of the cab or to raise and lower the trailer’s dolly legs. Ottawa is the most common brand of yard tractor that Carter employs, and its wheelbase is 115 inches. With at least six months of tractor-trailer driving experience, a Carter driver can operate this type of vehicle at Carter Express.

 

Carter Express Truck Day Cab Tractors: Day Cab Tractors are used to deliver customer freight on shorter routes that a driver can complete within his or her allotted 11 hours of driving. Day cabs do not have sleeper berths, Volvo and Freightliner are the most common brands of day cab tractors utilized by Carter Express, and these trucks’ wheelbase average between 146 and 211 inches. A Carter driver with at least six months of experience in tractor-trailer driving can operate this type of vehicle at Carter Express

 

Condo Sleeper Tractors: Condo Sleeper Tractors are utilized for longer distance loads. Drivers assigned to these routes can take advantage of the tractor’s sleeper berth during their 10-hour rest period while on the route. Sleeper Tractors also have extra storage space for the driver’s personal belongings such as clothes, food, and electronics.  Many have two bunks (see pictured below) to accommodate a driving team. A sleeper tractor is the largest with a wheelbase from 197 to 211 inches on average. Just like the other tractors, at least six months of tractor-trailer driving experience is required to drive a condo sleeper tractor at Carter Express. Volvos and Freightliners are the most commonly used brand of condo sleeper tractors at Carter Express.