Your primary responsibility is to focus on the road. # 6. But with anything, there's downfalls to truck driving also. When you book dedicated truck runs, your trucks are constantly earning. OTR trucking requires drivers to be on the road for weeks, while regional and local truck drivers take shorter hauls. During the weekend, you can attend social gatherings since you will not be at work. Dispatch is never reachable and have to wait at least 30 mins to hour for call back. You must find out which career path is best for you. Note that being able to make these decisions on your own has many benefits and keeps the owner-operators in control. All Rights Reserved. Because the trucking company is taking on the risk, you make less as a company driver. Factoring With OTR. I am HOPING to eventually go to a truck driving school to learn how to drive a truck. Disadvantages of OTR Logistics Capacity . Many shippers . At the end of it all, there are some cons associated with the job. Pros. If you have ever expressed an interest in the truck driving sector, youll get to learn about the pros and cons in this context. Location, the type of truck you drive, license endorsements, and your experience may also impact the type of job youre eligible for. Flatbed Tie-Down Kit - Winch and Ratchet Straps, Winder, Corner Protectors, Heavy Duty Band The biggest difference is when the driver gets home. For those unfamiliar with trucking, OTR is usually what they think of when they think of trucking - hitting the open road with only your haul and your radio for company. Job Listing Rules. There is a demand for OTR truck drivers. Read on to learn about this career, including what you could expect on an average day, types of jobs you could have, what license you need, and salary and growth expectations in the field. Most employers offer attractive paid vacation and holiday time off, or bonuses for working holidays. Other routes could take you across the country and perhaps into Mexico or Canada. Company OTR truckers are paid according to their employers pay structure but have fewer responsibilities and pick up loads when directed by their company dispatch. Additionally, there may be many applicants, so you need to make a good impression as you apply for the job.If you are hired right away, ensure you get more experience to ensure that you will stand out from the rest of the candidates. In reality, it is just as common for OTR truckers to work as two-person teams, both for the company and to split drive time. Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport. In CDL School Now You must learn to live with another human being in a small, enclosed space, 24/7. I hope you stick around, I'm sure there will be a million questions you will have, if you are considering truck driving as a career. Each mode offers its own set of pros and cons and is best suited for different situations.One of the most common debates is over-the-road (OTR) vs. intermodal (rail). If you're willing to drive across the country and only have weekends at home, you can earn double that amount in your first year. Depending on the type of truck you drive and the company you work for, you might deliver items like auto parts, commercial goods, automobiles, food, animals, or fuel. Private fleets- those that deliver freight only for one company- often have much higher levels of pay. Typically, OTR drivers sleep in their sleeper berth, which is part of their truck. Intermodal Market Characteristics To ensure there is a balance, you can also consider acquiring used Kenworth trucks for sale. Local drivers, for the most part, go to work and then come home every day, just like workers in offices or manufacturing facilities. Roehl offers more home time for drivers each week, earning it a reputation as one of the best trucking companies to work for. The Cons Of Being An OTR Driver Many advantages accrue from being a truck driver. and SR 387 all summer/year long. The Pros of Going Over-the-Road A regional trucker hauls freight in a specific region, such as the southern or the northwestern United States, and might expect to return home every few days. You will move around the country, and you can also leave the trucking firm and get an employment opportunity at another corporation. As long as your driving record is good and you have a drivers license, you qualify to be a truck driver. So when you are looking for a load, you don't have to spend a lot of time finding one. As an OTR trucker, you might own or lease your truck as an owner-operator or work as an employee of a trucking or logistics company. Here are a few factors to keep in mind if youre considering a career in OTR trucking. They Must Be Responsible. December 11, 2022 by Cathie. Local truckers are often home in the evenings after working an 8-to-10-hour shift. Job security is virtually guaranteed in trucking as the current shortage of drivers is on the rise. Usually, one driver sleeps in the sleeper berth while the other driver keeps the wheels moving. The pay is fairly good 2. independence in your job 3. physical job - hands on 4. freedom of the open road 5. not having to dress up or shave for work 6. easy to pass CDL if you study (not like a CPA accounting test) 7. short term training to making decent money 8. macho job - This job is not for wimps. John Christner Trucking. 12-30-2006, 06:15 AM. OTR driving jobs vary based on the company you work for and whether you work solo or as part of a team. Also, look into the company culture. They have more freedom to decide what loads to take but are also responsible for finding their own loads, ensuring they meet all federal requirements for rest, loading up, and maintaining their truck. Flatbed trucking is difficult work. OTR drivers tend to earn more than other types of truck drivers. OTR trucking pros: - Ability to set your own schedule - More time spent with family, friends, and loved ones - Less stress on drivers' bodies than those who drive local routes or in congested areas. When most people think of truck drivers, they envision OTR trucking. Before you take up such a job, you should consider your personal budget and whether the salary works for you depending on your long-term and short-term goals. However, OTR drivers can expect to be busy all year round because freight never stops moving and always has a delivery date. Over-the-road drivers often drive several hundred miles a day. OTR Advantages . How to Obtain a CDL for Regional, Local, and OTR Trucking A solid work-life balance. For some drivers, such tasks are minor. Taking into account the specific and challenging nature of this job, it is quite reasonable that flatbed drivers earn more than their colleagues, with the difference reaching as high as 13,000 USD per year. Cons you have to stay healthy. To further sweeten the prospects of becoming an OTR driver, once you've acquired 2.5 years of CDL experience, have a clean driving record, no accidents, and are at least 25 years old, you're eligible to drive for CloudTrucks. Its expected there will be a need for an average of 110,000 new drivers per year through 2029. Independence. An over-the-road job can be very rewarding. be_ixf;ym_202212 d_05; ct_50. However, team driving can be stressful due to the amount of time you spend with a coworker. However, the consensus nowadays is that OTR truck driving jobs do not compensate the driver fairly for the long hours he is away from home. The average price of a home in Utah is above $302,000, which places the state in line with a high-demand city like Denver if you're looking to purchase a starter home. 4. Pros and Cons of OTR, Regional, and Local Trucking 14,357 views Aug 17, 2019 495 Dislike Share The BigRed Show 6.33K subscribers #trucking #otr #BigTruckerB Today we're going to talk. The Cons of Flatbed Trucker Jobs. . OTR Trucking: An Intro to Over the Road Driving, gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater, Recruiting Solutions for Carriers and Schools. There are many opportunities for advancement by enhancing your CDL with additional certifications. You drive the truck you are given. Drivers should take extra time to compare their options considering everything from pay, benefits, and how much vacation and hometime they will get. Truck driving jobs are divided into three categories: Over The Road Truck driving (OTR), Regional truck driving, and Local truck driving. There will be other days where youre pushing your clock to the limit just trying to get close to a delivery time. 1. Copyright 2022 CDS Tractor Trailer Training. let's look at the pros. OTR trucking cons: - Drivers are at greater risk for injury due to the high speeds and long hours on the road. Trucking firms are choosy when they have many candidates who are interested in the job offer. See what employees say it's like to work at 5F OTR. List of the Cons of Living in Utah. Local trucking generally refers to drivers who specialize in hauling cargo short distances, generally less than a 200-mile radius. OTR drivers can go all over the country, and even into Canada, hauling goods. Married team drivers arent unusual. $30/day over a month, that's $900 or round to $1000 with nice food. TheTrucker.com provides a comprehensive list of truck driving jobs and its truck driving job resources FREE to use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. O*Net reports the average salary for an over-the-road driver in the United States is $45,260 per year. Additional endorsements to drive specialized loads can help increase your earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest reporting shows the median pay for OTR drivers was $47,130 in 2020, with the top drivers earning over $80,000+. The Bureau of Labor Statistics latest reporting shows the median pay for OTR drivers was $47,130 in 2020, with the top drivers earning over $80,000+. Also, you dont need a lot of experience. instead of focusing on the cons of trucking, for now . Slower transport: When shipping by rail vs truck, rail transport can be slower than OTR transportation. If you dont like handling tasks such as filling up the inventory, you should consider being a truck driver. Salaries vary by state, with Montana having the highest average annual pay at $66,651 per year. In the sector, it depends on the work experience you possess. This may be off an interstate exit, a rest stop, or a truck stop. Over the Road Driving Opportunities Over-the-Road (OTR) driving is an adventurous opportunity that lets you cover the country's lower 48 states, and in some routes into Canada or Mexico. Each company we work with has specific experience requirements for their drivers. Pros and cons of short-haul trucking. The Department of Labor has reported that between 2010 through 2020 there will be 330,000 OTR truck drivers needed. Truck Dynasty Driving Academy. You cannot get a job as fast in other sectors when you leave the company you were working for. In this sector, you will not spend time on detailed and monotonous procedures. Most companies will also work with your schedule to get you home for birthdays, anniversaries, and other important dates. Instead, you will need a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver's License). Some OTR routes cover a few states. Depending on your position, the driver will be tasked with loading and unloading the truck. Fortunately, technology nowadays, makes it much easier to stay in contact with loved ones. Most goods usually reach their final destination using a truck. Consider personal preferences such as whether you are a people person. Look at OTR job listings to find opportunities hiring in your area. You will also have to enroll in a quick course whereby you will get to learn the basics. The Pros And Cons of Being An OTR Truck Driver, 3 Things You Need To Be Successful In A Career In Finance, Different Career Options to Consider With a Degree in Nursing, Get Ahead Of The Curve: Career Opportunities In The Metaverse. Another thing to consider when driving OTR is the schedule. Food is like going to McDonald's for all 3 meals expect $10 a meal (soda $2-3, bag of chips $3-4, main meal $3-5) and don't forget good water isn't free. The jobs in the trucking sector are competitive. Another reason people drive OTR is the types of loads you will be delivering. This kind of driver can take on most jobs requiring a CDL A. Pros of Truck Driving. However, OTR trucking is more than just driving. TheTrucker.com's objective is to make it FREE and EASY for drivers to find the highest quality truck driving job listings and job resources needed when searching for a job. Additional factors that you should consider include: A good employee will never leave a good job. Many trucking companies prefer their new drivers to go OTR for a few months or first year as it builds up familiarity in the truck and confidence on the road. Many advantages accrue from being a truck driver. The course can be completed in a few weeks. Pros is you can always get a trucking job easily anywhere. interesting blog on truck driving training the pros and cons were really helpful one should really read if they are going . Statistics show a bright job outlook for heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers. Most people want local even before getting to enjoy what OTR has to offer. The distance and type of freight can vary by industry and company. As with any job, there are pros and cons of being an OTR trucker. Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by EverywhereMan, Aug 24, 2014. Generally, drivers that are OTR stay out anywhere from 7 days to 3 months. Privacy | 1. OTR Truck Driver Driving from Coast to Coast This schedule usually repeats for three to four weeks, then youll spend a few days or more at home before heading back out on the road. At CDS Tractor Trailer Training, we partner with some of the nations top carriers to hire our graduates when they are finished with their Class A CDL training. -You can make a decent living although you will never get rich doing it. In the mean time, I am currently working to get more physically fit along with trying my best to . OTR requires an extreme amount of flexibility - be prepared to be away from home for two or more weeks at a time. At the origin and destination points, a drayage carrier (specialized trucking company) will haul your freight to and from a rail facility. 1 Year There will be days where you only drive a few hours and then have to sit while you wait to deliver. Due to the driver shortage that hit the trucking industry, skillful and experienced drivers are welcomed at any trucking company. In the trains vs trucks debate, certain drawbacks to intermodal cargo shipping are noteworthy. It is relatively easy to become an OTR truck driver. However, routes vary, and the choice of freight depends on the company you are working with. If you work for longer hours, you will get a huge paycheck. Over-the-road driving requires the driver to travel throughout all of the lower 48 states. Such tasks will drain you; however, you will manage to spare some time for your family. PROS. With long days, drivers will get some time to spend time with their families. If you wanna have an actual life during the week you're probably in the wrong profession. The problem with this is that any time spent sitting at the depot, waiting to load or unload, is unpaid time, even when it counts against your allowed time behind the wheel. . 3. OTR trucking pros: - Ability to set your own schedule - More time spent with family, friends, and loved ones - Less stress on drivers' bodies than those who drive local routes or in congested areas. lifespalette. OTR trucking refers to truck drivers who haul loads over long distances, often spending weeks away from home at a time. According to the FMCSA, truck drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.. As a result, one team member can drive for 11 hours while the other driver catches up on sleep. 3 Years Truck drivers typically earn a high salary right away. You can see some of the companies hiring our graduates on our Job Placement page. Daniel B. Moderator Sacramento, CA Experienced Driver Posts: 4224 Joined Us: OTR stands for "over-the-road" and it is just another way of saying long-haul trucking. OTR Drivers Tax Consulting Blog About Contact General Inquiries Support November 16, 2020 PROS & CONS: SCHEDULE C vs S-CORP FOR SELF-EMPLOYED TRUCKERS Mark W. Sullivan, EA Mark is our transportation industry expert and has nearly two decades of experience advising clients on IRS accountable per diem programs. If you need a quick job and cannot stand the thought of going back to school, trucking can help jumpstart your career. For most drivers, the lower wage is worth the balance in their work and life; however, the payment is an important factor to consider. The local truck drivers can earn a significant sum of money while ensuring they have spent some time with their loved ones. Truck Dynasty Driving Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer/program. Pretty much all you pay for is food. Most of them drive semi-trucks, and they can get endorsements for different types of materials they can haul. Living in Your Truck According to Zippia, the average annual salary for a local truck driver in the United States is $56,000, or $27.28 per hour. You may drive straight through and wait to eat until the end of your day or take periodic breaks. Trucking companies pay per mile and may pay bonuses for long trips, offer a higher per-mile rate for specialized loads, or offer sign-on bonuses. Hot Shot Trucking Pros and Cons The Benefits of Hot Shot Trucking Business: H ot shot business startup cost is less compared to the OTR business that requires semi trucks; Most loads are expedited, and this means shorter waiting time; More flexible schedule and more home time, because usually hot shot trucking means regional or local jobs; I Need CDL Training Truck drivers often spend weeks away from home, work long hours, and must carefully follow the rules and regulations. Trucking is only sedentary and unhealthy if you let it be that way. Before deciding on a career path as a truck driver, you should know the pros and cons of driving OTR. At the end of each day on the road, you need to find a safe place to park your truck. The United States has the largest trucking industry in the world. The Pros And Cons Of Independent Trucking. Once your haul is on your truck, you can start driving. Take a look into the pros and cons to find what type of trucking works best for your lifestyle: Over-the-Road (OTR) Trucking: Over-the-Road Trucking (OTR) is longer-distance trucking that often will require drivers to be gone on trips that have them driving for up to several weeks at a time. They will waste your clock and trucks take a long time to reach point A to point B. Trainers skip all the important points that you really need to know. The average starting pay for a truck driver with a CDL is $35,000 in the United States. OTR truckers need a CDL A license, which allows you to drive large trucks with a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater. For many short-haul drivers, operating in familiar locations is a massive benefit. OTR trucking is notorious for pay by the mile. Drop-and hooks tend to be faster than live loads, so you may earn more if your job does drop-and-hook loading. As an OTR trucker, you may work as a solo driver, taking time off the road to sleep and rest every day, or be part of a team so you can trade off driving. Terms | When you reach your pick-up destination, you either do a live load of your haul, where you schedule an appointment to have your truck loaded, or do a drop-and-hook, where the trailers are loaded before you arrive. It's not uncommon for OTR drivers to spend days or even weeks on the road without returning home. -Options of driving locally will give you a more normal home life, it does not have to be all OTR driving. Life as an OTR truck driver can have its pros and cons. Containing information a the number above about their programs. You live in your truck almost 24/7. Per the BTS, 1.7 billion tons of freight move by rail in the U.S. annually. Team drivers may earn a higher income due to driving more miles in shorter times, and if youre more of an extrovert, having a partner could help stave off loneliness. Without your consent employers will not be able to contact with job offers, would you like to opt-in now? There are many pros and cons of flatbed trucking tough, yet very rewarding job. Truck driving is in high demand, and there is so much flexibility within truck driving generally and working for us at WDS Enterprises. Nothing stops you from doing basic exercises in your truck on your breaks, and you can eat healthy on the road as well. What is OTR in Trucking? The majority of full-time employees will put in forty-hour work weeks. You can make decent money. If you want to get into the trucking sector, there is no need to spend many years schooling. You can find out how much does a truck driver make in our article. Owner-operators operate their own small business, though they may be contracted with and receive support from a trucking company. You will choose the time to take a break and the music that you will listen to as you drive, and the attire that you will wear as you go to work. 9 years, 2 months ago. However, this doesnt factor in the massive truck driver shortage the country is experiencingthe BLS projection method is based on unemployment, which may understate the huge and growing demand for qualified drivers in this type of job. The number of hours that you will work is dependent on the company that has hired you. On average drivers earn $50,909, while Over The Road (OTR) drivers who haul freight over long distances earn on average nearly $64,000 per year. 1-5 Months Riding your bike or chasing mama around the couch would probably be reserved for weekend free time anyway. Life as an OTR driver is not easy or for everyone. Besides going to your home every night, the majority of the truck drivers get off during the weekends. Fortunately, most firms usually pay for overtime. Most OTR drivers spend three to four weeks on the road, then a week at home before returning to work. What are the Pros and Cons of OTR Trucking? I give my express consent authorizing TruckersReport and its. Driving over-the-road is the first thing many think of when they think about truck drivers. Disadvantages of Intermodal Freight Shipping. The main differences between OTR, regional, and local trucking are the distance the truckers drive and how long theyre away from home. Low Pay Rates Local drivers are paid less. Determine whether the sector suits you, weigh the pros and cons, and come to a suitable conclusion. According to reviews on Glassdoor, employees commonly mention the pros of working at Hirschbach Motor Lines to be benefits, coworkers, . The average salary of an OTR driver is around $55,000 starting. That would be a max load test of the battery for a day cabber on a dedicated daily route. CDL Grad, No Experience Such factors are not dependent on the company that you are working for. Pros PROS. Is OTR trucking stressful? While there are benefits that make this the ideal career and lifestyle for some, challenges need consideration. Tesla has been running them in mid-south Arizona for the last two years. If youre an independent person who longs for a life on the open road, over-the-road (OTR) trucking may be a good fit for you. OTR Driver(Current Employee)- Tampa, FL- May 18, 2022 Very slow trucks and low cpm= very low pay. Even with all of the benefits OTR driving provides above, drivers must make sacrifices to do their job. By clicking above, I consent to receive telephone calls and text messages from CDS Tractor Trailer Training. You'll usually qualify for a retirement saving plan that offers company matching of your contributions. Being a truck driver is an adventure, especially if you are an OTR trucker. Driving teams have always been high in demand, and team driving is one of the highest paying truck driving jobs in the industry. In order to comply with driving regulations, many OTR drivers operate in shifts as part of a two-person team. Presently, there are eight million CDL drivers in this country. They Must Be Good Communicators. If you value your family and you want to make happy memories, you can take up a career as a truck driver. You will usually spend a few weeks with a trainer, (less - if at all - if already experienced) generally in a team format. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (generally OTR and regional roles) earned an average salary of $50,340. Pros and Cons - Local vs OTR Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by EverywhereMan, Aug 24, 2014. Additional commercial endorsements are required to drive specialized types of trucks. By the time I got home, ate, and sat in front of the TV for an hour it was time to head to bed so I could get up and do it all again. Home prices are a lot higher on average when compared to the rest of the United States. 1. Ensure that you have read through the details of the entire job description. High demand allows drivers to be selective when picking their employer. You can learn everything you need to know at the Truck Dynasty Driving Academy, a professional truck driver training program that involves 160 clock hours and four weeks of professional driver training. After training they put you with a trainer for two weeks or so and after that, they assign you a newer model tractor and put you to work. May 26, 2022 1 Trucking. Routes are typically longer and require the drivers to be away from home up to a couple of weeks at a time. Most truck drivers do not work on weekends. You have less home time. For the OTR drivers, the pay rates are better. OTR means "Over the Road", because truck drivers who drive long distances with their freight will be driving over the road instead of local driving. Some of the truck driving jobs require the drivers to make stops frequently, and physical labor is required in some instances. Please select the number of verifiable months youve been driving professionally using your Class A CDL within the last 3 years. Constantly.. Cookie Policy | When you start your own hotshot business, you have more room to make your own decisions on what loads to haul, who to work with, and how often to work than when working for large trucking company. Pros and Cons of OTR Trucking Pros. Salaries, reviews, and more - all posted by employees working at 5F OTR. If you have chosen trucking as your career, you will not have a desk-mate, which means you will not have any distractions. After graduating from CDL training and passing the CDL exam, students will have a lot of options and opportunities available because trucking companies across the country are looking to hire drivers. Additionally, drivers can start working at any given time of the day. For most truck drivers, you are supposed to work for at least 10 hours. Contract Freighters Inc OTR Truck Driver Review: Has their strengths and their weaknesses, like any OTR trucking company. Driver pay is another reason many drivers choose OTR versus a local or regional driving position. September 10, 2021 Dedicated Trucking: Pros and Cons for Carriers Carriers looking for stability and predictable revenue streams find that dedicated trucking can provide consistent billing and keep your trucks and truck drivers busy. By checking this box and clicking the "Send me job offers" button below, I represent that I: By checking this box and clicking the "Send me job offers" button below. The warehouses and fulfillment centers will take care of that for you so you can keep on driving with the next load. 2 Years In most cases, you learn more about the job you were applying for after filing the paperwork and signing the document. Major Pros and Cons of Flatbed Trucking A combination of lumber or steel tarps, winch straps, transport chains, and binders are all used to secure cargo to a flatbed safely. During stressful periods where truckers are working under . There is a refrigerated 10 wheel box truck that has been making regular runs to the Shell gas station at the junction of SR 87 (87 yup!) 5+ Years, Please select ALL of your current, valid drivers licenses. Most of the mileage will make use of the extensive rail network throughout North America. Although they are mostly men, lets not forget that five to seven percent of these drivers are women, and that figure Copyright [JDN] Job Descriptions Network All rights reserved. Do you have questions about COVID-19? For the OTR drivers, the pay rates are better. This can make it hard to find a set schedule or plan events in the future. That figure represents all routes and hauls that you might do. CDL Training You should consider some issues before you can take up a job as a truck driver. What are the pros and cons of working at Hirschbach Motor Lines? Truckers can work independently, and there is the added advantage of flexibility. Those are the times where anything and everything that could possibly happen to slow you down will happen. Good income. It means that as a truck driver, you have the benefit of job security. Some can be on the road for as long as six weeks. via. Must-have Truck Driver Skills 1. We will look through some of the advantages and disadvantages of over-the-road trucking. This helps get you out on the road faster and refrain from additional physical labor that can be hard on your body. OTR, regional, and local truckers often earn different rates, with OTR drivers generally earning a much higher rate than local or regional drivers. Each job category is important to the truck driving industry and comes with a different set of conditions including earnings, home time, and options in daily and weekly routines. According to ZipRecruiter, the average national OTR trucking salary is $63,888 per year, with the highest earners making around $94,500 per year. Inflexible routes: Routes and timetables are inflexible with intermodal vs truckload. Listed below are some of the common advantages and disadvantages of becoming a truck driver, so that you can become educated and decide for yourself if truck driving is the right career for you. While there are some drawbacks to OTR jobs, you may find the benefits outweigh the cons. If you are not interested in such tasks, you should thoroughly read the job description. Its all in the choices you make, just like it is at your desk job.. Local driving jobs. Page 2 of 2 < Prev 1 2. Try going thru the High Road Training Program And then, when you want to pick a company school.heres some help Truck Driving Schools . Definitely some solid advice in here. Travel the Country and Get Paid for That. 6-11 Months Pros Highest pay: Truck drivers are paid by the mile, making OTR drivers the highest paid of the three jobs. You should consider some issues before you can take up a job as a truck driver. Even so, trucking isn't for everyone. The 2018 trucking market is tight, with a looming driver shortage and influx of demand . All Rights Reserved. Typically, OTR drivers sleep in their sleeper berth, which is part of their truck. Independent trucking can be a great career for those who are self-motivated and enjoy being their own boss. Truck driving, for example, it's a viable career that you may consider. After getting a solid night (or day) of sleep, youll check your route for the day, see if there are any weather alerts or traffic that might slow you down, and hit the road. If you have a regular route, you may be able to able to find a comfortable routine. CloudTrucks has left the outdated methods the trucking industry has stubbornly clung to over the decades and has . Over-the-road drivers often drive several hundred miles a day. An OTR truck driver is responsible for driving tractor-trailers transporting goods across long distances. When you are a company driver you have a little less control of your schedule, meaning you have to be on the road more. 2. Truck drivers make great money and there's many perks. Pros: Many companies will give paid days off the longer you are out if you are a company driver. For instance, a driver with a specialization to drive hazardous loads may earn more than a dry freight truck driver. Drivers can get off work at any given moment. They Must Be Strong Navigators. . These long routes offer drivers the chance to see the country while earning money. 1 Watch on Trucker Job Profile Advantages of Being a Truck Driver Working as a truck driver gives you a feeling of freedom Truck drivers can work rather independently You will not have a boss looking over your shoulder all day long Truck drivers can see the country You can meet many other truck drivers Sometimes, you may park whereever its convenient if youre nearing your work limit for the day. You may have an irregular sleep schedule, as some drivers prefer driving at night when there is less traffic. Over-the-road trucking is also called long-haul trucking because OTR truckers have longer routes than local or regional drivers. Driver pay has gone up significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic and is forecasted to continue increasing in 2022. Cons: You make less money. These long routes offer drivers the chance to see the country while earning money. Over the road trucking (OTR) is the haulage of freight over long distances, often across regions or national borders. In order for you to receive the best possible offers, please make sure your answers above are accurate prior to submitting. These workers are essentially working a part-time and a full-time job all in one. Some parts cannot be considered as pros and cons when it comes to the truck driving sector. OTR trucking cons: - Drivers are at greater risk for injury due to the high speeds and long hours on the road. It can be a challenging and sometimes stressful career, but it can also be very rewarding. Is OTR truck driving worth it? (Federal regulations require a half-hour break after driving for eight cumulative hours without a break.) Independent truckers have the freedom to choose their own routes and . Read what OTR Truck Driver employee has to say about working at Contract Freighters Inc: It's a decent company to drive for, especially if you're just starting out, but it has most of th. Local drivers are paid less. To get into the industry, you only require a commercial DL (drivers license). They Must Be Organized. As you might expect, team truck driving is when two drivers drive the same truck and take shifts driving the truck. As an OTR driver, you may also be responsible for tracking your miles, performing safety checks, arranging for truck maintenance, and communicating with dispatch (or clients, if youre an owner-operator.). It's not labor intensive. Absolutely not! As a local driver, ensure you have considered your work/life balance. OTR offers the tools needed to drive carrier success so that America's owner-operators can maximize their growth. Let's explore the pros and cons of truck driving and being a trucker. They go easy on you when your new. Please, tips and tricks of staying awake on the road. Such factors depend on the company and the haul type. The distance and type of freight can vary by industry and company. As an OTR driver, the interaction with people is minimal. They usually leave bad bosses. The demand for truck drivers is high, and things will not change any time soon. Another option, regional jobs, have elements of each type. Aug 26, 2014 #11. . As you look for a job, you will have a hard time getting a job that suits you. Short-haul trucking is very different from OTR trucking, and many drivers aren't sure what to expect. The main drawback of OTR is being away from your friends and family for days for weeks at a time. Pros Of Truck Driving . You can assume it is a weight-lifting workout. For OTR drivers, it may be most beneficial to get these endorsements: Federal regulations allow OTR drivers to be on duty for up to 14 hours a day, but youre limited to 11 hours of driving time. At the end of it all, there are some cons associated with the job. For instance, the shift can start at 4:00 AM. With an over-the-road job, truck drivers do not have to unload or load their cargo and trailers. Since most truckers are paid on a per mileage rate for long distance driving, the pay can be decent, depending on the type of trucking and the trucking company. The key advantages of flatbed trucking include: Income potential. Pros & Cons to TRUCK DRIVING - PT. On the same week, a flatbed truck driver will put in sixty hours. 9. Most truck-driving jobs are classified as either over-the-road (OTR) or local. OTR trucking refers to truck drivers who haul loads over long distances, often spending weeks away from home at a time. Truck Driver Qualifications and Training A college degree is not typically required for OTR truck drivers. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a Team Truck Driver in the United States is $80,674. Over-the-road drivers usually are paid per mile, and since they are required to drive across the country and multiple states, they can rack up a lot of miles quickly. Driver pay has gone up significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic and is forecasted to continue increasing in 2022. OTR Capital is a transportation-focused factoring company with a foundation built on providing reliable cash flow solutions and elite back-office support to companies across the country. Established: 1962 Location: 1331 North Road Suite 200 Green Bay, WI 54313 Website: Roehl Jobs Employees: 2,500 Carrier Type: Van Flatbed Refrigerated Curtainside Dedicated However, if youre an independent worker, enjoy adventure, and are willing to work hard, OTR truck driving can be a well-paying, fulfilling position. Some positions require the driver to have some years of experience. Some jobs require the employees to interact with clients. -Perfect job for people who like to work alone. If formal employment is not your thing, you can consider acquiring used Kenworth trucks for sale so that you can try out self-employment. 3.1 . Sep 14, 2022 - OTR Truck Driver . From the east to the west and the north to the south, driving over state lines. -Can be enjoyable. While OTR drivers haul similar freight as regional drivers, the main difference is the number of miles these drivers travel to make these deliveries. Between 2019 and 2029, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 2% growth rate. This makes for plentiful business year-round and job security, so you never have to worry about new business. Many new drivers will choose to go over-the-road (OTR) to gain valuable experience and start racking up miles. HOW MUCH DO TEAM DRIVERS MAKE? OTR trucking jobs are perfect for someone who enjoys being alone on the open road and seeing the sights that come along with it. 4 Years As of 2019, the industry is in need of 60,800 drivers. Without trucks on the road, the retail sector will be affected. If youre ready to rack up the miles. Since freight is constantly moving and being distributed, drivers can work inconsistent hours if deliveries require it. Did reading all about the pros and cons of trucking spark your interest in becoming a truck driver? I understand that the calls and messages may be initiated with automated equipment and that I am not required to provide this consent to be eligible to enroll. Staying in constant communication with your dispatcher can help significantly with this! 1. Your schedule may be further altered based on your assignments. To break it down, that's approximately $6,723 per month, $1,551 per week, or $38.79 per hour. OTR drivers are typically on the road for days, sleeping in either the truck's cabin or at hotels/motels. OTR truck driving isnt an easy job. Trucking industry benefits include healthcare insurance- medical, dental and vision for you and your family. 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