Hello all What I'm wondering being new to the OTR game is what reimbursmant does a driver of a company-owned truck get for motels if any? Do the OTR trucks have sleeper cabs in them and a driver looks for a shower when they can?

Motels? The only motels you get to see are only as you stroll past them on the highway.... Well, in case of a breakdown or something, in which case the company would pay for it / reimburse you.
Otherwise, you'll be driving your hotel/bedroom/dining room/library/den/tv room.....

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Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun. But Mama, that's where the fun is....

Yes, you live and sleep in the rig. You are paid to drive, and the less time you spend outside the truck, the more time you spend on the road, and that means more money in your pocket (most are paid by the mile). Company rigs are downright PLUSH compared to the stark interiors I remember from 25 years ago. Basically all they had was a mattress behind the seats. Most rigs now are "condo's", with enough headroom to stand up in and stretch, closet space and cuby holes everywhere, a TV nook, counter space to do logs, place your laptop on, multi-speaker stereo systems, etc. Some even have small APU's (Auxiliary Power Units - diesel powered generators) for 115v electricial outlets. There are company websites that offer a 360° interior view of their equipment.

I have seen pictures of a large owner/operator's rig with a gas fireplace, easy chair, queen size bed, shower, and a small kitchen (you won't get any of THAT with the company rig). LOL.

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"Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the one's who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would most likely be worth it."
(From a short story by Michael Gartner)
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(Anon)
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That sounds good and I will have some gear with me laptop etc so it's nice to know the rigs are geared for that. As far as a shower goes do you take one when you drop off the load?

Showers are a big topic around here............

Try this thread:
[LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link.

As for where you take one when out on the road....... you pay for them at truck stops......... or use "points" that you earn from purchases........

RR.... where are you a student at??

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The definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. — Albert Einstein

most companys run sleeper cabs but for some of us that run day cabs we search out a motel at the end of the day (usually allready know where near a terminal) - and park the rig.

the motel bill is paid for by a credit card given to us by the company (corporate lodging account)

and depending on where you are you stay in everything from holiday inns to super 8's to red roofs to scumbag "america best inns"...

they seem to be the crappiest - but you have a room to yourself - and a swofer and one of the conditions of an "aceptable" hotel in our contract is that it has 24 hour food nearby (i.e. dennys or a diner etc etc).


if you have a sleeper and hotels are something you want to do - thaty are a tax write off

(tax write offs are a thread in of themselves - and I posted a 13 page list about 2 years ago)

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TEAMSTERS LOCAL 100


Faster than a 60 MPH bullet....

I'm curious why a student hasn't already researched these questions.
Or, are you considering yourself a "student" AS you research?

Either way, you're doing the right thing by asking questions.

As for showers, many trucking companies, especially the larger ones, have showers available at their various terminals. Otherwise, it's as The StoryTeller mentioned, you'll be showering at the truck stops --- usually for free with a fuel purchase.

Over time, you'll discover which truck stop chains provide the best shower facilities and fluffy towels.
But SOMEtimes, a daily shower won't fit your schedule. In which case, a jug of water and a wash cloth may be your shower --- in the bunk area. HOPEfully, you'll be able to idle the engine for the heater in cold weather.
And warm rainy days are another way.
Just kidding?

i thought that was the only way pilot truck stops (i drive for sni so i fuel there) give free showers with a 50 gallon fuel purchase im not sure on the fuel ammount for flying j loves ta/petro but i do know its the same type of thing buy this much fuel get a free shower. otherwise there 10 bucks for the most part

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"Wars come and go, but my soldiers stay eternal." tupac

same at petro and with a 50 gallon fill up you also get free coffee.

WOOT!! I can put a hurtin' on an establishment when free coffee is on the line!!!!