I finally got a local job in the oilfield hauling saltwater with only 8 months exp. If any of may have seen my other replies, I had a charge stemming from almost 5 years ago that kept me from getting a job with a good company OTR. I did get a job OTR but it was from one of the lower end companies. Anyways, the job pays $12.00 to $12.50 an hour with a 4/2 rotating schedule. I start accumulating vacation time from day one and will work about 60 hours a week. I feel like I've been blessed.

Good for you. More proof that jobs are out there if you are willing to look for them. Good luck.

I'm glad you got a job that you can stand, many of us can't seem to say that with a straight face. You won't be able to use a local job as a stepping stone to OTR for a good company, but any driving will help you get another job somewhere if needed as long as you don't get into too much trouble. I would take local if it was steady and predictable and I could make a decent amount of money.

25(2)+2, I don't agree with that statement. Why would this not be a stepping stone to OTR if he so wishes to do so? If he stays at this company for a year or two; keeps and excellent driving and employment record; why wouldn't a reputable company consider his application? Sure, there may be some companies that may not be interested, but the valuable experience he has received driving local may allow him to move on. If it were me I would stay with a local company so that I can be home with my family everyday. The experience he gains from this will be an excellent stepping stone for a local company that pays more, but if he wanted to move into OTR I do not see a reason why he couldn't.

Otr companies are usually looking for multi state experience and 4 seasons of driving. If a driver is local (as in working in Florida or Texas exclusively) chances are he has little to no experience in winter driving on snow and ice, mountain driving, or being away from home not to mention the different rules we encounter such as restricted lanes, varying speed limits, restricted routes, etc.

__________________
Knowledge is Power

This is true. But to say you cannot use a local job as a stepping stone is not completely true. He is still getting driving experience. If a company chooses they can issue him a trainer. OTR companies do look for certain experience, but they will also take a student right out of school that has NEVER driven. The only point I am making is this. If he keeps an excellent driving and employment record, EVERY single reputable OTR company that will look at this mans application will NOT turn him down. They may very well issue a trainer anywhere from 2-6 weeks. To say this cannot be used as a stepping stone is not true sir. There are companies that would be interested.

Anyhow this man may stay a local jobs for the rest of his career.

You have a valid point but I was not considering the big outfits that accept students at all. I was orienting my response to the higher tiered outfits that require multi state verfiable experience as in Walmart, Frito Lay, Sherwin Williams, New Century (ltl division), and Bavarian Motor Transport. Companies that offer top notch benefits and pay scales are around 70 to 80 grand per year to start.

Shoehorning a local driver into an otr job usually doesn't work. The local driver has grown accustomed to hustling through his days work just to go home and relax. Imagine the culture shock when that displaced local finds himself layed over 1000 miles from home and he isn't making any money yet cannot go home. Stuck living in a 5 by 8 box 1 to 2 weeks at a time.

It takes a certain type of person to be an otr driver AND stick with it. Usually fiercely Independant, a loner at heart, little to no ties at home, comfortable with who he is, does not require daily interaction with others for instructions on how to do his job, and knows how to entertain himself.

Usually a local attempting to transition will at best be making a lateral move on pay and maybe even take a pay cut if he goes to 1 of the mega outfits that want him to be "retrained."

__________________
Knowledge is Power

I did OTR for 2 months with Trans Am back in September to November. I liked it but Trans Am wasn't my cup of tea. I actually wanted to go back OTR when I left but like I said before, I have a charge that is keeping me from getting that exp. with a REPUTABLE company. If I had waited to go back OTR I would have had to wait until April this year and I couldn't do that with a wife, 2 kids at home and one on the way in August. Who knows, I may just be back OTR one day. I didn't mean to cause a stink by the post, just sharing my exp. to anyone else who may be having the same problem. If you work through obstacles to obtain work, you can find it and I'm a prime example. Thanks for the replies.

No stink that I see. We have a difference of opinion about otr opportunities. Thats what is so good about a forum such as this. You get divergent views and perspectives.

I think you are where you need to be in regard to having such a young family and may want to stay local as long as possible to actually be a part of your childrens growth.

I chose the alternate path of providing the best for my bairns rather than actually being there. My children are unruly and disrespectful and have no knowledge or understanding of hard work and sacrifice.

I have done them a great disservice by not being around to teach them rather than shower them with trinkets and toys that they soon lose interest in. Perhaps you will not make the same mistake being home doing a "local job."

Best wishes to you and yours JWeezyLA.

__________________
Knowledge is Power

Uhhhh, just curious, why would anyone want to move to OTR when they have a good local job? I did OTR for enough years to know that, for me anyway, local driving is far superior to any OTR out there. I don't live in a truck or out on a road away from family, friends and - my bed!