local driver misses the otr driving

That sounds about right to me.

 

I tell you what I wouldn't be against OTR, but I wouldn't do it for a "FOR HIRE" carrier. I would do it for a private fleet like Dillard's. (Fort Worth Carrier Corp) I would think OTR would be better working for a private fleet then a for hire freight company.

In a lot of ways and maybe I'm biased because I've only worked for private fleets, but there is something to be said for working for a private fleet. Like when I take a load of what ever to our companies warehouse I go to the receiving side of the building same as everyone else, but I go right up to the gate and they let me go right in.

So like if you work for like Dillard's private fleet you and the people who work at the store all work for the same company. It's the companies truck and trailers and merchandise and your not an outside carrier or person your all in the same boat, so I think quality of life wise private fleets probably give you the better end of the deal.

 

Very correct Mike I sure wish I'd done more research before taking my current gig. Everything I've read pretty much agrees: private fleets treat you better and you get consistent checks and consistent home time.

For one reason or another I've convinced myself to stick it out at my company. Now I'm waiting for my weeks paid vacation to leave. Also when you make terrible checks it's hard to switch companies. Several companies take a few weeks till you see a check. When your paycheck to paycheck it becomes a vicious cycle of being trapped at your company for that weekly check

 

Then what is the incentive for a driver to flip their life upside down and run at night? How do they get people to do it? I wouldn't have switched to linehaul if the money wasn't significantly higher.

 

Yeah, seriously... You get to work nights and take a pay cut? Not unless it is a day time line run.

 

Sorry wrong thread...

 

I don't mind that deal, breakdown pay is breakdown pay. I disagree with your company paying less for the guys running line at night. Even Walmart stockers get an extra buck per hour for working night shift

 

I quit at CEMEX and went back OTR. I love it, OTR that is. Love pinballing all over. Had to sell my truck, when Dad got really sick, now I have to be home. Tell myself 20 times a day I love my Dad more than I hate this F job. Doing local produce.
I will return to the road someday. I was doing a regional with a guy here in town that had me home on the weekends. Very good money. Did better at a percentage company.
People can make a list of a 1,000 reasons why local is better. If you don't like it, doesn't really matter does it? I drive around saying The Lords Prayer & Hail Mary's to avoid going back to the yard and pulling someone's lungs out through their nose. When I left CEMEX, many drivers said I can't believe your leaving the company. I said if I stay here, I will be in jail. I just don't do well with office weasels.
The guy I do regional with, he started as a trucker. And the people that work inside are kept in their place, and you are treated with respect & courtesy. Not a false " Yes sir ", but genuine respect.

If you go back OTR, go to Landstar or some place that has self dispatch, you'll live happily ever after.