How much does local differ from OTR

A lot of companies see local as having zero experience, but not all.

About the only difference is learning to live on the road. Pack food, clothes, entertainment, etc. when you leave out. The actual job is about the same.

 

You'll be taught what you need to know during orientation with a flatbed company.
Here's two to check with and they'll both probably offer you a job. Both have reputation for thorough flatbed training during orientation.
Both companies websites have a "short app" and if you submit that, someone will contact you.
Melton Truck Lines, Inc. - Official Site
https://meltontruck.com
*
Home - Jones Brothers Trucking
https://www.jonesbrotherstrucking.com

 

With local you have a normal life, OTR you are in the truck 24/7

 

In my opinion, the most important and overlooked part of OTR is learning to plan where you'll be, when.

Finding parking is getting increasingly challenging, and knowing, in the morning, where you plan to spend the night is priceless.

Learn to use the tools together: CC Atlas, good GPS (I use an android app,) state 511 info, Roadbreakers app, etc.

You don't want to be the guy taking your 10 on the on ramp.

There are a lot of threads informing new drivers of tools, equipment, etc on here, and a ton of really helpful, experienced drivers on here. Keep asking

 

I was very impressed with the securement training at System; in my experience, it's better than what Jones Bros had 4 years ago.

 

Probably should have mentioned System Transport:
System Transport | The Best Flatbed Trucking Company ...
https://systemtrans.com

 

Yes, our insurance doesn't count local driving experience when considering an OTR position. You could have 25 years of local driving, but they see you like a new kid on the block for OTR.

I want to disclose that I completely disagree with their take - I think local drivers deal with more traffic, more backing, and more "weird" situations that need creative solutions per mile than us OTR drivers. They say that sleeper cabs are different than day cabs (duh) and that those extra few feet lead to many minor accidents while backing and turning. They also say local drivers switching to OTR have a much higher percentage of "fatigue-based accidents". About the only thing I can sorta get behind is the fatigued driving part because the best OTR drivers have overcame their body's circadian rhythm and can function at 100% no matter what time of the day it is as long as they have rested their normal 6-8 hours a day. Most local drivers have a set schedule, and adjusting to working/driving different shifts is hard.

Since you are flatbed, backing probably isn't a huge issue. But for all of you local drivers looking to get back into OTR work - I wouldn't wait too long. Seems that whatever our insurance company does, the others seem to follow shortly after.

 

Living in a truck. I’d switch if you like camping. Alone for months.

 

You will need some stamina.

Local is nothing. When I talk local as OTR I think say... oh... Las Vegas to Sacremento next door. And thats just getting going.

Stamina on OTR work takes time to build. Your first month is going to be hard. Then get easier the more you run.

Throw in winter, summer and all sorts of issues in weather. There has been times in the plains a big tornado sets down not far from me and here i am at 65 wondering if I am going to be caught in the #### thing and at the same time wondering where am I going to find a hole?

Ho hum another tornado. Big deal. (Thats when you go home away from work and so forth and regain what it means to be alive and appreciate it. While you rest up for another few months out there.) Im actually used to the #### things by now.

At some point if you are running hard, have 2000 dollars in your payroll for the weekend and choose to just leave it and sleep for two days too tired to spend or do anything but sleep, you rest easy. You did good.