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OTR vs Local/Regional/Dedicated

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Kirbs, Apr 18, 2020.

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  1. Apr 18, 2020 #1
    Kirbs

    Kirbs Light Load Member

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    Jun 6, 2019
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    Is OTR worth it these days? I'm starting to have second thoughts. My checks are very inconsistent. Usually I get 1 good check($1200 gross), one decent check($800 gross) and 1 bad check(below 600). I run as hard as I can given the miles, which are usually 400 mile live loads. It seems getting paid per hour doing local will average out better. I'm staying out 3-4 weeks yet it feels I'm not really making that much more than a non-OTR driver.

    I also keep having break downs every month which is costing me time. It's always related to the coolant leaking. Today I woke up with my entire reservoir tank completely empty. The hose near the fuel filter look like it had been sliced and it was spilling out. This is the 3rd time its happened. I'm starting to think someone is doing it intentionally. How does that happen naturally? A bit unrelated, but I imagine break downs aren't that big a deal for local drivers.

    I don't mind staying out 3+ weeks if I'm getting good miles. Hell if I got 700+ mile loads back to back I'd stay out forever. This 300-400 mile live load crap I feel is for regional drivers.
     
    Kirbs, Apr 18, 2020
    Kirbs, Apr 18, 2020
    #1
    alds Thanks this.
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  3. Apr 18, 2020 #2
    x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

    34,017
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    White County, Arkansas
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    The company is probably raking in thousands for a little overnighter. Forget the 3000 mile haul.

    Trucking is feast and famine.

    Regarding sabotage, put a tape from hood to cab above your latch. That way anyone wants in to slice again will know they are caught.
     
    x1Heavy, Apr 18, 2020
    x1Heavy, Apr 18, 2020
    #2
  4. Apr 18, 2020 #3
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    Time to change companies. Go with a company that does long coast to coast runs or one that has a guaranteed minimum paycheck.
    How much experience do you have?
     
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    #3
    asphaltreptile311 and Texas_hwy_287 Thank this.
  5. Apr 18, 2020 #4
    Dumdriver

    Dumdriver Road Train Member

    1,525
    2,138
    Jul 8, 2014
    East Coast
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    Depends on your area. In my area (Philly) , you’d be NUTS to even consider OTR. Other areas, local can’t compete with OTR. Let Chinatown know your area and he’ll steer you down the right path
     
    Dumdriver, Apr 18, 2020
    Dumdriver, Apr 18, 2020
    #4
  7. Apr 18, 2020 #5
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,407
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    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    #5
  8. Apr 18, 2020 #6
    Kirbs

    Kirbs Light Load Member

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    Jun 6, 2019
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    That's a good idea. It seems to happen everytime I come back from hometime when I park at the terminal. I don't know why the hoods dont have locks to stop tampering.

    I have about 2 years all OTR. Live in georgia. Got auto restriction on license though so that will limit my chances. I wouldn't mind getting my hazmat/tanker endorsements to do tanker, but I doubt many companies use autos for tankers.

    At $22-25/hr, even $800-$1000 weekly would average out more than I'm making
     
    Kirbs, Apr 18, 2020
    Kirbs, Apr 18, 2020
    #6
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  9. Apr 18, 2020 #7
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,407
    143,409
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    #7
  10. Apr 18, 2020 #8
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Henderson, NV & Orient
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    I don't know if this tanker outfit uses automatics or not; call and ask.
    Indian River Transport Company
    https://indianrivertransport.com
    ~
    Trucks:
    • Indian River Transport runs a late model tractor fleet consisting of 600 Peterbilt tractors.
    • All trucks are furnished with refrigerators and premier interior packages, over 70-inch sleepers.
    • All tractors are assigned and are less than 36 months old.
     
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    #8
  11. Apr 18, 2020 #9
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,407
    143,409
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    #9
  12. Apr 18, 2020 #10
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

    68,407
    143,409
    Aug 28, 2011
    Henderson, NV & Orient
    0
    Neier Inc. - hiring Georgia drivers
    $97,000 a year
    [​IMG]
    Neier Inc
    https://neierinc.com
     
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    Chinatown, Apr 18, 2020
    #10
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