Why do we stay OTR?

Not that bad, really.
With the right company, and especially with the right DM.

10.5 years with Swift, and no regrets.
4 terminals and half a dozen DM's, all of which had my back.
This is my dream job, simply because of the people I have worked with.
DM, FM, TM... never had a problem doing things my own way and in my own time - with only a few (few) exceptions here and there.

 

That's why I like this regional stuff I've been doing with IRT for the past year. I was local with them for the longest time. But then they lost much of their local stuff and asked me if CO and Kansas would be okay. Could've easily been my cue to nope out, but I gave it shot and so far am okay with it.

Out for only 3-5 nights, back at the house for 2-3 nights or more depending on how soon I want to roll back out. Only reason I'm pushing myself to quit now is because I'd like to be home at the end of the night in order to get more exercises done on my home weight set.

 

The grass always seems greener on the other side.
That is not always the case.

 

If I had a nickel for every time someone quoted that nonsense to me, I'd be well off by now. I'm quite sure that saying goes for all professions where people like to jump companies. But hearing it for the umpteenth time makes me want to slam my head into the wall at warp speed.

Been at the same place for several years now and a few of the things stopping me from quitting is the cost-of-living in areas where there are jobs. Or the lack of housing/apartment vacancies. After years of avoiding it, might have to look at motel living to get the whole residency thing underway in a new place.

On another note, I often wonder about married truckers. I'm guessing they knew each other and got married before they got into the truck. Unless one's local or regional/dedicated, I can't picture anything being explored when dispatch is sending one to some different spot each week.

 

I loved it for 15 years but marriage trumped it.
Then found I could make a better living and have a bit of normalcy in my life doing other sectors of driving.
Currently I do local/regional to 9 states and around 400 to 500 customers so never the same run. 24 hour access w no docks or appointments. I do 3 layovers a month at a motel and that's enough away from home for me now.
If I first some reason needed to finish up with otr I'd have no problem with it.

 

I love OTR. I don't think I could do local. I might be able to do regional. I've been out of my truck for a month now and I hate it. But I still have at least a year before I can get back out there. Assuming the doctors are wrong and I beat this illness. As soon as I possibly can. I'll be back in that driver's seat. Cruising around the country.

 

I personally love OTR. I've done the local thing, and found myself missing OTR. I like living like a gypsy. I love the nomadic lifestyle. You get the greatest show ever in nature (sunrises and sunsets). You get adventure(snowstorms and thunderstorms). You get really good food, even though it's bad for you lol. You meet cool people from all walks of life. I like the unpredictability from one day to the next. To me, chasing miles is a game, and it's a lot of fun. So many people think that every driver wants to go local. I sometimes think drivers are scared to admit they like OTR, because it don't score points with the lads. I can do 3 days at home before I get the itch to go back out.

 

That'd also be the reason why not everyone wants to join the marines its not for everyone.

 

Not sure what I do could be classified as OTR anymore?.
I run a few states and try to stay within a days drive of the house. If load pays well and customer is not a PITA, I may venture a little farther from home. I only run about
2000 miles a week and have the I WANT TO GO HOME ITIS!
I have gotten off the road for a few years
Worked in a KW dealer as a mechanic a few years. Worked for a fleet as a shop foreman for about 5 years. My problem is I am not a people person. We all have our strengths and weaknesses.
Grew up around trucks and trucking
Grandfather taught me. So have always been involved.
Days of being gone a week or more and roaming all over aimlessly are over
After 30+ years I stay close to home and my wife of 34 years. Roaming the highways is for you youngsters

 

marry a rich woman, get out of the truck, ha ha ha