What's It Really Like To Be OTR?

So......You're having doubts already. Are you sure that this is what you really want? It isn't just a job. It's a lifestyle change. In order to be a trucker, a really good one mind you, you have to be selfless. You have to be willing to sacrifice for your fellow Americans. You're doing a large part to keep America rolling. Also, you'll need to keep an open mind about this industry. That way, you'll learn all that you can, and enjoy just how beautiful America is. OTR trucking is only good if you come with the right attitude and if you're willing to put a lot into it. If you're not willing to put much into it, it isn't going to work. I really didn't care for local work at all. I am suited for OTR, and I much prefer OTR and it ain't close. It's peaceful and easy.

 

Yep, that's OTR.

 

That sounds about right. Find a regional account, OTR is not for you. I don't mean that as an insult. It's not for most people. Hence, an attrition rate in trucking that's as bad or worse than Navy Seal training.

I discourage most first-time drivers from going OTR. You don't make much money your first year, and most of the things you learn on OTR can be learned doing regional, so long as you're running in at least 4-5 states. An exception to that would be if you live close to the Gulf Coast. Regional there won't put you through much snow or mountains.

There's a reason why you won't have trouble getting on OTR. Those jobs are always available because drivers are always quitting. Companies love putting new drivers on them because they don't know what they are or what toll they take. Most drivers quit once they realize, and the companies bring in fresh meat to start the process over again.

 

If this is the case, it confirms that I made the right choice being local from day one. I get paid to hold a steering wheel while listening to audio books, but can still live a normal life, not neglect my responsibilities at home, and stay close to the people who are important to me. I will admit that at this point in my life I'm a homebody. If my domestic situation changed drastically I might be interested in heading out across the country, but not for now.

I like seeing the same customers on a regular basis. It's nice to form collegial relationships with people you see on a daily or weekly basis, and who knows you might become friends. I'm sure some driving jobs are tougher than others, but my job is far from a meat grinder. It's the easiest thing I've ever been paid to do. Actually it's easier than most of the things I haven't been paid to do, like volunteer work and raising kids.

 

Unfortunately its pretty much correct. You miss birthdays and graduations as well, and you are alone most of the time. Its not for everyone and takes time to adapt, its not for everyone. You may be able to land a local job. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

Ahh, good ol' JBG. Doin rookie things, even though he's been driving for years and years.

 

Not everyone wants close relationships with people outside the immediate family. I don't even go to other peoples homes to visit. I do visit my sister in Tennessee and my wifes family in China, but that's it.

 

Should have turned around at that 4 way stop…

 

OTR is basically a different reality where time means nothing and everything at once. Where the days blend into one another so much you forget what day it is, or even week or month. Finally going home feels like the end of the shift not the end of 3 weeks. You will live your life where every minute is counted, and sleep schedules have the same routine as a flipped coin. You’ll either go broke at restaurants or eat ham and cheese sandwiches for 3/4 of your meals. Time passes quickly and you’ll age rapidly while it feels like your hometown stays the same.

Anyway if you can get a fridge and take pride in your work you might enjoy it.

 

My sleep schedule remains pretty much the same every night, and I cook good meals in the truck.
Tonight was a baked chicken breast, baked potato and a veg.

When I get home after 4 weeks, the first day I feel the whole 4 weeks.
2 days later and it was the end of my shift and I'm ready to get back out there.

I don't feel that I am rapidly aging, since there is little stress with this job.