Is OTR Really For Me?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by bank2me, Mar 17, 2011.

  1. bank2me

    bank2me Bobtail Member

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    Mar 12, 2011
    Portage,WI
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    Hey guys I am a newb. I just turned 21 and have my CDL A with no experience. I am thinking about doing OTR because all the local jobs around me want experience, but just reading some of the threads on here, man some of the guys on here talk some mad #### about each company. I'm starting to wonder if there's even a good OTR company? I am really interested in finding a local driving job were I am home every night but everybody talks about wanting experience. I am starting to ask myself if OTR is really for me, or if I should just keep looking for a local job. Any insight?
     
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  3. OPUS 7

    OPUS 7 Road Train Member

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    Im 6 months into this,and still where your at right now..Its a rough cut throat business,and I still am trying to fit in,and support my family.Good luck,and I hope you find your way
     
  4. Flying Dutchman

    Flying Dutchman Road Train Member

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    OTR companies like their experience too, if you want local, stay at it. Either way it will be tough to land a job without experience and/or school anymore unfortunately.
     
  5. bank2me

    bank2me Bobtail Member

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    Mar 12, 2011
    Portage,WI
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    Thank you brother. Yea I'm thinking the whole OTR gig is not me.

    I'm going to keep looking for something local. I should find something sooner or later.
     
  6. Jbrake1960

    Jbrake1960 Light Load Member

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    Nov 15, 2010
    Las Vegas
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    A lot of otr companies require that you be at least 23 Years old as well.
     
  7. mayoman69

    mayoman69 Light Load Member

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    Feb 28, 2011
    Old Saybrook, Ct
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    The local companies are out there, you just have to do your research! Or just go out with an OTR company for 6 months-2 years whatever you need to get that sweet local job!
     
  8. TREE

    TREE Heavy Load Member

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    May 11, 2010
    OHIO
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    I got a local job right out of school,but it was set up before i went.
    Go to the grocery warehouses that haul to the stores,you may have to work in the warehouse some but as time goes by you will more than likely drive more than anything.
    I was really lucky,i don't think i could handle the whole 4 weeks out 2 days home deal.
    Things can change though ,if something where to change i would do what i had to do to feed the kids.
    Also look into some construction companys or Pepsi etc.
    Jobs are hard to come by but every once in a while you may get lucky.
    I seen a job local where the guy would take recent grads and would train them on flatbeds,home everyday and weekends off.
    The pay was 32 cents a mile and after 90 days it increased ,but i don't know how many miles they got .
    He has had a add in the paper 2 times in one year if that tells you anything .
    Flatbeds are hard work so it could be the fact that nobody wants the extra work.
    Also i have been seeing city buses hireing recently @12.63 a hour (b class)

    So just keep your eyes open but most places do want you to be 23 yrs old (but not all of them require):biggrin_25515:
     
  9. mayoman69

    mayoman69 Light Load Member

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    Feb 28, 2011
    Old Saybrook, Ct
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    A guy I'm going to school with says his uncle lives in PA and works for Coke for 32 bucks an hour! And it's a 5 day a week job, home at night and weekends off!
     
  10. cc tanker

    cc tanker Medium Load Member

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    Jan 21, 2011
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    starting out is and will be rough for a while...(IMHO) plan on living like an animal,being treated like a second class citizen and not making much money..( this is sad but true)...there are cases where guys fall into something great at first ( very few)..anyway..keep your record clean! dont jump jobs every 30 days ..if you can manage to do this for a couple years ( maybe less)...then you will have a good chance at bettering yourself ..keep your record clean thats all that seperates you from a million others..after you get some exp go for your hazmat...hazmat will open a whole different world for you (tanker,ltl) thats where the moneys at...took me 11 years to land a great job..was it worth the wait? heck yea! so dont plan on making 75-80k in a year or two...give it time keep a clean record ....there are still a few good jobs out there
     
  11. bank2me

    bank2me Bobtail Member

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    Mar 12, 2011
    Portage,WI
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    Thanks for the insight guys.

    That would be tits. I just applied at Pepsi today.

    Yea the way it sounds, is doing OTR is a rough way of life but yea maybe just go OTR for 6 months to a year and get that experience that the local jobs want.
     
    TheRedskinsWay Thanks this.
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