Why does the industry feel compelled to send all new drivers OTR?

you & and just about everybody else would like to make this like a regular job,Most drivers with a year or so are "in line" for them local/regional jobs..you gotta go do some dirty work to get experience.

 

Depends on your location; plenty of regional and local jobs for new drivers.
Several companies have weekend home programs.

Here's 3 examples of regional for new drivers; just using them for examples because don't know if you're in the hiring area or not. Their websites show the regional maps and areas available.

JBS Carriers
Decker Truck Line
National Carriers

Also, Schneider has tons of regional & local jobs for newbies.

 

Truck driving isn't that difficult.

 

I will start by saying I am just a soon to be student.....

I thought the same question to myself numerous times. When I began my search into this industry, I would see hundreds upon hundreds of ads either online at craigslist, monster, snag a job, but they all wanted 1 year OTR. Seemed like a benchmark, and a common one at that. But WHY?

If there is as big of a driver shortage as everyone claims there is. (do a google search) Why are so many companies being so picky with the 1 year OTR.

I asked around to a couple of retired drivers at my local Moose lodge. Insurance was his answer.

He said most insurance companies charge larger fees to companies hiring inexperienced drivers.

The mega carriers however are self insured. They have the ability to hire brand new drivers, and since they are self insured they can afford it.

And mega carriers are in the business of OTR, coupled with the biggest driver shortage in OTR based companies......

well it all made sense to me, someone with experience will come along and tell me I am way way way wrong or maybe I am right......but it all made sense to me.

 

Local jobs aren't hard to find. Good local jobs are a different matter, and they're in very high demand. When the number of applicants for those jobs far outweighs the demand, the employers can be a lot more scrutinizing in who they hire. So, they can hold out for the ten year accident-free driver, rather than feel like they have to hire the FNG straight out of truck driving school.

It's not difficult. At the same time, you can't half ### it and expect to make it. Too many people are doing exactly that getting into this line of work, and finding out the hard way that it doesn't work.

 

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. There is more of a need for OTR drivers than regional, so that is where they put them.

 

You absolutely correct on this! Man, the Local gigs are out there but they have the pick of the litter, with so many drivers trying for the same job. I see in My area that the local carriers are going thru Staffing Agencies to get their driver needs met.
I am so tired of the "hustle" it takes to grab a local gig (it's a full time job in it's self)...So, I am going back out OTR! One of these days the whole thing will correct it's self (HOPEFULLY!!), and it will be easier to find those local/regional gigs. That being said, I am not holding my breath on it!!
Peace Folks, I'm outta here on Sunday!