Why does everyone think you have to go otr?

^^ That's very true Chinatown, I always forget about those Food service companies and side door beverage guys.

I've also noticed some of the ltl companies hiring "Driver trainees" now in the bigger cities and getting the driver the cdl and everything albeit they're usually dock workers for a while

 

I started local, did that for eight years then went OTR for a couple years, grew up and went back to local after the wife got pregnant. I loved the OTR stuff, I learned a lot about how things are outside the area I live. And, in a weird way, I learned a lot about myself. My only regret is that I didn't do it earlier, before I met my wife.

There will always be the debate of which way is better. I've done both, and after only 16 years, I couldn't recommend one over the other. The trick is finding a good outfit to drive for. I was, and am, fortunate in that I have worked for really great companies.

 

Good paying local jobs are hard to find but can be done. It's more open for better jobs in my opinion. That's because most of these big companies that have their own schools tell the new CDL driver it's impossible. You've got to look hard but that's the way in any job. The more you put into it the higher return.

 

Your absolutely right mate no one has to go OTR, if fact i started out just doing local delivery work with straight trucks and then worked my way up to Long Haul, however OTR is not for everyone those that need to be home with the family or anyone who can't drive for extended periods of time would be best off in a different job.

 

I have been driving since 1991 I have been in every facet of this industry I have tried local work several times there is absolutely no money to be made I don't care what people want to tell you. ok you might have the few that bring home $1,000 a week. But they work 16 to 18 hours a day. Dog ### tired. Maybe get at best 5 hours of sleep a night/day. No thanks I'll keep my OTR. And my Elogs and happily take my 10 hours a day off. Working a local gig you might get to sleep in your own bed every night. But think about it and be honest with yourself at what cost? Really!!?

 

Ok. I guess, since you've worked in EVERY facet of this industry, you must have worked for some pretty sorry oilfield outfits. Around here, when the rates are decent, $1,000 a week is chump change for those slip-seat water haulers working 12-hr shifts and home every night.

 

It never ceases to amaze me that this OTR/local discussion still goes on. Neither one is better. The best kind of trucking is what you the driver enjoy doing. Both however have good points and bad points.

 

I beg to differ.

 

I am local now, make really good money $1500-$1800 per week depending on what I do that week but very long hours,very labor intensive and very stressful .. I am home every day/2 days off per week and we really don't have any bad weather where I go ( Phoenix and Southern Arizona )

I used to live in Florida and that's where I was referring when I was talking about bad wages for local truck driving even with some experience

 

Desperate enough to look past a couple points? (4 in my case for 11 over the limit?)