Where is the money at in OTR driving?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by CaliHauler69, Feb 3, 2019.

  1. CaliHauler69

    CaliHauler69 Bobtail Member

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    Pretty simple question. What are the most profitable or subjective best OTR hauls to get into?

    I’ve been a CDL licensed driver for about a decade now but have never done actual OTR work. The company I’ve worked for mostly just does on property runs. Rarely actually running OTR. Tho sometimes we have done 200 mile convoy/solo trips. But 90% of the time it’s on property work.

    I’m thinking about branching out and actually trying out OTR work. I have all endorsements aside from passenger, like I said 10+ years of experience including hazmat and explosives.

    From rumors I’ve been told car hauling has the best turn around for income to work. Also does hazmat being a “specialized” field.

    Can anyone give me any advice on what the best types of work/loads is when doing private/owner operator?

    We’ve had guys who left for OTR and have come back saying OTR sucked. But we’ve also have had guys who have went onto car hauling or just general loads and still do so with no intention on coming back.

    So from your experiences where is the money at? Is car hauling/hazmat the best work?
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2019
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  3. Flat Earth Trucker

    Flat Earth Trucker Road Train Member

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    I watched a news story about a trucker from the northeast who claims to pull down up to 200k with "corporate relocations" with his trusty 53' moving van.
     
    Last edited: Feb 3, 2019
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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Are you an owner-operator or a company driver?
    Where is your location; state/city?
     
    Flat Earth Trucker Thanks this.
  5. Midnightrider909

    Midnightrider909 Road Train Member

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    Explosive loads pay well. Hazwaste pay isn’t that great.
     
    VIDEODROME and Bean Jr. Thank this.
  6. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    I heard all the gold is in a bank in the middle of Beverly Hills LoL.

    Seriously, to make really great money you need a niche, and it doesn't necessarily need to involve OTR. Mine was car haul on a short dedicated route, average length of haul was 90 miles. Right now rates are down in car haul but there are still some golden opportunities.

    Look for something that few are doing in your area and see how you fit in. Perhaps machinery moving and rigging or something else involving skilled labor as well as hauling, that is where the big money is.
     
  7. jbatmick

    jbatmick Road Train Member

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    Excellent advice. Find that haul that maybe no one else wants to do,that small shipper who wants reliability over cheap rates, some little haul that is a little special, and do it. That has been my job plan for 25 + years, and it works for me, even here in Florida.
     
    jon69, Lepton1 and brian991219 Thank this.
  8. VantaiTatted

    VantaiTatted Light Load Member

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    I saw that story, wasn’t sure how true it was. I know those moving guys make good money but still.
     
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  9. CaliHauler69

    CaliHauler69 Bobtail Member

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    Feb 3, 2019
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    Right now just a company contract driver.

    But that’s what I’m trying to figure out. Is OTR worth the switch for me. I make an ok living. Nothing to write home about but it’s stable with benefits and not bad in the grand scheme of things.

    But like all of us if we can cash in those big checks I’m all about it. Owner operator OR company. I’d be fine with investing in my own rig again if the profit margin was there. But also not against running for a company of the pay is right to also avoid the costs of being an O/O.

    Also in the SoCal area. OC.
     
    BigDog Trucker Thanks this.
  10. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Just remember this, niche services are sometimes the first thing that dries up in an downturn.
     
  11. buzzarddriver

    buzzarddriver Road Train Member

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    company contract driver

    Does this mean your at a 1099 job vs getting a W-2?
     
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