Best state to live in to do OTR?

Midwest, preferably west of the Mississippi River. Sioux Falls, Omaha or anywhere in Southern MN or Iowa. No traffic, higher wages than many parts of the country and generally a lower cost of living. As a bonus you can turn the west Coast and be home on the weekend from the western part of this area. Going east you're far enough from the East Coast to still have a good week.

 

put your stuff in storage. When your truck goes in the shop, rent a room or a Harley. Keep on truckin'

 

What is your view of Knoxville, TN?

 

Knoxville is a nice city too. It's about the same size as Chatt population wise (~185k vs ~180k in Chatt, in the city limits proper). Knoxville is a college town (and a college football town) with the University of Tenneessee flagship campus there, so that may be a plus or a minus depending on your priorities.

I've never lived in Knoxville so I have no first hand experience being a resident, but every time I've visited it's seemed like a nice place. It's also a good location for a truck driver. It's at the crossroads of I-40 and I-75 and very close to I-81.

 

Houston went to #### ever since Katrina.
People never went back home.
Even the statistics show that.

 

Jay Thomas always said Katrina was the best thing that ever happened to New Orleans

 

After running up 69 and 40 here in Oklahoma, I'm looking forward to some smooth Indiana roads!

 

I would go with Washington, TX or your home state, though bear in mind WEATHER is the real factor in a lot of your income. Based out of NH, if you're regional, you're talking the worst roads in the country, the worst traffic in the country and often the most severe weather in the country.

OTR, my home is decent in Yakima, WA but if I lived in Ellensburg or Tri cities it would be better fore more freight lanes. Main thing is no state income tax. We're getting killed with lousy freight rates, which translates to low driver pay. An extra 5-10% in your pocket is a big deal.

What you really want is a dedicated route. Lot's of places have them and no, you often don't have to be with the company for any length of time to get them. Make it a route offering lots of miles between loading/unloading (because thats where you make no money) and that you can run hard 12 months out of the year with minimal weather hassles.

 

I'm at the Excalibur. What an awesome place this is. Came in on the US hwy from Phoenix. Hoover dam and lake mead are absolutely stunning

 

So, when are you moving to Las Vegas? Summertime year round!
@BostonTanker - My house is just 10 minutes from you right now. Only problem is I'm overseas at this moment.