Local skills enough for OTR?

Per the title of post.

NO. Local skills aren't enough for OTR.

Most usually want 3 years winter conditions in the mountains recently. And it don't matter how long you've been driving. They also want experience with hos and elogs now.

BUT. It can be done.

If you can drive a truck. There are companies out there.

I drove 8 years local. Driving dumps with trailers. Even double bellies. But when the economy crashed and the only money was otr. I got really stupid excuses to not apply.

Found local companies to work for instead. Being home on weekends.

I'm back to local almost 5 years now. If I were to try again. I might get the same BS.

 

I would recommend you drive for your uncle for at least a year. Local driving takes lots of patience and you need to learn that. You'll master shifting and then some driving local. You'll learn a lot about paying attention to overhead clearance and dealing with traffic.

Then I'd tell your uncle you really want to try this but would like the opportunity to come back if you don't like it. Ask him to give you a year to pursue your dream.

Here's another thing that I think makes a good tractor trailer driver: Start pulling some trailers around. For family or friends, boats, campers, whatever needs moving. If it looks like a challenge get in it and learn to drive it.

 

Thanks for all the help guys, some really good answers in here.

 

I would say just drive for someone for a month... and get your own truck if you have the money... that's what i am doing right now..
From Cdl school to driving for someone for a month to owner opp...

Some people will scare you dont do this and that.. you just need to be safe and have respect for everyone on the road...

I know guys they went direct from cdl school to owner opp.. they are making a killing right now 10 to 14k NET PEOFIT. a month..

so just drive for someone and save some cash..