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local vs OTR experience

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by misfitmanny, Apr 7, 2022.

  1. Apr 7, 2022 #1
    misfitmanny

    misfitmanny Bobtail Member

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    Just out of curiosity, I’m a recent grad

    Got a pretty good job offer for a local beverage delivery company near me & I was just wondering if that will count as actual CDL experience?

    My goal is to eventually get on with a LTL company & I believe I’ve heard that some companies don’t accept local work as experience.

    It would suck if later down the road they say my local beverage delivery experience doesn’t count because it wasn’t OTR.
     
    misfitmanny, Apr 7, 2022
    misfitmanny, Apr 7, 2022
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  3. Apr 7, 2022 #2
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Yes, it counts for some companies. You'll have to hit the road with a trainer for a couple of weeks, but just do it when the time comes!
     
    Chinatown, Apr 7, 2022
    Chinatown, Apr 7, 2022
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  4. Apr 7, 2022 #3
    motocross25

    motocross25 Road Train Member

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    If LTL is your end game beverage delivery would definitely count. A lot of OTR companies want OTR experience because they want to know you’ve lived in a truck before, and can trip plan over long distances. LTL wants to know you can handle yourself in a city setting and know what it’s like to have multiple stops. Go for it for sure is my vote.
     
    motocross25, Apr 7, 2022
    motocross25, Apr 7, 2022
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  5. Apr 7, 2022 #4
    4wayflashers

    4wayflashers Road Train Member

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    OTR is a different animal. LTL has some linehaul. And some city or delivery drivers. Id think with city delivery experience would get you in the door on the delivery side.
     
    4wayflashers, Apr 7, 2022
    4wayflashers, Apr 7, 2022
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  7. Apr 7, 2022 #5
    kranky1

    kranky1 Road Train Member

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    That doesn’t make any sense. Beverage delivery isn’t really what you want. If you’re a new driver and would like to see LTL work in your future you really should start with a local job. How else are you supposed learn how to run around hitting a dozen docks or more a day and handling all kinds of different freight? LTL drivers are well paid for a reason. In any freight sector you pick, they’re the best drivers out there. They have to be to make it in that world. If you can’t keep up you’re not in it long. Then you end up at some Mega.
     
    kranky1, Apr 7, 2022
    kranky1, Apr 7, 2022
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  8. Apr 7, 2022 #6
    rockeee

    rockeee Medium Load Member

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    Absolutely they would consider that as CDL experience since....you (will) have a CDL and tractor trailer experience unless your in a straight truck, which might be a class be job. But consider your future experience compared with someone who just came out of school and has no experience around town. The only thing that would stop me if I was you is you will probably be humping cases all day but for some, that's not an issue at all. Good luck
     
    rockeee, Apr 7, 2022
    rockeee, Apr 7, 2022
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  9. Apr 7, 2022 #7
    Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Land of local
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    Yes it'll count. Local will hone your skills better than otr too
     
    Brettj3876, Apr 7, 2022
    Brettj3876, Apr 7, 2022
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  10. Apr 9, 2022 #8
    abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    It’s really only the crappy companies that ##### about stuff like that, I started my first real job doing food service, slightly better then beverage delivery (no stairs) but not by much.

    Depending on your location, you may even be able to find a second rate LTL company to start with before moving up to Estes or Old dominion if thats the path you choose.
     
    abyliks, Apr 9, 2022
    abyliks, Apr 9, 2022
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  11. Apr 9, 2022 #9
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    In my younger years of trucking, most OTR co's did not think much of local experience. My belief was local, even though not a whole lot of miles being driven, was a lot more than jumping on the interstate in Ca. and jumping off in Tn. Local means lots of traffic, backing into docks or getting into crowded parking lots all day long.
     
    Allow Me., Apr 9, 2022
    Allow Me., Apr 9, 2022
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