OTR or Local?

Why do you say "not enough rest"?

I'd imagine I could find a daily job going from Greenville to Charleston and back.

 

That's what I was thinking, but I really need a solid understanding of how they both would be on a day-to-day basis. For instance, I definitely wouldn't go "local" if it meant doing something LTL in the same city all day like Estes does here...essentially just doing what DHL does, but with a giant truck. Not my cup of tea. However, if the local gig was just driving 3.5hrs one direction, making one or two drops, and then driving back, then I would be a lot more interested. I'm Not sure if the latter would be considered "local".

 

What sounds better to you?I would choose OTR to get the exp.

 

Also, is it pretty common for a new driver to go OTR for only one year, and then find a local job? This isn't heavily frowned upon?

 

Due to a family situation, I tried local and it was horrible. Usually will work 12 - 14 hrs. then add in the commute to and from work and that doesn't leave much time to eat, shower, rest before going back to work. Even those jobs like you mention, Greenville to Charleston and back drive most drivers crazy with the same routine every day for years. Some drivers can deal with it but most can't. It turns people into a zombie state. The brain goes into neutral because there's nothing new to stimulate it; every day is a duplicate of the day before and tomorrow will be the same.

 

No, it's not frowned on and no reason for it to be. Many drivers that post on here did just that and now they complain because they have the strong urge to hit the road again.
Try OTR first and at least you will know what it's like. You're young and your wife is young, so plenty of years ahead for the local, every day is the same, stuff.

 

Here there are local companies that train but the right applicant.You have to really bring it during the interview to be considered.From the many comments on the forum it is more common to go OTR. but it doesn't necessarily mean you need to do a full year before local that's something you would have to discuss with the employer.

 

I jumped in with a company that offers both in variety. Starting out I was local with a trainer for almost two months. Was nice being home every night/weekend. Long days but I was on roads I knew so my rookie mistakes were far and few between. Now that I'm solo doing regional I'm home a few nights a week and weekends. Once I get more comfortable with everything I'll probably go further. We're usually guaranteed weekends home.

 

You need to spend some time grasping the REALITIES of true OTR driving. It's not like a long vacation, staying in hotels, money is no object type thing. It's probably the biggest aspect of trucking that initially many's expectations going in were are ALL wrong. And teaming will either be a blessing or a curse. Flip a coin to determine what it may be for you.

OTR has its own pitfalls likelihood. Teaming has another set of pitfalls likelihood. The synergy between them pushes many over the edge early in.

For some it's a great fit. For other it's the most miserable thing they've ever embarked upon. As much to do with the individual, as to the carrier chosen.

I don't mean to imply OTR teaming is like prison. But there are a number of similarities.

 

Go OTR, with wife riding you won't need the expense of housing, utilities, car etc, so you can bank thousands every month