OTR vs. a lesser paying local job.

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by zombie 9tails, Feb 24, 2011.

  1. zombie 9tails

    zombie 9tails Bobtail Member

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    Feb 24, 2011
    Sheffield, AL
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    Are the chances of landing a local job (like a route job) as good as getting hired by a big trucking company for OTR for a new graduate? I have a kid and I'd rather take a lesser paying local job. Money isn't a huge factor in my decision. I really wouldn't even be against taking a class B job, like driving a dump truck or a concrete truck. I know each specific case will depend on several different things, but I'm just looking for how it is in general.
     
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  3. ybr69

    ybr69 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 13, 2009
    cinti,ohio
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    i would go local if u can.seeing your kid everyday makes your better.:biggrin_255:
     
  4. onewayracing

    onewayracing Bobtail Member

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    Nov 12, 2010
    owatonna, MN
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    WHAT! You mean there are trucking jobs that pay even less than OTR? lol
     
  5. bellydumper

    bellydumper Light Load Member

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    Jan 29, 2011
    San Antonio , Texas
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    I haul belly dump locally less than 100 mile trips all day.I make good money. Mon-Fri and sometimes rarely saturday. Good Luck on finding a local job that will train someone who is green. I got lucky .I saw an ad where the guy said he will train.Been doing this now for 3 years and i love it! Theres really no way I could be away from home that amount of time. I got a very beautiful lookin ol lady at home and I need my beer so I would try to find a local job .I would still drive all over texas and maybe one more state but all 48? Nope!
     
  6. Freebird135

    Freebird135 Road Train Member

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    May 7, 2009
    In the air conditioning
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    seems to me like local drivers pay averages more then OTR company drivers

    dont let people tell you that nobody will hire you local without experience....it happens all the time
     
  7. Lilbit

    Lilbit Road Train Member

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    Let me check my logbook
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    I got a local gig without much OTR experience. Couldn't continue at it because I couldn't manage to sleep during the day time without an idling truck! Ended up getting brought back a week later as dispatcher and fill in driver.
     
  8. chompi

    chompi Road Train Member

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    Jun 21, 2008
    Deland, FL
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    Sure it's possible but very tough. Especially for a new driver with no experience. If you are thinking about going to school to get your license don't go with the expectations of getting a local gig. I would hate to see you spend $6000 and then have to go over the road because there isn't anything local. I would be fully prepared to go over the road if you decide to go to school. If you did manage to land a local job that would be sweet but if not you have already prepared yourself. Personally I would not recommend you do it. You have a little one at home and an old lady. Over the road would kill the family scenario! Unless you get a prehire for a local job before you sign up for school. Over the road is very, very tough on families. You are gone for at least a month at a time and then have 2-3 days off. If I were in your shoes I would go to the DMV and get your ClassB and see if you can land a dump truck or box truck gig. It's going to be a hell of a lot cheaper then a class a! Good luck man!
     
  9. hotrod1018

    hotrod1018 Light Load Member

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    Jun 23, 2010
    Niceville fl
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    there ar local companies that will hire new drivers you just have to look around a bit more... and most local jobs pay better than OTR
     
  10. o.m.d.

    o.m.d. Heavy Load Member

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    Aug 15, 2010
    massachusetts
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    HAHA OTR pays crap man. get a job driving straight trucks if you cant find one driving tractor trailers locally. straight trucks are much easier to find. but if i were you i'd be looking to get a tractor trailer job. check out the local milk companies in your area they have a high turn over rate for drivers cuz its hard work so if you arent afraid to sweat then sign up. its decent pay and hours.
     
  11. Svoray

    Svoray Medium Load Member

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    Feb 3, 2011
    Texas
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    This is basically what I did when I finished school, I took a Class B job driving a smaller bobtail fuel truck for the oil field. My main thought was getting some Hazmat Tanker experience for hauling crude oil and being able to stay local with my family. It actually turned out pretty good as for pay and the company also has a larger transport truck and flatbed. Their going to move me to the larger transport after my first 90days since I have a Class A...plus help out with the flatbed.

    So ya, I would consider a Class B job starting out.
     
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