OTR VS.Local

That's true.. it's very tough to get used to. In fact, I will need to look for a local job because my wife is having a hard time with me being gone for so long. I am too. I mean.. going from being home every night to only seeing your wife 6 times a month... give me a break.

Actually some married men might like that!

 

Hello all great posts on this subject. I live in Casa Grande AZ and Swift has a terminal here in town so I would like to get a dedicated route to say LA or San DIego and be home every night. I always read that it was a given to have to start out as an OTR driver then move to local but even my school and a few guys I've talked to and now this thread say otherwise. Great info!!

 

I started out local, i think that's the best way to go to get experience. Most local gigs involve a lot of city driving, backing up, and in & out of tight spots. It seems those are the areas were a lot of new drivers have the most problems. Things have changed since i started, the company i work for does a lot of local and won't hire an inexperienced driver. Personally, i would take a driver with 2yrs. local over 2yrs. otr any day, but then again some just aren't cut out for the road.

 

Every type of driving job is different. With my line of work hauling gasoline you had to be at the top of your game to even be considered for the job. They didn't even want OTR experience because they know it's much different maneuvering an 85' truck and trailer around the city. I've done OTR, line hauling, local, and the local has been the hardest of them all. But that's my company. I know that when I was doing LTL the local drivers were getting paid hardly nothing unless if you were union. Then the dirt haulers were making great money but only if they pulled two 40' belly dumps. So it all depends on what type of work you're doing and what area you'll be doing it in.

Most drivers think that truck driving is only semi's and OTR. Granted that's the most but there are other types of trucks and other types of hauling. That's why you've got to get out and search what you want to do long term. I believe that specialized hauling is the best and once you're qualified then you're in demand. I'm sure that the drivers that are going to haul the radioactive waste to and from the railhead are going to make big bucks. But the most important aspect you've got to look at is are you going to be happy with your job. Set your goals after you've done alot of research and then go for it. Just don't limit yourself.

 

Good advice Gas. I'm gonna apply to both local and OTR but more towards OTR. I'd like a dedicated route OTR from Phoenix to LA so hopefully I can find that. However if a local job comes up that pays decent I will definately consider it!!