Hi everyone, I am thinking about becoming a trucker, but I am currently in college and would like to continue my classes. How ordinary is it to be a long haul trucker who sleeps and lives in the truck, but only drives about 40-50 hours a week? I know OTR are usually driving most of the time, so I'm wondering if it is expected that they drive 70-80 hours a week? Or will I be able to easily get a job doing OTR for only 40-50 hours?
Thanks and be safe out there
Question I couldn't find answered anywhere.
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by shakalaka, Jul 14, 2019.
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In all honesty, taking regular classes and doing OTR work is incompatible. You might be able to do some limited regional or local work.
MartinFromBC and brian991219 Thank this. -
Ok are you gonna quit driving after you get your degree?
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BUT, I've seen some weird stuff, so never say it will never happen.
Good luck.FlaSwampRat Thanks this. -
That wont work. Its all in at 70 hrs a week, get home once in awhile, especially for new drivers.
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The right local company will hire you and cover some of your college costs, if the degree is compatible with their operations. This could be a way to work your way into a transportation management job.
Check with LTL companies and ask about their dock to driver and college tuition programs.
As for OTR, unless you got onto a dedicated run with predictable time off, or at least predictable time you are parked each day schooling -even online classes- will be almost impossible to complete.TankerP, sevenmph and FlaSwampRat Thank this. -
They are out there, but they won't be easy to find. Most places want to run you like a chicken with your head cut off because the truck dosen't make money while it sits. Especially places that lease trucks. Not lease to drivers, but lease a truck and put a driver in it.
Usually the only people that work low hours are people that own thier own truck and have spent alot of time in the industry and can afford to sit, or know when to sit. They paid thier dues.Canadianhauler21 and FlaSwampRat Thank this. -
One thing to note...as a rookie, you will have to put school on complete hold until you complete training and get out solo, then give your new solo status another semester to get some level of comfort/confidence in your driving abilities.
Good Luck....keep your positive attitude, you can do anything you put the work and effort to!Chinatown Thanks this. -
@ethos that sometimes posts on here, got his degree while running long haul trucking. He's now a coach or teacher somewhere. It's achievable if you have the self discipline.
With electronic logs being mandatory now you can get proper rest with good time management.TankerP, sevenmph, FlaSwampRat and 1 other person Thank this. -
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