Why does everyone say you have to go otr?

You don't need to go OTR. In fact I would say to Hades with all those OTR training companies. You don't need them. Get local driving job. 6 wheelers, 10 wheelers, develop a job history driving safe. Construction/excavating, trash hauling, delivery, private mfr with own fleet, etc. Things will fall into place if you are good at driving. If you are a bad driver and end up with accidents, well the writing is on the wall; find a new career.

DON'T be an indentured servant to these rolling sweatshops. They will chew you up and spit you out. Their own office staffs have high turnover so you can count on it that your dispatcher won't know Shinola from that other sh--.

I started out small and worked my way up to the trucks that bend in the middle. Never did and never would work for those mega fleet SOBs.
A job where you can learn some mechanical skills besides driving is a real plus.

 

I agree with with Semi. It's best to have a class A but you sure can start with a class B. I believe your first mistake is only looking on-line for jobs. I think you'll have a better chance if you go out and go face to face with some companies you can have a career path with. I knew this one driver that retired from my company after 35 years safe driving and he only had one job in his life. He started by top loading the trucks with gasoline. Look for the benefits and a future with a company and most of the time you'll only find those by walking in them. Better companies have no need to advertise.