"You have to drive OTR 1 Year before anyone will hire you-Myth or Fact?

"Back in my day we had to suffer, errr I mean drive a year over the road before anyone will hire you for anything better (regional/local)" (Because I suffered and you have to do it the same way I do)

Can someone dispel this line of bull #### that keeps getting repeated? Hell, I am sure a lot of you still believe it.

I don't think it's true. And just because you may have driven a year over the road doesn't mean its true.
Just because a couple companies told you they wanted more experience, STILL doesn't mean it's true.

Personally I have been told by a couple mega carriers that they would take new drivers for regional driving.

 

I think its a myth. A few guys I went to highschool with went to work at a local construction company as labourers right out of school and the moment they turned 19 they got their Class 1 and started driving gravel/water truck. A few others I know went straight into log truck driving with less than a year of driving under their belt.

 

Total BS. Also it's BS if a local TT driver wanted to do OTR and has to spend a few weeks with a trainer. Could understand a few days getting to know the policies and equipment. But weeks ?! ROFL. How hard is it too operate a Sleeper 53' footer and bang a few doors a week? it's not.

Trucking is very weird. Each company is unique, Worst possible thing not to do is simply apply for a Local job, will never know.

 

Do your research. My friend in San Diego was hired by Pepsi for local deliveries after 3 months OTR with Werner.

 

Sometimes new guys only need a cdl with no experience. But it would be with a small company, not any of the megas.

 

Depends on the company.All companies have regional whether you're a new driver or a veteran.Some companies require a yr because their insurance requires it but that doesn't mean they're any better then a starter company.Some even require 2 yrs but don't let the amt of exp fool you.Its best to do research to see just how good they are.Most local companies require exp because they don't have trainers and want you to know routes without having to call them 10 times a day.Only good thing about local is you go get home every day but that doesn't mean you still have a normal social life.You work and the second you're done for the day your 10 hr clock starts and they want you back at your trk and ready to roll when your brk is over.

 

And if you're an o/o running local, kiss Friday night and most of Saturday goodbye because that rig has got to be ready to roll Monday morning. Washing, polishing, greasing, general maintenance eats up a weekend quick.

 

I hear that as a company driver,there's no time to relax.

 

Total myth.

Way way to many on this site preach that it's fact.

 

My old man had it good the last couple years he was trucking.He paid me $10 an hour to wash and grease his truck plus whatever else needed to be done. Usually made $40 a week during summer and $60 to 80 during the muddy seasons since it took 4 hours or more to wash truck and trailer. Not bad for being 16 or 17.