Getting your CDL can open you up to a world of opportunity within the trucking industry. There are a large variety of different trucking jobs you could pursue including dry-van, reefer, flatbed, tanker and many more! For most truckers, the type of route they run is just as important as the kind of freight they are hauling.
That said, most routes can be classified as either a long-haul, regional, or local route. We will dive into a more detailed description of each below!
Long-Haul (OTR)
Home time: Long-haul routes, which are also referred to as OTR (over-the-road), require truckers to drive long distances and through many different states. Some OTR drivers actually run coast-to-coast or all 50 states! Drivers in long-haul positions are away from home for weeks or even months at a time depending on the position.
Benefits: Long-haul positions are great opportunities for first time CDL drivers as a lot of OTR positions do not require any previous CDL experience. Driving OTR is a great way to see the country and gain valuable experience while doing it! Additionally, OTR companies are more likely to allow passengers/pets to ride along in the truck.
Also, long-haul drivers often haul no-touch/drop & hook freight and are not responsible for unloading freight.
Challenges: Drivers are required to spend time away from their homes for an extended period of time. Adapting to sleeping and living in your cab can also be a challenge for some.
Companies with Long Haul Positions
- Werner
- CFI
- Swift Enterprises
- C.R. England
- Variant
- Melton
- Valley Transportation
- TMC
Regional
Home time: Regional routes usually consist of a region on the map and include multiple states.
Drivers in regional positions are usually home weekly. Some regional routes allow drivers to make it home multiple times during the week, while others may keep drivers on the road for over a week.
Benefits: Regional routes can be a happy medium for drivers between long-haul and local, allowing drivers to spend a decent amount of time on the road while returning to their home base every week or so. These positions do not usually require drivers to unload freight and there are many dedicated opportunities available for those looking for regional opportunities.
Challenges: Similarly to OTR, drivers will still need to learn how to “live” on the road and sleep in their cab in most cases (some companies are an exception and have their drivers stay in hotels).
Companies with Regional Positions
- CFI
- J.B. Hunt
- U.S. Xpress
- Pacific Shipping
- Averitt
- USA Truck
- Hub Group
- Dollar General
- Equity Inc.
Local
Home time: Local routes are often classified by the fact that drivers are home daily. Drivers in local positions spend most of their work day delivering in a specific, more compact location, such as a city/county.
Benefits: Drivers enjoy the freedom of daily home time and being able to spend more time at home. Due to the more compact delivery range, drivers can become familiar with their route and develop a predictable routine. Lastly, many local positions are paid by the hour instead of by the mile!
Challenges: Many local CDL positions are within the foodservice industry and require drivers to take part in the unloading process; unloading freight into restaurants and stores. These can be much more physically demanding jobs in comparison to an OTR opportunity.
Local positions will also usually require a decent amount of experience and are often reserved for experienced drivers. Driving around on small city roads and sometimes packed city locations can be difficult and drivers need to have the learned skills on how to navigate these obstacles.
Companies with Local Trucking Positions
- Ryder
- SYGMA
- Reyes
- Performance Foodservice
- Kenan Advantage
- Lazer Spot
Pay and other benefits, such as insurance options, will vary greatly depending on the specific company and account you drive for. There are plenty of opportunities to earn a great living in any of these routes. Find a trucking job near you today!