Over-the-road (OTR) drivers haul freight at a national level, delivering to all of the U.S. (excluding Hawaii), Canada, and Mexico. Pay varies greatly depending on position, carrier, and experience level, but experienced OTR drivers have the potential to earn far above the average for other truck drivers. Unlike local and regional drivers, they are not assigned a specific area to service.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers in 2023 earned an average of $55,990, with the top 10 percent making $76,780 or more. The pay of OTR truck drivers tends to be better reflected by this top 10 percentile, with many experienced OTR truck drivers breaking into 6 figures.
These drivers are responsible for hauling all kinds of freight and play a large role in keeping our economy running smoothly. Similar to local/regional drivers, OTR drivers are assigned dedicated routes or accounts to which they exclusively deliver. Non-dedicated drivers may travel to new states and regions with every haul!
What’s Different About OTR Routes
Drivers who run OTR routes are often away from home for 1-4 weeks at a time. Home time will vary by company, but it is important to know that truckers in these positions spend a lot of time on the road.
Due to the long time spent on the road, the majority of OTR drivers spend their nights sleeping in the cabs of their trucks, aptly named “sleeper cabs”. These cabs are larger than a standard cab and accommodate for life on the road. Some companies do provide their drivers with hotel accommodations as well.
For some, adjusting to life on the road can take some time and effort. It can be difficult for drivers to eat healthy and stay in shape while driving around 600 miles per day, but it’s not impossible! Here’s a few tips for staying healthy while on the road.
Companies Hiring For OTR Drivers
As the most in-demand job in trucking, there are many companies currently hiring for OTR drivers. A lot of OTR positions do not require any prior experience and are great opportunities for new CDL drivers to begin their trucking career!
Here are a few companies hiring on CDL Job Now:
- Werner - Hiring OTR drivers nationally for a variety of route options and requires no experience.
- Anderson Trucking - Hiring OTR drivers for flatbed positions.
- Walmart - Hiring no-touch freight deliveries and drivers.
- Swift Enterprises - Hiring dry-van OTR positions.
- C.R. England - OTR positions across the country for new CDL drivers.
Common Requirements for Employment
Here's a list of some common requirements to get an OTR trucking job.
- Valid CDL-A
- Training from an accredited CDL school
- No DUIs in past 5 years
- Pass DOT physical examination including drug screen
- Submit to background check
For specific companies, varying levels of experience will be required along with possible endorsements.
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