If you’re not sure which truckers sector you want to work in or want to learn more about the different trucking fields (OTR Regional and Local), reading this piece is a must!
There are many variations and overlaps between OTR, Regional, and Local truck driving. A CDL truck driver, like other truck drivers, assists in the loading and unloading of freight.
While hard labor is to be expected, drivers may encounter drop and hook or no-touch runs from time to time.
Furthermore, according to DOT standards, all truck drivers can be on duty for up to 70 hours every eight days, regardless of the type of trucking they conduct.
What is OTR driver?
OTR – Over The Road refers to truck drivers who move freight over great distances and stay 3-4 weeks on the road at a time.
OTR trucking travel throughout the United States and Canada. Massive freight, gear, building material, and other equipment are all transported by OTR truck drivers.
What qualifications do you need to work as an OTR truck driver?
Obtaining your CDL is the most important step in becoming an OTR driver.
The licensing procedure varies by state, but it usually includes a written exam and a practical driving test.
You can study on your own, just like any other driving exam, but there are several commercial driving schools that offer courses that coach you, lead you through the evaluation process, and educate you for life as an OTR driver.
The CDL focuses on the knowledge and abilities required to operate larger tractor-trailers.
Optional certifications in areas such as hauling hazardous chemicals are also available.
What is a Regional driver?
The area in which a driver transports goods and materials is referred to as regional trucking.
It’s frequently divided into regions such as Northeast and Midwest, and it’s typically inside a 1,000-mile range.
The structure is usually the same in OTR and regional driving – you are out working for a specific period of time, then returning home for a set time period, based on your company rules.
Weekends frequently overlap with regional trucking days, which is one of the key advantages of this route over OTR.
What is a Local driver?
Local driving allows the driver to spend every night with his or her family, which can be quite beneficial to individuals with children. The circuits are local, usually inside a 200-mile range, and the workdays are 8-10 hours long.
Given the nature of the profession, local driving can be more challenging than OTR or regional driving.
Local driving necessitates the ability to handle smaller roads instead of the highway on a frequent basis, as well as reversing into narrow loading docks numerous times each day, which is why so many local transport companies likely require a one-year CDL driving experience.