Getting into the world of truck driving presents numerous job opportunities. The type of lifestyle and career you want will depend on how often you wish to drive, your flexibility for hours, and how close you want to stay to home. One truck driving opportunity you may want to pursue is OTR trucking. Let’s dive into what an OTR trucker.
OTR drivers are responsible for much of our nation’s critical supply chain. It has a different challenge than being a local driver or hot shot trucker, but it offers a rewarding chance to earn a high income. Let’s dive into what being an OTR trucker may mean for you.
What does OTR mean?
OTR driving stands for “over the road.” These are the professionals operating commercial trucks over long distances across states and often countries. It is common for driver in California to head to Mexico, Canada, or all the way across the U.S. to New England. These trips can last anywhere from half a day to weeks.
With all that driving, there are some different requirements to being an OTR truck driver. This is because you’ll be crossing state lines frequently and will want to follow guidelines to ensure your safety, the upkeep of your vehicles, and the well-being of your cargo.
Difference Between OTR, Regional, and Local Truck Drivers
Understanding the differences between over-the-road (OTR), regional, and local truck driving is essential for anyone considering a career in trucking. The key distinction lies in the distance traveled and the time spent away from home.
Local Truck Drivers
Local truck drivers typically operate within a designated city or metropolitan area, ensuring they return home daily. These routes are often shorter, making local trucking a great option for drivers who prioritize work-life balance. Local drivers may work for retail stores, delivery services, or freight companies, transporting goods between warehouses and distribution centers. While the pay for local drivers may be lower compared to OTR positions, the consistent schedule and home time can be a significant advantage.
Regional Truck Drivers
Regional truckers cover a specific area, usually within a few neighboring states. These drivers are on the road for several days at a time but typically return home weekly. Regional routes strike a balance between local and OTR driving, offering higher pay than local jobs while still allowing for regular home time. These positions often appeal to those who want to travel more than a local driver but don’t want to commit to weeks away from home.
Over-the-Road (OTR) Truck Drivers
OTR truckers are long-haul drivers who travel across state lines, often covering thousands of miles in a single trip. This type of trucking requires drivers to be away from home for extended periods—sometimes several weeks at a time. While the pay is often higher due to the long hours and distance covered, OTR trucking requires a greater level of commitment and adaptability.
One of the biggest challenges of OTR trucking is dealing with varying weather and road conditions. A single route can take a driver from the humid Southeast through the icy Midwest and into the scorching deserts of the Southwest. This means OTR drivers must be well-prepared for sudden temperature drops, hazardous road conditions, and changing traffic laws across different states.
How Much Do OTR Truckers Make?
The average income for OTR rucking is between $76,000 -$95,000+*. This can vary a lot based on the load you are carrying, the distance you are traveling, and the company you are working with. It isn’t unrealistic for an experienced over the road driver to make $100,000 or more annually.
In addition, part of what is OTR driver benefits packages tend to include benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, investment opportunities, and paid time off. A good trucking company is going to go beyond and above to keep an experienced OTR driver on staff because they vital to their operation.
OTR Driving Jobs
OTR Jobs: A Great Way for New CDL Grads to Gain Experience
If you’re a new CDL graduate, starting your career with an over-the-road (OTR) job is one of the best ways to gain valuable experience. OTR trucking offers entry-level drivers the opportunity to log miles, develop their skills, and build confidence behind the wheel. Since OTR jobs involve traveling across different states and handling a variety of road conditions, new drivers quickly learn how to navigate highways, manage long-haul schedules, and adapt to life on the road.
Many trucking companies actively hire recent CDL graduates for OTR positions, often providing paid training, mentorship programs, and support to help new drivers succeed. These jobs typically offer higher starting pay than local or regional positions, along with bonuses and benefits. Plus, spending time as an OTR driver can open the door to other opportunities in trucking, such as regional, local, or even specialized freight jobs.
For CDL grads looking to gain experience, maximize earnings, and explore the country, an OTR job is an excellent way to kickstart a long and successful trucking career.
Type of Freight OTR Truckers Haul?
Types of Freight OTR Drivers Haul
OTR drivers have the opportunity to haul a wide variety of freight, making every trip unique. The type of freight you haul can impact your pay, schedule, and the level of skill required to transport it safely. Here are some of the most common types of freight OTR drivers handle:
• Dry Van Freight – One of the most common types of loads, dry van freight includes everything from packaged goods to household items. These loads are typically easy to haul and don’t require special handling, making them a great starting point for new drivers.
• Refrigerated (Reefer) Freight – Reefer trucks haul temperature-sensitive goods like fresh produce, dairy, and frozen foods. Drivers must monitor temperature controls and ensure timely deliveries to prevent spoilage. Reefer freight often comes with higher pay due to the extra responsibility.
• Flatbed Freight – Flatbed drivers transport oversized or irregularly shaped loads like construction materials, heavy equipment, and steel. These loads require proper securing with straps and tarps, making flatbed trucking a great choice for drivers who enjoy hands-on work.
• Tanker Freight – Tanker drivers haul liquids such as fuel, chemicals, and food-grade products. These loads require specialized training due to the shifting weight of the liquid, but they often come with higher pay and bonuses.
• Hazmat Freight – Hauling hazardous materials like flammable liquids or chemicals requires a special endorsement on your CDL. While hazmat trucking comes with added regulations and safety measures, it also offers some of the best-paying OTR jobs. To haul Hazmat freight you will need a H endorsement.
What are the Job Requirements?
You must have a valid Class A CDL. This will require you to attend a driving school or some equivalent ELDT program. That can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.
In addition, you will need to:
- Be at least 21 years old (required to travel across state lines)
- Have a clean driving record
- Pass a drug and alcohol screening
- Pass a DOT physical exam
- Be able to lift and move heavy objects
- Be able to sit for long periods
What are the OTR Driving Benefits?
Once you secure a good training program, you can easily break into the OTR trucking field. Building up a few months of driving experience on a team can easily lead to higher pay and more opportunities. Other benefits can include:
1 – Excellent Pay
OTR drivers have the potential to earn a higher income than some other diving jobs. It is also rewarding to provide your family with the health insurance and vacation time needed to maintain a good connection.
2 – Job Security
The job outlook for OTR truck drivers is fantastic and only expected to get better in the coming years. This is especially true in today’s post-pandemic world. Everyone now realizes how critical truck drivers are to our economic durability.
3 – Meeting New People
Being an OTR trucking professional will cause you to interact with all types of people from a wide array of backgrounds. You will learn about the nation’s cultures and segments that most others may have never experienced before. This leads to a richer, more exciting lifestyle.
4 – Advancement Opportunities
The more you drive, the better your chances of earning the highest-paying routes and loads. There is plenty of work to go around, so your ability to increase the value you bring to a company is high. That will lead to more earning potential and benefits.
Get Your OTR Driving Career Started
Becoming an OTR trucking professional is not as hard as some may think. As long as you get your CDL and work with a team that gives you experience, you can break into this field and start earning a decent income.
If you would like to learn more about OTR trucking and how you can build a career in this industry, fill out the form below.