OTR truck drivers make a good living, but they also face several challenges that can affect their income. Federal regulations limit the hours drivers can drive each day and week, and poor road conditions can also lower their earnings. If you want a rewarding career in trucking, you need to be aware of these challenges.
OTR truck drivers are required to drive long distances in order to deliver various types of freight. This includes the cargo arriving at U.S. ports. The average distance of an OTR load is around 1,200 to 1,400 miles. Drivers can operate solo or as a team. A solo driver usually takes six to seven days to move a shipment, while a team of two drivers can complete the job in three and a half days.
If you are considering a career in trucking, it is important to get the right training and find a good employer. In addition, obtaining OTR experience will help you make more money and advance in your career. You can also become an owner-operator, which will give you the freedom to run your own business. As your contracts improve, you can even purchase your own fleet.
Is OTR Truck Driving Worth It?
OTR trucking jobs offer competitive pay and the chance to work independently. Some people enjoy the collaborative atmosphere of working in a team environment, while others are more comfortable working alone. While OTR drivers typically have a lot of autonomy over their routes, they should have good time management skills and be responsible.
Over-the-road truck drivers also have the unique opportunity to travel the country and meet new people. Many of them travel cross-country on a regular basis. They can also enjoy the scenery and experience the various seasons. The lifestyle is also one of the most attractive aspects of this career.
While OTR truck driving jobs are notorious for being hard work, they do pay well. Many drivers make enough money to set up their own trucking business. In Canada, a company driver can earn more than $45,000 a year after deductions.
What is the Highest Paid Truck Driving Job?
The pay for this job depends on the company you work for, your skills and experience, and the type of product you haul. However, you should keep in mind that a high-paying trucking job entails a high level of risk. If you’re thinking of getting into this career, be prepared to undergo a drug and alcohol test. However, these jobs can be rewarding.
One of the best paying truck driving jobs is as an Owner Operator. You have your own schedule and can set your own hours. You also own your truck and equipment. You may also have to set your own contracts and be accountable for running your own business. This job can be highly profitable and offers many advantages over other types of trucking jobs.
Another high-paying trucking job is a tanker hauler driver. A tanker hauler driver is a transportation specialist who transports gases and liquids. This job requires a CDL and good safety records. Tanker drivers earn up to $99,500 a year.
Is OTR Trucking Stressful?
OTR trucking is a demanding career that involves long hours on the road and limited time for daily tasks. Most truckers spend four to six weeks on the road, working 11 hours a day and traveling thousands of miles. They also face long commutes and delayed deliveries. This can lead to high levels of stress. However, there are many ways to deal with OTR trucking’s stressful nature.
Among other things, OTR truckers have limited time for family and friends. They spend long periods of time away from home, often not seeing their family for weeks on end. OTR truckers also often spend a significant amount of time alone. This can be difficult for many people – and for many, this can be a great thing.
OTR truckers must also understand what they can and cannot do. For instance, if there is a burst pipe, they cannot fix it – they need to call a plumber! In general, most emergencies cannot be fixed by an OTR trucker.
Do OTR Drivers Make More Than Local?
If you’re considering a career in trucking, you may be wondering whether OTR truckers make more money than local truckers. While this type of work has some challenges, such as being on the road for days at a time, it can also be a great choice if you want a high-paying career. However, you must remember that the type of work you get will depend on factors such as company, type of truck, license endorsements, and experience.
First, there are many differences between local and over-the-road driving jobs. Generally, over-the-road routes are longer, and therefore, require more driving time. This can mean more hours off-duty, which can impact pay and HOS compliance. Additionally, over-the-road routes require drivers to be on the road more often, which may result in fewer time with family.
Another difference between local and OTR truck drivers is location. Local truckers deliver goods within a 200-mile radius. They may be required to cross state lines, but they are less likely to do so. These drivers may also drive smaller trucks and make multiple stops in their journeys. Both types of truckers will need to obtain a CDL, which is the basis for commercial driving.
Why are Truck Drivers Quitting?
One of the most common reasons truckers quit is the low pay. The high turnover rate also puts a strain on the drivers. They spend long hours behind the wheel, and many nights are spent in gas station parking lots or on the side of the road. They also don’t get much exercise, or proper nutrition. They also don’t get to see their families. The job can also be physically taxing, so drivers often decide to quit because of these factors.
The industry is also facing a major shortage of truck drivers. According to the American Trucking Association, nearly nine in 10 truck drivers quit within the first year of their employment. This shortage is exacerbated by the fact that many large companies fail to offer competitive pay or incentives for drivers to stay. As a result, they risk losing newly trained drivers to other companies paying higher wages.
The turnover rate has been alarming for decades. In 2019, the turnover rate was at 91 percent. While plenty of people have a commercial driver’s license, few want to work in the trucking industry due to poor conditions and low wages. Fortunately, some companies are attempting to remedy this problem. In 2018, Schneider National announced that it will be increasing trucker pay. The company is offering drivers the chance to make up to $4,500 extra per year.
Do Truck Drivers Get Free Time?
Truck drivers do get some free time, but they’re usually confined to their trucks. They may have to stay awake past midnight or wake up early in the morning to make delivery schedules. Even if they do get some free time, they must stay away from caffeine and alcohol during the second half of their shift. It can be challenging to maintain good hygiene while on the road, but most drivers can take showers at truck stops. If this isn’t possible, truckers can use portable showers in their vehicles.
The average day for a truck driver can last 11-14 hours. This includes a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving. In Canada, truckers can work up to 70 hours in a seven-day workweek. Free time for truck drivers is dependent on their schedule, but they can generally take off days on weekends and holidays.
Truck drivers may enjoy listening to audiobooks and podcasts. They may also enjoy listening to radio programs. Some podcasts are funny, while others provide valuable information. Some drivers have access to satellite radio as well. Satellite radio stations even have stations dedicated to truck drivers.
Which State Pays Truck Drivers the Most?
While truck drivers in the West and South have the highest average wages, truck drivers in the Midwest and East earn the lowest average wages. In a recent study, we analyzed the pay levels in truck driver salaries in the United States and compared them to the national average per capita income. We found that the top-paying states for truck drivers were predominantly in the West and South, with Indiana the only exception.
Salaries for truck drivers vary by state, so it’s important to research and consider the benefits offered by your potential employer. Truck drivers can earn up to $95,000 a year, depending on their experience, skills, and the type of product they haul. However, moving to another state can mean a large difference in pay.
The average truck driver’s salary in the United States was $54,949 a year in 2015. In contrast, truckers in Delaware made nearly $70,000 a year. In fact, their average annual salary was more than a percent higher than the average state salary.
Learn More Here:
3.) Best Trucks
