Truck driving jobs are divided into three categories: Over The Road truck driving (OTR), Regional truck driving, and Local truck driving.

Each job category is important to the truck driving industry and comes with a different set of conditions including earnings, home time, and options in daily and weekly routines.

Choosing the right one totally depends on the truck driver’s lifestyle and what works best for their needs.

➤ OTR TRUCK DRIVING

OTR means trucking over the road.

It states for hauling freight over long distances and driving across the United States.

Drivers usually have just 1 day off in a working week.

Pros of OTR Truck Driving

• Higher Salary

The OTR truck drivers travel across the country and have plentiful job opportunities. Check out the OTR trucking jobs we are offering and join us if you’re interested.

Load rates from state to state vary, and drivers often receive higher-than-average compensations.

Out of the three job categories, OTR truck driving has the highest earning potential.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for OTR truck drivers in the USA is $94,500 a year.

• Travel Across USA

  OTR truck drivers spent a lot of time driving long routes and they are able to see many roadside attractions.

• Job Stability

  OTR Truck drivers will always be in a demand.

  They have options to choose which carrier they are going to drive for that best fits their needs.

Cons of OTR Truck driving

• Less Home Time

OTR trucking requires many hours on the road which makes truck drivers to be away from friends and family.

They often get the feeling of being alone, so they tend to take their pets to join the ride.

• Inconsistent Schedule

The schedule changes from week to week.

OTR truck drivers get a chance for off days once every 3 weeks.

➤ REGIONAL TRUCK DRIVING

Regional trucking means driving to a part of the country like the Northeast, Midwest, or Southeast and typically within a 1000-mile radius.

This type of trucking job provides better work/home balance and is not as physically demanding as the local truck driving.

Pros of Regional truck driving

• Weekends at Home

Drivers are working a typical work week, 5 days on the road, and weekends off which allow them to spend time with their families.

• Set Schedule

Regional truck drivers usually have a set schedule with a consistent route every day, week, or month.

• Salary

According to the ZipRecruiter site, the average wage for regional truck drivers is $60,969.

Cons of regional truck driving

• Deadlines

Regional truck drivers take jobs that need to cross state lines, which means deadlines are tight because of the distance.

That leaves them with little to no time for breaks.

➤ LOCAL TRUCK DRIVING

Local trucking means hauling loads locally within a 200-mile radius.

They are also called interstate drivers with a particular set of skills to navigate their trucks around cities.

The typical work day will consist of 8-10 hours of driving time with many breaks.

Local truck drivers most frequently deliver partial loads.

Pros of LOCAL Truck Driving

• Set Schedule

Usually, local truck drivers have set schedule and they know exactly the day and hours when they have a load to deliver.

Their working day starts as early as 4 am.

Drivers are frequently hauling on consistent routes within the same companies which allows them to build strong relationships with the clients.

• More Home Time

Generally, local truck driving jobs mean being home every night.

• Health Benefits

Local truck drivers are not as exposed as OTR truck drivers to long hours of driving and sitting behind the wheel.

As a result, they are less likely to suffer from safety and medical risks.

Cons of LOCAL Truck Driving

• Lower Pay

The average weekly pay for local truck drivers is $500-$700 weekly.

• Competitiveness

Since many truck drivers are interested in local hauls, the competition is higher.

Trucking carriers have an opportunity to choose out of many applicants for the job position.

• Loading and Unloading

In some local truck driving positions, drivers are required to load and unload their trucks.

That also entails being physically prepared. 

• City Driving

Local truck drivers spent a lot of time driving in cities and towns.

There they find themselves in many different situations like traffic, red lights, long time waiting, people crossing streets, bikes, etc.

CONCLUSION

Truck driving is a demanding profession, and it’s an industry that asks a lot of its drivers.

However, with the right trucking company and little pre-planning, truck drivers can achieve successful careers.