When you graduate from CDL training and get ready to begin your new career in the trucking industry, you will have many opportunities to choose from. Three of the most common types of trucking jobs you will see coming out of school are over-the-road, regional, and local driving. It’s beneficial to have some knowledge about these three main types when deciding what’s best for you and your family.
Over-the-Road (OTR) Truck Driving
OTR truck driving generally is transporting goods and freight across the country. This is the most common type of truck driving job and is typically the job most think of when they think of the trucking industry. OTR drivers are usually out driving for weeks at a time and will travel long distances to deliver their freight. This gives drivers the best chance to see the country through their window while earning a paycheck. OTR drivers can earn the highest salaries as they are paid by the mile.
Regional Truck Driving
Regional truck driving refers to delivering loads in a particular region of the country, usually within a 1,000-mile radius. This type of driving may take several days to complete a route, but not several weeks like you often see with OTR driving. These drivers are almost always back every weekend, so you get to have more home time. Regional driving blends OTR and local together, providing you with elements of both. Some regional drivers may get on a dedicated route, meaning they will drive to the same destination each week. Salaries for regional drivers vary but are typically in the middle of OTR and local salary levels.
Local Truck Driving
Local driving consists of much shorter routes than regional or OTR driving. Local drivers are home nightly and typically deliver within a 100-mile radius. Local drivers will venture away from the interstate and highways to deliver some of their goods, with some even driving downtown in cities. Local truck drivers will get the most home time with their families and have a slightly smaller salary on average since they are not driving or traveling as much. These routes are usually on a set schedule, so drivers can plan ahead or around their driving schedule much more accurately.
Choosing the Best Fit
Once you have your CDL, you will have to decide which type of driving you want to get started in. Our job placement team can help you determine which might fit your personality best or help you determine which may be best for you and your family. There are pros and cons to each type, and we can help you sort through all the details with each.