Transportation and logistics is an increasingly popular career choice that economic experts predict will remain stable with high job security. Established carriers offer generous benefits and high rates per mile. Moreover, you have the luxury of living on the road traveling the country. Many truckers view their careers as an adventure every day.
If you’re just getting started, you need to decide first what type of routes you’re willing to drive, either long haul or local trucking. Each has advantages and disadvantages to the profession.
This post should give you a brief overview of both types of trucking to help you make the most informed decision in your career.
Long Haul Trucking Jobs
Long haul truck jobs, as the name implies, are load jobs that transport goods over large distances, generally over busy highways. You might have also heard the term “over the road trucking” (often abbreviated OTR), which relatively means the same thing. Regional trucking jobs, on the other hand, operate within a defined region, such as the Southeast or along I-95.
There’s not exactly a standard definition of how “long” qualifies long haul trucking. Generally, you would operate an area greater than 250 miles and may cross state lines. Dispatchers could assign you a load anywhere in the lower 48 states, through practically most would want to keep you close to home.
Since you’d be operating over wide areas, you should receive more payout each week than if you only worked local driving jobs. Remember: the average truck driver salary is determined by their cents per mile (CPM). The more you drive, the more money you’ll make. The national average salary for long haul truckers is $66,000. Keep in mind though, more hours on the road will mean more expenses in meal prep and vehicle maintenance (if you’re an owner-operator).
Of course, your HOS and assigned workload by dispatch constrain your hours. You’ll need to find a good trucking business that has plenty of jobs lined up for you.
Eventually, you should establish yourself in the company and have the ability to choose the best loads that work for you. The ultimate goal of many truckers is to become an owner-operator and achieve complete independence in your driving career.
These usually are Class A CDL jobs because they require the truck driver to operate with big rig tractor-trailers (as opposed to smaller delivery vans). If you’re hoping hit the highways and get the most miles, you’ll need some CDL training to pass your exam the first time. If you already have access to a truck, you could practice on your own with a tutor. More than likely, you’ll want to explore qualified CDL training schools.
The downside of long haul trucking is that you’re going to be away from home for an extended period. Most drivers have a hometime provision in their contracts that allow them a few days off a week. However, many drivers stay on the road working for weeks and even months at a time.
Driving daily across the US is exciting, but you should discuss with your loved ones if this is best for your family. No matter what, your family should be your priority. One of the difficulties in your trucking career will be effectively balancing your personal and work life.
Local Trucking Jobs
Local truck driving jobs, also known as short hauls, only require the trucker to operate within a defined city or county of less than 150 miles. These are usually last mile jobs, or deliveries to the load’s final destination (i.e., the customer storefront or office).
Local truckers are typically home every day since their routes are within their own towns. This benefit appeals to many drivers with families and a close connection to their communities.
While a long haul trucker might only take 1-2 loads a day, local truckers could drive 8-9 loads each day. Yet, this also means a lot stopping and maneuvering into client locations. Correctly backing up the van takes practice to master.
Since local truckers will drive in urban areas, they are going to deal with more traffic and tighter lanes than a long haul trucker that mostly operates on highways. You should consider your preference in road conditions before making a career choice.
Many local driving jobs don’t necessarily require any CDL license. If the vehicle and trailer are less than 26,000 lbs combined, then the driver does not need a CDL. This usually applies to most mail couriers, bus drivers, and small van delivery jobs.
Maintaining a CDL requires keeping paperwork in order and costs you time and money. Starting local is an excellent way to gain experience if you’re just starting in your trucking career and still looking for CDL training.
Local trucking does not pay as well as long hauls because they drive far fewer miles per week. The average truck driver salary for local drivers is about $45,000 nationwide.
In the end, how you build your career path if up to you. We encourage you to make an informed choice that suits your needs. Be patient in finding the best opportunities and don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
We are currently hiring qualified drivers with a Class A CDL for both long haul and regional loads. See our homepage for position details and our apply now tab to submit a direct application.