Local drivers? Is it really better than over the road?
Posted by Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 221 comments
Posted by Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 221 comments
plynnjr92@reddit
YUP! I work for a big green LTL company and though I'm currently running team (5 days out 2 days home) the daycabs are where it's at. More money than OTR, more family time, and that's crucial with a growing family.
LeveledGarbage@reddit
Been a local boy my entire driving career, I'm forecasting to hit $105k this year, first year as a Fuel Hauler.
That being said...I get too
poop with the home field advantage
be a present dad and husband
actually see my family in person
sleep in my own bed
call out of work and be at home
Big-Pound-5634@reddit
How many hours are you out of home and how many days during a week do you work?
LeveledGarbage@reddit
5 days a week, 10-12hrs a shift, more than 12 is very rare.
why_does_life_exist@reddit
I might do OTR if they doubled the pay. No way at the current rate. You're basically on the job all day and not getting paid for it. Not only that definitely unhealthy. Seen so many limping truckers with health problems. Work life balance is the only thing that is important.
Reddit_Is_a_jokee@reddit
Bro you're not lying otr should pay at least 3K per week.
New_Rough6200@reddit
Got into an argument with a guy on here who said he can't afford to pay his drivers 2500-3000 a week and if he did they would have to run 24/7 with two logs. He obviously shouldn't be running any business
13MrJeffrey@reddit
The days of fudging on the logbook died with mandatory ELD. I never understood the 2 logbook theory when loose leaf and creative logging is so simple. Yes, there were times when I had to shut it down completely redo the past 7 days. It's not that difficult. Run 5400 miles in 7 days is pushing it leaves from El Paso back home to El Paso. Not healthy either I was done with OTR b4 the mandated ELD went into effect. No way in hell I'm even remotely entertaining the idea of an OTR gig. My OTR routine drive awhile sleep awhile, eat when I got hungry. Wake up in the middle of the night it's time to put the hood in the wind. Fuck all that tossing and turning trying to get back to sleep. Nothing beats taking a dump in my commode in my house every morning, drinking coffee from my coffee maker.
jgremlin_@reddit
He obviously should. Because if you were running that business, you and all of your drivers would be out of work in a month.
New_Rough6200@reddit
Well for context gremlin he brought up the 3,000 to be sarcastic i just said it was worth about 3k i mean hell that's about 17$ for a person sleeping and living on the road for you 24/7 but in my opinion i don't want to see under 1800-2000 for otr thats alot of time and it isn't exactly sight seeing.
jgremlin_@reddit
I have worked in both trucking and professional aviation which are both industries with lots of jobs that require extended travel away from home. And I've had friends and family members who worked in several other fields that involved extended away time, Merchant marine crew, structural engineers, project management etc.
Of all those different jobs, truck drivers are the only ones I've ever run into who seem to constantly break down their weekly pay into what they'd make per hour if they were paid for every hour they were away from their house.
No one else gets mad because they're not getting paid $25-$40k to sleep and watch netflix in their off duty time while they're traveling. But truck drivers seem act like someone pulled the wool over their eyes when they agreed to take an OTR trucking job. I will never understand why some many guys choose to adopt a perspective about their work and pay structure that only serves to make them angry about the job they agreed to take.
Reddit_Is_a_jokee@reddit
Are you trolling lol. Those other professions are salaried trucking isn't, if it was, obviously we wouldn't be bitching. When you run for cents bad dispatch can cause your pay to fluctuate.
You're talking about structural engineers and truckers in the same sentence as if salaries are comparable. You're talking about the sleeper as if it's a weekend retreat.
That old school view on trucking is why the average company is shit, too many guys willing to work for free spoiled these companies. I'd be shocked if you were truly a driver you sound like typical, clueless, dispatch.
jgremlin_@reddit
Airline pilots are paid by the flight hour. Cargo ship crew are paid by the duty day. Structural engineers can be paid all sorts of different ways depending on whether they're working as a consultant or directly employed with a company.
You're half right. I was a driver for a very long time. Now I'm a manager. Never been a dispatcher.
New_Rough6200@reddit
Traveling? No thats work no one chooses to travel to 85% of where those trucks are sent. To sleep in pissy shitty lots and if they didn't make groceries even shittier food, oh and don't forget 20$ for a shower thank god for fuel rewards. Also Away from family and friends to not even make much more than a chic fil a employee. Don't forget the companies who don't want to pay you also don't fix their equipment being cheap on maintenance and leaving you in a lot making little to no money for days . No other employee says to their wife money is going to be tight this week my boss's truck broke down? Oh or there was a blizzard was stuck for 2 days , my personal favorite won't be home dispatcher is sending me in the other direction. I can't think of no other employee who works 70+ hours a week and not get overtime besides salaried employees who are also probably making more in less time, less responsibility, and no federal laws designed to generate income at the expense of drivers and the company. All that to probably die of a heart attack so some cheap ass owner can wipe the truck down in armour all and post your job same day.
jgremlin_@reddit
Right. Because every 3rd year FO who lives in Boston wants to spend 3 weekends a month in Peoria. And every deckhand who lives in Southern CA want to spend 3 weeks crossing the ocean so they can spend a week in Qingdao. Please. Most work related travel is to places the employee would never want to go on their own.
And as for the rest of your diatribe, dude that's trucking. Its an industry full of shitty employers. Airlines ain't no different. Cargo ships ain't no different. Every industry ain't no different. But just because there's a ton of shitty employers, doesn't mean there aren't also good ones. If you're not working for a good one, whose fault is that?
Reddit_Is_a_jokee@reddit
I mean I will say it's freight dependant, regular dry van doesn't pay shit. At the same time I'm not running shit for $1200.
New_Rough6200@reddit
Im not doing otr for 1200$ a week way too much work way too much time in the truck. Those truckers look sad as hell at the truck stop. Some glass have full truckers push through more easily but damn something has to change
CLETrucker@reddit
7 years OTR and 12 as Local. I will never OTR again. OTR is a trap. Get your 1 year and get out!
overcrispy@reddit
Doubled bi weekly to 6000, so weekly is 1500. With 52 weeks a year, that’s 78k not 105?
LeveledGarbage@reddit
Take home every 2 weeks is $3000-$3400, the only time my take home is less than $3k is because I take my time off, I have a family and live too work, not work too live.
Gross is about $3900 on average, take that x26 you get just shy of $101K average, emphasize on the word average, some weeks are more, some are less.
If we're gonna crunch numbers and point fingers last payday my Gross was $4360.79 with a net of $3449.31.
HeardwhatIsaidTone@reddit
Fuel is where it’s at! I work 5 on 2 off 5 on 3 off. Don’t even really use any PTO and get it paid out to me on my anniversary date. Worked 12 hours today and that’s considered a long day for me. I get to park my truck 10 mins from my house. And when I gas up at the Loves at the end of the night I look at the lot n think “I don’t miss this 💩”
crispycritter909@reddit
Your username OP, what ever happened there.
HeardwhatIsaidTone@reddit
WHATEVER HAPPENED THERE????
croutonmemes@reddit
Why not just take a little diesel from the tank to fill up your truck ? 😂
throwsway7887@reddit
Never get high on your own supply
HeardwhatIsaidTone@reddit
Lmao I wish I could!
daemonescanem@reddit
Food grade tanker is just as good.
Make good money, barely work over 40 hrs a week. When I do in-town runs make $86 an hr, and only work 4 to 5 hrs that day. All drop & hook in town loads.
Lookingforlight915@reddit
company?
Kodiak01@reddit
I've lost count of how many right rear z-springs a local fleet of milk-sloshers has snapped pulling over the mountain into NY. Running without baffles can be a bitch.
It's ALWAYS the right rear.
LeveledGarbage@reddit
Its like I wrote this apart from the Loves part haha. I'm 10min away, 12hrs a long day and while I'm sitting here saying "naw fuck that" I do feel for our OTR brothers and sisters.
CompletelyPaperless@reddit
Anything I need to do to get into fuel. I'm a dad too and OTR is killing my life.
LeveledGarbage@reddit
Get your X endorsement (Tanker + hazmat), apply to all the fuel hauling jobs you can find and cross your fingers!
CompletelyPaperless@reddit
Thank you!!
Gromieee@reddit
You had me at poop with the home field advantage XD
Nah but I seriously can't wait to get into fueling. With a wife at home this OTR is definitely not for me. I absolutely love what I do though.
Turbulent-Ad-1985@reddit
Never heard that was for pto 😂
RedTeeRex@reddit
What’s your vibe on the market for hauling fuel right now? I have my tanker credential, I assume you just need hazmat on top of that. I’m making about $75k doing local now (pretty content) and think that’d be the easiest way to make more.
LeveledGarbage@reddit
It really depends on the area and the company that you would work for, a prime example is KAG, a national company is small time around here, while my company is a "small company" but we are the big dick company in the area.
The thing with Fuel is, the world runs on petroleum products, freight runs on diesel whether it be trains, trucks, boats, planes and people will never ever ever stop driving vehicles, and electric vehicles are in zero way a threat too the industry at this point in time.
EquivalentRude9364@reddit
Im in fuel too, about to get out of training. We’re not truckers anymore were fuel haulers!😂
LeveledGarbage@reddit
It really is a brotherhood. Remember to flash tour running lights at your follow fuel boys/girls as a way to say hello!
Sharp_Requirement_50@reddit
This answer is the way. ^
Ancient-Composer7789@reddit
I haven't driven local, but your experience makes me envious.
NuttNDButt@reddit
Same here! never slept in a truck and have been driving nearly 4 years. I just don’t make that money nor haul fuel.
the only setback for being local from what i can tell is
NJPokerJ@reddit
I don't mind the right crowded cities
Donald_Trumpy@reddit
I’m looking to get my class A but I really don’t want to go OTR. What would you suggest as a first job out of CDL school to stay local? Food service, beverage? I don’t mind some physical labor if needed I just don’t want to do OTR if I don’t have to. I’ve had my class B for years now but I want more money and I’ve always wanted to try big rigs. I’m trying to get a job at Averitt as a class B and then they said they would train me to get my class A
LeveledGarbage@reddit
Going local out of school, any job that will take you. Do 6mo-1yr and move on to greener pastures, after a few years you can start looking at the “good” jobs.
Get all your endorsements.
Final-Approach1@reddit
LTL. Most places have class B trucks so get your feet wet, see if you like it. And most places will pay for your class A too!
Donald_Trumpy@reddit
Ok awesome. That’s what I’m in the process doing right now. Averitt is a local LTL near me and I applied for a class b spot. It’s just in review so I gotta be patient I guess.
xxenoscionxx@reddit
It’s amazing how much sleeping in your own bed is worth. I know that no matter how shitty the day is, I’ll be going home at the end. It’s makes it much more bearable.
kiingjamir@reddit
What year was that? Is it even possible to haul fuel with no experience in this day and age? I would like local but i am only seeing regional so far. Or jobs wanting to unload an entire truck at dollar general by yourself.
Reddit_Is_a_jokee@reddit
It's location dependant, I could get a fuel job right now, but I'd have to move to the most rural part of the state. Like wtf am I going to in winnemeca Nevada.
Creative_Shame3856@reddit
Lots of good scuba diving in Winnemucca... /S
Fair-Recognition8245@reddit
Haul fuel driver.
LeveledGarbage@reddit
I started Fuel in August of 2024, and Fuel with no experience? Its possible, hard but possible.
misterstaple@reddit
Prepare the other lollll
MR_6OUIJA6BOARD6@reddit
All this, plus I get to go home for lunch and maybe a nooner once in a while between my deliveries (full load reefers). Lumpers take forever.
Ton_in_the_Sun@reddit
As someone getting his X this week this brings me hope
LeveledGarbage@reddit
Good luck driver!
wessso@reddit
I’ve been trying to look for Local and my area either doesn’t pay well enough to consider it, or spots at good companies are never opened. I just stepped down to a regional home weekly division at the company I work for. Hoping to have more home time that way and swing home more often middle of the week if the opportunity presents itself. Bright side is I’m mainly in the Carolina’s so no more crazy big cities to deal with. Not-so bright side I’m still technically OTR just not driving as far as before. Though this flatbed work is killing me 😫
QueballD@reddit
More money sleep in my own bed every night what is your question again
MacandMandy69@reddit
If you’re single, being OTR is ok. You’ll get experience in different terrains, different traffic situations, and get to see this big ‘ol beautiful USA. With that being said, if you want a career that pays very well, being local is the only way to go. I own 14 trucks, and my guys run local, and average about $35/hr. They know their job, do their job, and don’t complain much. Being OTR, you just don’t have that comfort zone like local driver’s do.
Ok_Inside4922@reddit
I wish I could do local work where I live! But unfortunately the jobs don't pay that much like $21 to $25 an hour if you're lucky! But the cost of living where I'm from is too high to make that work! I was doing regional for a bit and I love the routes but the pay sucked! I recently just went back OTR with a small company like 10 trucks total and the boss man still drives too. Getting home is going to be a pain though because they're based based in the Midwest and I live in the west! Pay isn't bad so far. I'm averaging $1,700 to $2,000 a week. Bring home! I'm hoping to pay off all my debt I've occurred over the years which isn't too much and then save up for nursing school and get the hell out of Trucking all together!
Even-Response4107@reddit
I work for Mclane in Houston. Pay is pretty decent. I’m home everyday. Obviously work for your money by going up and down the ramp all night long delivering cases. But overall. Pretty good.
No_Ocelot4019@reddit
Quick question for you... I also work for Mclane im in year one with the company. Are you bud driver or extra? If your extra how often does dispatch screw you over buy running you into the dirt for the first week of the pay period and then nothing except maybe a shuttle or yard spot the second week?
Even-Response4107@reddit
I’m on extra board. And well they have been pretty good at sending extra board on route even if it’s a shitty route. Better than being on stand by. Lately I’ve been doing dvr/dvr route. Long miles but good pay. And here and there a shuttle or two. They normally fuck over the box truck drivers.
No_Ocelot4019@reddit
You guys have box trucks?
Even-Response4107@reddit
Yes. Like 6 or 7 class c box trucks. They take a few stops or if for any reason we have to bring a stop back or anything like that they are the ones to take that stop. And they get hourly pay. So they always take it.
No_Ocelot4019@reddit
I mean its smart our division doesnt have that it always gets shoved onto another truck and im guessing you know it as well as I do the right hand doesnt talk to the left and when you get back an hour late they want to know why like you didnt just deliver 2 extra stops lol im kinda let down tonight ive been running my ass off im supposed to have 200 and 300 loads off but now im scheduled a load for tonight but im addicted to those high pay checks so I guess ill shut up and go lmao
Even-Response4107@reddit
I did a shuttle just now. But tomorrow I’m back to a driver driver route almost 500 miles about 1300 cases. The cases are fine it’s just that 3 hour drive back that’s killer.
No_Ocelot4019@reddit
Nice I have no clue how big my route is tonight I stopped asking a while ago I just call get the drivers number show up when they say they wanna leave go home pass out do it all again tomorrow
Super1297Man@reddit
Wait till you get the lift gates. I like it alot better.
chaoss402@reddit
What concepts do you run, and how big are the average orders? You can PM me if you'd prefer.
We run some large stops that would obviously be way easier on the pallet jacks. But we have a lot of chicken and pizza places(you know who) that get small orders and I feel like they could be more work with the lift gates. But I haven't really talked to anyone who has experienced it yet.
Super1297Man@reddit
We run Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC, LJS, A & W, and rally’s. The pallets we use are half the size of normal pallets. We drive about 65% of them into the store and drop them. Then the store takes them apart and put them away. I leave with 1200-1300 cases a night and average around 12 stops a night. I’ve been with Mclane for 15 years now and our center was the first to switch to the liftgates and at first I absolutely hated it. It was like learning a whole new job. Now after doing it for over a year or so I don’t think I could go back to the old way. The biggest problem we have is the sleds we use to drive these things constantly break down. I have to go back to the shop once every few weeks to get a spare.
chaoss402@reddit
I've run for 600 centers (old mbm centers) that run lift gates and pallets so I'm familiar with breaking down pallets and delivering that way. My concern is slow liftgates plus small pallets making everything a slow process when you do have to break the pallets down. That combined with the small pallets being more tippy than full sized pallets leading to pallets being dropped either in the trailer or out in the parking lots, especially with the more sloped parking lots. Is it a valid concern?
Can a standard narrow pallet jack handle the small pallets? Could you bring one along with you (even if you had to purchase it yourself?) I know a lot of pallets might be too heavy to drag by hand but it could help when the sled breaks down.
Super1297Man@reddit
The liftgates we use are on the side of the trailer. I can fit two pallets and two two wheelers on the liftgate at a time. A regular pallet jack would not work with these pallets. The sled is what Pepsi or coke uses when they are delivering to stores. If you have seen those. Delivering on a hill or a un even parking lot does suck. What I’ve done is just park a little further away where it is even. It took our warehouse a good month or two to figure out how to pick and load these pallets because it’s completely different. It’s super nice now tho because most Taco Bell’s I just drop 2 or 3 dry pallets. One cooler and one freezer pallet. The longest part is scanning everything.
Even-Response4107@reddit
Yeah nah. Fuck the lift gate. I would hate to have to drop a whole lift gate for a 7 case stop. Then have to pick it back up. Stack that shit in dolly and run it out. Only thing I hate about ramps is the straight ramp. Specially if you’re fully loaded. Having to take it to the back everytime.
Super1297Man@reddit
I only have one stop a week that only orders 10ish cases and it’s a Pizza Hut in a movie theater. What I do is stick it on a two wheeler the stop before and when I get to the movie theater I just drop the lift gate and run it in real fast.
Litothelegend@reddit
Phuck yeah
Longjumping_Baker_66@reddit
Hell no ! After 7 years of CDL 6 months on road and the Rest Local it’s not the damage it’s done to my back and neck are my biggest regrets. I’m not out of shape either just the constant jarring and up and down has messed me up.
After 7 years I’m probably hanging up the keys and throwing my headset at the TM at the end of July .
Not sure what I’ll be doing but trucking ain’t it anymore.
Good luck Drivers 351069 SIGNING OUT
Shrekmedaddy91@reddit
I make 85 to 90 a year, sleep in my own bed, get to play hide the sausage with the wife as I wish, and sit in my own living room on down time. OTR has its perks it just depends what kinda person you are and what works for your lifestyle. Being single and OTR was cool as hell, if you get the opportunity try both out, or OTR, regional, and local and see what fits you best. There’s good and bad jobs either way and there’s perks and disadvantages as well
Shrekmedaddy91@reddit
ETA: I haul cars now locally
Internal-Delusions01@reddit
If the money was right I probably wouldn't hesitate going back OTR. I work more/harder being local, have to deal with a commute, and Bay Area drivers are fucking morons.
convincedfelon@reddit
Food service. I run out my 70 every week and its physical but I'm making 3k/wk gross, double what I made otr flatbed. Get to eat dinner, shit, shower, and sleep at home. The only real downsides are your 10hr includes your commute time and you have a commute so your fuel/maintanence costs for your pov go up
Justacouple304@reddit
I run yard jockey and local runs and d make $27 an hour with weekly pay . You couldn't get me otr if you tried. I hate driving on the road locally as it is. Couldn't see doing it cross country
heruskael@reddit
Not all local is equal. Most food service is brutal. Some LTLs are unfair. Don't be afraid to bounce if they start crapping on you, too.
Comedian-Economy@reddit
Being a mclane driver myself here in VA, as of writing this, my bid route Is 3 days a week, guaranteed $1750 a week and home every night. I work every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, off the rest of the days. No matter what, I will make at least $91k a year.
DavonneLD@reddit
My gosh! That’s a dream schedule right there. Ohweeee
Comedian-Economy@reddit
If you work at my location all the Wawa routes we have are about 12-14 hours and you work every other day those schedules are nice because of the money you get, like I got a Wawa route in DC every other Monday and 2 grocery routes which include 711s, family dollars, and Walgreens, and work no more than 12.5 hours each route
Meaty_stick@reddit
How many hours is each day?
Comedian-Economy@reddit
I work no more than 12.5 hours each day on my 3 routes
Comedian-Economy@reddit
This also looks like the VA hospital my buddy delivers to 😂 he works more than I do but doesn’t have a route no longer than 12 hours.
Timely_Flow_3346@reddit
If you single and want to get out of your home town and stack bread OTR is the move, put your things in Storage and hit the road. All the good local jobs require at least a yr or two OTR anyway. Unless you do food delivery …. And thats is some hard work. Good money but hard fuckin work.
RowbowCop138@reddit
I've been local for 8 years. 7 at the company I'm with.
I work m-f 5-till 8m done for the day.
I have amazing benefits a shit ton of PTO and a company cell phone.
I don't have to stress where I'm parking the truck or sleeping every night.
I make A LOT more money than I would be otr.
Some days I will do 300 miles. Most days it's 20-100 miles.
I have had days where I never even hit the freeway.
Best part is I am home every night.
Yeah local is better.
lord_nuker@reddit
Depends entirely on your mindset and how comfortable you can make your truck.
cCueBasE@reddit
Unless you don’t like your wife or you actually want to be on the road, idk why anyone thinks OTR is better.
I drove for 13 years and never used line #2. The closest I’ve been to OTR was when I did heavy haul, and even then, I got company paid hotels if I had to stay out even though I had a sleeper.
beastlike@reddit
Im single and would absolutely never take otr job lol. I like knowing my routes well enough to have several options depending on how much traffic there will be at a certain time of day, road closures/construction, and knowing where to park and get in and out of all the places I deliver to.
Plus all the other obvious benefits. I had a job that would require to spend the night in the truck 1 or 2 days a week and even that drove me nuts.
spartanantler@reddit
For people with poor life choices
xEyelessOnex@reddit
I'm currently not driving as I've gone back to corrections. I am however trying to get a part time position with a former boss who was good to me back in 2017. OTR is what you make of it. I spent almost a decade out there until I ended up working for an outfit from the bowels of Hell known as Chicago. I left that to go oilfield with a family member until that went bust in my face and I lost everything. Even if they came up with a decent pay package, I'd never go back OTR or anywhere near an oilfield. This is because there are just too many bitches out there anymore and I don't mean the female drivers or the lot lizards. I've decided that if I'm not good enough to driver local after all of the miles and years I've racked up, I won't driver again. If you can snag a good local gig, you'd best keep it. As I've read before: doesn't matter if stay or not, your replacement is already being trained.
Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit (OP)
Yeah I love trucks but I just don't like the lifestyle man and yes people are so fucking emotional nowadays it's stupid.
Funny thing is I got my cdl through my company but I came into the industry with a passion and a willingness to learn.
I still make mistakes but trust me I don't plan on staying so long. I realize you can work until you are in a grave and you'll get nothing out of it but exhaustion.
But over the road is definitely not for everyone. I can handle it. I can even handle it for years but I won't allow myself to accept low expectations of life. My point being there's money everywhere you don't have to go over the road. You can go local, LTL or you can start your own business in the industry.
I haven't seen home in over a month now. Last time I was home I stayed for 3 days. I think a lot of people can't handle it, but even me. I sometimes realize that it could be too much but I know what I'm doing it for.
xEyelessOnex@reddit
I had my mother's health fail her around this time last year. Then my wife needed surgery on her eyes. This is why I accepted the oilfield gig. It didn't do me a bit of good as I stayed out there for a year and still ended up losing more than I gained. I was let go due to the truck breaking down and the owner refusing to fix it "as long as I was at the wheel". I came home and started doing Lyft and Uber until my county jail called wanting to interview me. I'd also had an offer to drive for a beverage company. The only problem is that I've been lied to so many times about them "hiring" only send me away empty handed, that I'd resolved to just take my chances back in corrections. That and they waited two weeks to call whereas I took the test, passed and was interviewed and hired the same day.
I do miss the truck at times. I'm just not leaving home for the bullshit that I had to deal with again. People will say that I have a bad attitude and that I run from accountability. No. I'm just not going to be talked to like garbage to work for you.
Whitehoneybun666@reddit
Without a doubt I’m looking to move outta Cali and go to Texas the job market to bad in Cali to find a local job
atown49@reddit
Your home every night so yea it’s pretty great. I even have the weekends off.
sputnikatto@reddit
I quit my mini mega at 11 months because they gave me static about 5cpm. Took a month and found a local delivery run. $1400/week 10 hours a day 5 days.
Waking up at 11 pm and its touch, but I sleep in my own bed, and make 71k ish a year as a single guy.
GregSmallz@reddit
I'm only one year in the trucking business, but I'm local, doing food delivery. 4 days a week and at about 90K.
Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit (OP)
That's a little sketchy
GregSmallz@reddit
How so?
Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit (OP)
What company do you work for. 90k first year is crazy but it's possible
Exzalian_@reddit
I was local for 2 otr for 4. I drove flatbed/stepdeck for 2 and 53 dry for 1 and 53 refrigerated for 1. So I'm a pretty good example. Depending on company pay can change dramatically. With the current state of things I'd definitely go per mile for dry/refrigerated for stepdeck or flatbed I would go percentage BUT only if you can choose your own loads because they don't see the load up time for some of those loads they see big numbers and instantly think better......it's not the case. Especially with step deck I could do 3 200 mile loads in 1 day driving 70mph using my full 14 if im doing a big tractor or something with chains. Yet a load that's 400 miles that pays more per mile but takes the entire day to load makes it not worth
For me it's time. Personally I didn't mind staying out my longest was 8 months straight no home time back with crengland my pay was extremely dogshit but a nice truck and a good inverter made it nice.
The biggest difference to me ignoring most perks you can think of is when to give up for the day and call it. Otr you can call whoever you dropping off to and ask if they can take it 1 day late because your dead inside most are like no problem shit happens. If your a home daily driver you can't just pull over and take your 10 hours off and sleep I mean you can but that's if nobody else needs your truck or your dispatch is in no rush. For instance I delivered to mcdonalds they do NOT have a backup stock if we are a day late they are out of half the menu so stopping is not an option that's thousands a day in losses if we fuck up. I had 2 routes that were pain 4 hours 1 way to first store by the time I finish the last store it's 10 hours already and now I need to drive home because I'm 3 hours away and not stopping. But I also cleared 160k 1 year.
GusMx91@reddit
I haven’t tried OTR but I’m pretty sure it’s not for me. I start between 5-7am M-F and usually work 40-55 hour weeks, paid hourly. It’s lowbed, flatbed, travelling axle work. It’s a bit dirty sometimes but I like sleeping at home and hanging out with my wife and my friends in the evenings. Also none of that mileage bullshit that some of you have to deal with. There’s no incentive for me to rush and potentially fuck up. Sometimes I wait for hours at the port or at a job site. When that happens it’s nice cause I’ll just eat some snacks, listen to some tunes and I still get paid.
Aggressive_Farm5900@reddit
It can be!! Less agrivation
Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit (OP)
Really never heard of that. Also, I don't work for McLean
yourlmagination@reddit
Only thing I've done is local. Food service and then grocery. Food service was physical, grocery is a lot easier - back into the dock, open the door, and "help" push the pallets out. Most docks are downhill, so the "help" is more moral support. I don't get sweaty, i don't get tired, basically just drive 370-570 miles a day, with a stop or three in the middle.
Couldn't do OTR, I've done the away from the family thing while i was deployed on a submarine. I'm good, don't want that life anymore
Beginning-World-1235@reddit
What killed OTR for me is when there was downtime/waiting for a load just cooking in the truck. If there is no work I am happy to be at my house
Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit (OP)
It feels like I never get down time. They always got me on the load unless I tell them not to
Red_Febtober@reddit
But that's the McLane way. Grind new drivers to the ground, because nobody wants to work there because they drive new hires into the ground.
Source: Also a McLane driver.
Beginning-World-1235@reddit
I hear you. My 2 OTR companies were both Megas so it makes sense I was sitting a bit. My local job is the first mega I haven’t worked for and it’s been solid.
Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit (OP)
I don't mind trucking, I just wish it was more organized. I would honestly recommend over the road. I would just say stay away from truck stops if I don't park at Terminals. I park at rest stops
Food is hella expensive nowadays so just recommending people to go to Walmart and buying food isn't going to cut it. You got to really meal plan.
I'm young so I don't plan on doing this forever but I think that getting this experience let me grow and other areas of my life...
Stephanie wouldn't recommend over the road long time unless you want no life at all
Reddit_Is_a_jokee@reddit
Otr is a science however chat gpt makes it easy. I was able to create a trucker friendly meal plan.
Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit (OP)
Are you shut GPT for budgeting? Meal plans and general advice when it comes to trucking. Definitely worth getting into it
DukeBradford2@reddit
I wish I didn’t have down time. I lost 8 days this month, 6 out of the first 11 days because screwups.
Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit (OP)
Don't get me wrong. I love it but you also have to have a perfect balance...
justaskin_x2@reddit
I noticed a lot of large companies filing bankruptcy or flat out going out of business and they owe their trucking/food service companies $10s of millions.
Asshole government and globalists wrecking our economy to bring it all the way down on purpose to blame.
New_Rough6200@reddit
Plus companies with no apu demanding that you don't idle in 80 degree weather. Or to save money by not completely fueling the rig. Like what are you guys broke ?
neural-glitch@reddit
I did OTR reefer for two years, and now haul fuel locally. Being home every night, helping my wife out, sex on the regular, being there for my kid, taking care of the house, are all things I could not do OTR. I’m poised to clear nearly $100k this year which is not even remotely close to what I was making OTR. Yes, maybe the hours are long every day, but it’s only five days a week. And I get paid for every damn minute I’m on the clock and not worrying about split shifts or waiting at shippers or pissing in bottles or running over bags of shit at truck stops at 3 am because the asshat parked next to me couldn’t waddle to the bathroom fast enough, or having to sit in line to get fuel for seven eternities because everyone takes their 30 minute breaks eating their cheese burgers and then go in the crowded bathrooms where nobody washes their hands with soap but some wash their feet in the sink while others use toilet water to wash their asses AND THEN STILL DONT WASH THEIR HANDS AND TOUCH ALL THE DAMN HANDLES IN THE STORE. Yes. Yes local is usually better. The only thing I miss about OTR is driving through the canyons and mountains of Utah.
FamousPerformance221@reddit
I knw this dock all to well, new orleans correct? I hate that place
maxturner_III_ESQ@reddit
Depends if you like sleeping in your own bed, if you like seeing your family daily, if you want any sense of a social life.
I drove otr for all of like 6 weeks before I gave my keys back and caught a cheap flight home. Had a local job in less than a week later. There's always someone hiring if you're willing to work your way up the pay scale. The company that hired me in 2014 was advertising $15-$19 an hour. I knew my experience was lacking and I'd need mentoring and time to prove myself. I took that $15 and within a few years I advocated myself up to $27.50 before leaving the career field in 2020.
I knew guys who did otr and saw their families a few days a month. Even then whenever they were home they wanted to be back out on the road. Like being institutionalized, some people would rather be alone in their truck.
InsertCoinsToBegin@reddit
I am with McLane. They paid for me to go to CDL school last year after one year as a helper, I have to stay with them for two years or pay back 6500 at a prorated per month rate. If I work two two day routes a week, my normal four day schedule, I make between 1500 to 1800 per week. If I work an extra fifth day it’s usually between 2200 to 2500 per week. Food service takes an adjustment period to get used to it, but I like it.
JankyMark@reddit
As somebody that does otr in ready to go local
EquivalentRude9364@reddit
Local is awesome. I started local and Im back local after three years regional/OTR
flatdecktrucker92@reddit
It's less interesting but if you have a home or family that you like spending time with, it's amazing
Haunting-Ad788@reddit
Is it better being home every night and never sleeping in a truck or showering at a truck stop? Idk man.
Maleficent-Ad5232@reddit
As an OTR I have never had privilege to make deliveries to a hospital.
BONERFLEX_@reddit
For me yes. I did OTR. I didn't mind it. But nothing beats coming home everyday and laying in my own bed next to the Mrs, showering in my own shower and eating homemade food everyday.
random_bruce@reddit
All I have done is local.
Pros Sleep in your own bed See my family daily Shorter more nimble trucks
In-between/ neutral Typically more physical labor involved (keeps you in shape) Specialized trucks (dump truck, vacuum truck, ect)
Cons More stop and go More time in tight places
Feel free to add more
Natste1s4real@reddit
The tight spaces was a pro for me. I loved small streets, tight corners and docks. Nothing more satisfying than getting a 53 into a place built for 40’s with an inch on each side.
Totally agree with the rest.
groundworkchug@reddit
Not to mention as a local driver I feel I'm a more skilled backer than my OTR peers
random_bruce@reddit
I do have to agree with that. I had one place i delivered to when I worked at coke that I would park a 45' trailer in a 35' space between driveway s without blocking either or the full pumps then on the way out I wouldn't clip the snow pile. It was satisfying.
thundercoc101@reddit
The only thing I truly miss about OTR was my commute to work was a two step trip to the driver seat
LetsGoBrandon1209@reddit
Yes i love sleeping with my wife everyday and not my hand
Present-Ambition6309@reddit
For some of us a con is seeing the family everyday… 🤣 jk I’m playing they love ya still.
Strict-Aspect6716@reddit
Personally no I make a minimum guarantee of 1820 a week. Local jobs in my area pay shit. If it does pay good work damn near 14 hour days then gotta drive home. I'd rather be regional or OTR get better sleep
773obs@reddit
I see the McLane truck, if you’re asking if doing food service locally is good, it highly depends on the company. You really do work for every dollar you get paid for. I currently work for a smaller food service company out of Chicago and start pay is 22.50. Compared to other companies like sysco, us foods etc, it is definitely not worth it. Slugging heavy stacked dollys up and down stairs, ramps etc. you barely get to drive the truck if you’re going downtown…
On the bright side the company does care about its drivers, sometimes there’s things they can accommodate, sometimes there’s things they just can’t.
Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit (OP)
Yeah I was doing downtown routes at FedEx so I understand not even being able to drive The truck. At the end of the day it was cool to see the downtown life. But yeah that's hard labor
justdan76@reddit
Yes
Disastrous-East-1143@reddit
Depends on who you work for, what you haul, and how much you're paid
MPV8614@reddit
I’ve done OTR and I’ve done local. My preference is regional. I like being home every night AND be able to use the gas pedal.
Shoddy_Narwhal4439@reddit
I drive mostly Midwest the big truckstop suck I go to the Mom and pop truck stops and rest areas only go to Loves and pilot for fuel, most of the time,my kids are in their 30s and my wife doesn’t seem to mind being home alone, I owned an auto repair shop for 35 years in South Florida and sweated my ass off, so I’m really enjoying being over the road.
psclarke84@reddit
I changed careers & got my CDL later, already married with a toddler & an infant. Quit my old job, paid for CDL school, and don't make as much as I did in my old job. I wanted something local with a mix of labor and driving, and was fortunate to begin driving for a local construction company right after CDL school. I get to pull trailers, drive dump trucks, do labor, run some of the equipment, and be home with my family every night. Sometimes I wish I would have gotten my CDL sooner & lived the OTR life for a few years when I was single first. Work life balance was priority for me. As long as I can pay the bills, I'd rather do something I enjoy & spend time with family than be tired & miserable with a fat bank account and no time for family, friends, or hobbies.
DieselPunk97@reddit
This heavily depends on your location.
Most decent paying local jobs I’ve seen are in bigger metro areas to which the cost of living is also higher.
I live in the middle of nowhere and the nearest “big city” is over an hour away from where I live. Local jobs in my area range from $18-$22/hr and are EXTREMELY competitive because of the lack of job market and some of the jobs are exempt from paying overtime with Agricultural Exemptions.
If I were to land a $22/hr job and work 70 hours/week even with 30 hours of time and a 1/2 overtime. I’m grossing about $1870/week AND I’ll have to spend my own $$$ to commute to said job on top of my 14 hour day.
As an OTR flatbedder that is home weekly I’m able to gross an average of $1800-$2200/week while also living in an area where shit is DIRT CHEAP. (Just bought a house 2 years ago and my mortgage payment is $850/month) I also get to take the truck home every weekend so my commute to work is only a few steps.
Do I miss my family throughout the week? Absolutely.
Would working 14 hour days + 1 hour commute for 5 days a week to then essentially eat, sleep, and wake up earlier to account for commute time be worth it for the same, or sometimes less, pay that comes with it. Not in my experience.
I’ll change my tune if some big influx of trucking jobs just somehow come to my area and pays more than I’m making now. But I’ll bet that ain’t gonna happen 😂
desir7o2@reddit
Depends on the city and state, I run local in Vegas and the pay sucks buuuut I’m home every night and get the weekends off. The hardest thing to get into right now at least for me is any local hazmat or Food Handler jobs
Myterryfolds@reddit
Try working at Apex Bulk! They have a road train position that pays $31 with guaranteed 55hrs a week. All you do is drive tanker doubles. The smaller tankers pay around $23. It’s dirty work but I had a great time the three years I spent there.
desir7o2@reddit
Thanks for the info, I put that application in
DavonneLD@reddit
Let us know if you get it
backbiter0723@reddit
I just can't find anything local near me that pays even close to what I make OTR without having to be there for 5+ years. I'm looking to clear $120k rolling regional OTR reefer, hole every weekend.
Only thing that comes even remotely close is Sheetz fuel hauling, which you got a have 2 years to do and it still only gets close in pay if you're draining a 70 hr clock every week.
I just don't know anywhere I could make $100-$120k running local without dedicating a quarter of my remaining lifespan to it first.
MostOriginalNameEver@reddit
A stressful day ending at home is better than a stressful day sleeping next to idling trucks
Cyfyclops3@reddit
I've only had my CDL for 2 years and have been LTL from the start. I know I got lucky. I can not imagine doing OTR. Abso-fucking-lutly not. I get paid for every single second I work, and I'm home every night. I make $35/hr averaging 47hrs/wk. that was about $88k last year.
MikeMcAwesome91@reddit
I'm sitting in an optometrist office right now. Went ahead and took the day off just for this. I'll run a few errands, go have lunch with the wife, then go home and play video games. Also have Friday off for the holiday. Not only could I not do any of this when I was OTR, I also get paid more than I did OTR.
Odd-Cartographer555@reddit
100% better. I don’t live at work, I’m paid for all of my time, I sleep in my bed, I get to see my family regularly, participate in hobbies and have a social life.
MiguelSTG@reddit
LTL checking in. When I did p and d, I got paid from the time I got to work until I left. Shipper want to have me wait? Cool, after 15 minutes I call my dispatcher and see if they wanted me to wait or leave. Either way I got paid for that wait time. Now that I'm line haul, if I break down, I get paid. Wait for meet driver (we meet and swap trailers) I get paid. Have to detour for traffic, I get paid.
I'm home daily, have insurance, and Roth 401k, vacation time, and home time. I take my 10+ at my house with my family, not at a piss riddled Pilot parking lot.
Kodiak01@reddit
Back in the 90s when Covenant was running overnight transfers in New England for Continental Airlines, the BOS and EWR drivers would meet up at BDL, swap trailers, then head back home to their own beds every day.
stephenbmx1989@reddit
I’ve only been local around Dallas for 8 years and it’s not for everyone especially the labor and bad drivers.
But a lot of truck drivers need labor cause they’re lazy and out of shape lol
Kr4zy01@reddit
Thinking on moving to Texas from New York City. How’s trucking in Texas if you don’t mind me asking.
stephenbmx1989@reddit
It’s pretty good, hot and bad drivers. Not a lot of jobs right nowadays. But that’s with everything and it should get better like any market 📉
bentstrider83@reddit
Labor is easy to adjust to as long as one's not being hustled along. Nothing like some old school boss screaming at you to "pick up the pace".
stephenbmx1989@reddit
Ya that’s my job 😅 I work with a lot of young Hispanics that work harder than they should and take a lot of pride in it. I was like that in my 20’s too 😂 think we all were
shibashiba69@reddit
Fuck no.
Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit (OP)
Why have you came to this conclusion?
shibashiba69@reddit
Generally you work alot harder for less money local.
Comedian-Economy@reddit
That’s not true. I work Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at mclane and off the rest, work about 40 hours a week, and guaranteed no less than $1750 a week, and no less than $91k for the year but plan to work more hours next bid to make about $120k for the year
Reddit_Is_a_jokee@reddit
Some of you don't get that you're working above average local jobs.
Comedian-Economy@reddit
Well yes, but we also work for a company who cares about there employees and knows everyone by name, so why would we accept less than that.
Reddit_Is_a_jokee@reddit
I couldn't care any lesser about that. I'm simply referring to your lanes and pay scale. The average local job is quite shitty. People accept it because they don't have much choice if they want to stay local.
Comedian-Economy@reddit
Mclane serves customers in all 50 states, everyone who wants to leave there shitty job can go to mclane, they have over 80 distribution centers and Texas has at least 5 that I know of and they hire people fresh out of school as well, even felons. I’ve done my fair share of shitty local jobs but mclane is where ima stay at.
Reddit_Is_a_jokee@reddit
👌🏾
shibashiba69@reddit
People being dense is why I hardly comment on reddit. I say local jobs generally suck and somehow I was wrong?
socialrage@reddit
Sure, if you don't have experience and don't network.
There are plenty of local jobs that pay a lot more than being OTR.
shibashiba69@reddit
Depends on where you live. I said generally, so you are an exception.
Comprehensive_Ad_44@reddit (OP)
Yeah tell me about it. I was working for FedEx and I would do a whole truck load by myself. It killed me. Keep in mind I was doing this in a major city
shibashiba69@reddit
Driving is easy stopping every 5 secs getting in and out sucks. On top of not knowing where your going half the time.
DaGuy4All@reddit
out pf topic but I didn’t know Isuzus were a thing in the US, I thought they were rebadged as Chevys.
torinbell@reddit
I dont even haul fuel & make as much as i did when i was otr- reefer & regional - tanker resin. Though its company work. Loss nothing gained family time.
EelChato@reddit
I earn approximately $105,000 hauling cargo from the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to customers located as far away as Beaumont, California.
My work schedule typically runs from 7 to 8 p.m.
This job keeps me in good shape.
On weekends, I get all the days off I can ever want without any repercussions.
However, you must be extremely cautious when operating on restricted truck routes, as the CHP is not to be trifled with.
I wouldn’t trade my current job for even double my annual pay if I were to go on-the-road trucking.
snownight77@reddit
Is it as bad as the news make it seem, mile’s long backups for semi’s trying to get into the ports? LA traffic must be terrible too. I live all the way on the east cost in NC.
TaperingRanger9@reddit
Paid hourly and get to sleep in my own bed and fuck my gf every night. Yes it's better lol, unless u dont value your time.
UOLZEPHYR@reddit
Get local and get away from food/refer.
Spent 2.5 years reefer OTR, got off the road with a grocery store delivery. Spent time finishing something else. Found a flatbed job hauling retail concrete.
Hardest thing I do is strap in the heat and remeber to do all my paperwork
snownight77@reddit
Was OTR my first year, changed to Regional, and LTL Line-Haul now.
Worst part of regional was never knowing when your getting home on the weekends, and they only let you stay home long enough for your 34.
LTL, I have a set schedule and get 2 full days off every weekend.
schwifty0529@reddit
Yes
Donkeyfied_Chicken@reddit
Oh god yes. Came off the road to run a yard truck for $15 bucks an hour until I found my current job running for a FedEx Ground contractor. I was broke running a switcher, but way happier. Now I make more money than I ever did on the road, way less stress, and I actually have a life outside of work again.
One thing I will say; food service is hard work. I’ve never done it, but I work with guys that have. The money is legit but you’re gonna sweat for it.
TemporaryOk9310@reddit
Yes and no
tio_tito@reddit
is that uiuc mrl?
Legion_Paradise@reddit
Yes
aStonefacedApe@reddit
Its not perfect but its a million times better than OTR. OTR is just slavery basically
Chris_MS99@reddit
Not at McLane. Worst job I ever had. Not because of the environment or culture, I’d actually tie them for first there, but because of the work.
I wasn’t even an actual driver, I was an assistant. I got my CDL shortly after becoming an assistant and they wouldn’t promote me to drive because no matter how fast I worked or how much I stacked I could not work fast enough. I fucking sucked at food service.
Plus I felt like a failure and a loser stacking frozen chicken in a freezer all night. No disrespect to anyone that does it, it’s a living and if it doesn’t make you want to kill yourself more power to you. It was a personal thing for me. I have much higher self esteem now as a fuel hauler.
AffectionateSun8548@reddit
My significant other works LTL local nights 5 days a week 11-12 hours a day does minimum of 2300 each week and is home everyday
hooligan-6318@reddit
It's a subjective question that has no "one size fits all" answer.
I loved OTR, did local (dry van) for 8 months and hated it, went back OTR (flatbed)
It takes a certain personality type to be successful OTR in my opinion. I'm borderline antisocial, not married with one adult Daughter not at home.
I have a nice home and vehicle.
DarthBrownBeard@reddit
Im local flatbed. I clock in at a warehouse, drive to construction sites, unload via piggyback forklift, and go back to the warehouse. Repeat. Some days I do 3 or 4 loads. Some days I do 1 big one. Some days I do 10 or 12. Im paid hourly. And I get weekends and holidays off. I shit on my own turf. And sleep in my own bed with my wife.
GrandReaction3807@reddit
Dude same here. Moffett delivery is where it's at
DarthBrownBeard@reddit
Im tempted to start telling people it's a terrible job. 😉
taco_2325@reddit
McLane 🙌🏼
Wheres_Jay@reddit
I haul fuel. It works for me.
No_Photo6324@reddit
I work for Pepsi. 40ft day cab with a lift gate. Electric jack. I’m home every day. Still get to be dad and husband and take my kids to their sports and events. It’s the only CDL job I’ve ever had. I’ve had shitty jobs and this definitely ain’t it!
Kr4zy01@reddit
Worked at Central Transport out pf Maspeth NY doing the Bronx as a p&d $30 per hour and that might sound terrible but once you get use to it easiest gig ever. Now at the A. Duie Pyle terminal in Maspeth doing Brooklyn Bay Ridge and surroundings getting $34.50 per hour and $51.75 OT after 40 hours. Expecting to get more than $100,000 this year. Local work with a LTL company to me is the only way. You get use to, not hard labor at all, only if you make it to be.
Frenchie1001@reddit
I've always felt like I was gone more working away, doing 6/7 days a week local 14 hours a day vs -3-6 weeks out with a week at home .
Ok_Measurement_107@reddit
TFW otr and no gf vs local happily married
Round_Rooms@reddit
Of course it is, especially when you can find a job that makes more bumping docks or drop and hook.
Super1297Man@reddit
Been with Mclane 15 years. It’s not for everyone and it’s hard work! However I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m a dad to my kids, a husband to my wife. I make lots of $$ too!
13MrJeffrey@reddit
Two words: Fuck Yeah!
5-2 5-3 rotation in the oilfield. I park 260 yards from the house...lots of days were finished by 15:00. I need or want to take a day off more often than not it's all good.
I can't buy my time back that was spent out on the road or anywhere for that matter.
Tomokomon@reddit
The only local jobs I see around my area are paying 19-22 an hour if you can believe it.
M4S73RBLASTER@reddit
Went from driving outlaw to switching. Now the most I do is move a few trailers and play videogames on my steamdeck. I also make around the same amount so I'm not cutting my pay by much at all.
M4S73RBLASTER@reddit
...yes.
HappyHeffalump@reddit
Short answer, yes. Long answer, absolutely
SkyyOrange@reddit
Local is where to be if you can physically handle (most local) & long days that can be in & out of can rather then driving.
Pepsi delivery here and on track to make $110k+ this year.
Never made close to 6 figures until I transferred to be a driver.
Esper202@reddit
I wouldn't call my McLane experience local, but if its working for you, more power to ya!
TheMadMetalhead@reddit
I actually work for McLane. I like local driving but it's mostly regional delivery. In work 3 days a week but can do more when we have candy loads for extra pay. I like it. I bring in 6000/month after taxes and deductions.
bentstrider83@reddit
I'm yearning to get into something local. Especially with that T2D I recently posted about and fear of getting knocked down to a 1 year card. A predictable shift to get workouts and meal prep in. Along with just being able to focus on other things outside of work.
colbsk1@reddit
I worked in the oil fields and while I was "local" there were times I would be on a job site for 3 to 4 days at a time. I hated living out of my truck, eating out of a trough, and not being home. Moving to today: I clock in and clock out after 8-10 hour shifts. I dig it and day fuck OTR.
dzyxl1a0nr@reddit
Depends on the company, but short answer yes. I’m scheduled for 3 days a week Sunday, Monday , and Tuesday. I get guaranteed 40 hours of pay for working 3 days, If I somehow go over actually working 40 hours in 3 days I get overtime pay. And when I choose to, over time shifts are always available. 3 days I normally get 40 hours of regular pay, 5 days I get 40 hours plus 30 hours of overtime pay. All drop and hook, home in my bed everyday.
CodeWalkerrr@reddit
I’ve been a local guy since 2014 and it’s been great. Although I’ve never driven OTR, I’ve never heard a single good thing about it, other than the fact that you get to see the country. Driving local made me a pro lol I can back into ANY spot. Off the street with rush hour traffic, tight docks, alleyways, downtown driving. It’s been an amazing experience
Present-Ambition6309@reddit
I’d imagine no, especially if it’s a really big city. Then get to do all again tomorrow, no thanks that open road, humming of the engine going down the roa….. shit I got a flat! Dammit! There goes 3-4 hrs of my day.
Cantstandyourbitz@reddit
I did OTR for five years, then local for seven years. I didn’t realize how absolutely miserable and depressed I was doing OTR until I switched to local. I would never go back to OTR, and I don’t recommend it to anyone that doesn’t prioritize money above literally everything else in their life (family, friends, a social life, etc.)
EddieV77@reddit
Depends . I did fuel hauling for my dad for a bit. Unfortunately wasn’t stable . Too much home time
Imaginary-Home-8928@reddit
Yes and no. I did local in Chicago. I loved being home on the weekends and being able to sleep in my own bed. Did not love the commute to the yard to get my truck after having worked a couple 14s in a row. There's a whole lot of pros tho and I think they outweigh the cons unless you aren't making enough money for the local work.