OTR Vs No OTR To Get Your Dream Job

Good morning to all of you little sunshines! :)

Question: I've heard different things from different people concerning doing some OTR after training, in order to later on, be able to snatch that great job you want (Walmart, or any other offering home every night, great pay etc) Doesn't regional offer the same experience, as far as being on the road for days at a time, etc?

Now keep in mind that I am located in Western MA, where the opportunities for all kinds of trucking jobs exist; being in the center of many big cities (Boston, Hartford, NYC...) so maybe it's quite different for someone like me who live in a busy area, versus someone who lives hours away from any big cities.

I just don't want to mess my chances at getting that one job that would make me happy and allow me to see my family.

Good morning to all of you little sunshines! :)

Question: I've heard different things from different people concerning doing some OTR after training, in order to later on, be able to snatch that great job you want (Walmart, or any other offering home every night, great pay etc) Doesn't regional offer the same experience, as far as being on the road for days at a time, etc?

Now keep in mind that I am located in Western MA, where the opportunities for all kinds of trucking jobs exist; being in the center of many big cities (Boston, Hartford, NYC...) so maybe it's quite different for someone like me who live in a busy area, versus someone who lives hours away from any big cities.

I just don't want to mess my chances at getting that one job that would make me happy and allow me to see my family.

Some regional and dedicated jobs will still give you otr like miles, try not to get hung up on the "designation." You may not see all the lower 48, but you willmost likely still see 12 to 30 of them.

Or five if you are out west

Well, that's why I was thinking it shouldn't be such a big deal if I don't go OTR , as living around here, I can cover quite a few states within one day. Heck, just going shopping for guns last weekend, we covered MA, NH and ME in about 5-6 hours...lollll

Bump

RV, OTR is the traditional way to get into this stuff, and personally I think it has some advantages to helping folks get where they want to be. Everyone's situation is different, and you are in a unique situation. You've got some kids that you don't want to abandon, that's commendable. You're also in an area where there are a lot of local type opportunities.

I think it's tougher on the ladies, especially single moms. Mountain Girl has faced countless odds in her career so that she can be there for her kids. It is gonna be the sane for you. It can be done, but it is tough to start out that way. I wish you the best, and everyone here will support you and be there for you when you need some advice.

The problem with finding a local truck driving job is that most require 1yr to 2yr experience, unless you have connections.

Regional will still keep you away from home at least to two weeks at a time. Most companies don't offer regional until 90 or more days after your hire date.

You may be best served to get your passenger endorsement and drive a school bus or city bus if being home is a concern. Most newbie truck drivers have to earn their stripes over the road at least a year or two before home every day opportunities become available.

I haven't started yet so my answer isn't worth much, but I participate in a number of forums on different subjects and I never let that stop me from posting :) Anyway, I've seen the "is regional considered otr" question asked here before and the answer seems to be yes, in general. I don't think anyone can say 100% that no company will ever tell you otherwise. But also, if your goal is a local job or just to be home every night, then based on my looking at job listings for the past 4 or 5 months, it looks like they would only want you to have some kind of tractor trailor experience.

The problem with finding a local truck driving job is that most require 1yr to 2yr experience, unless you have connections.

Regional will still keep you away from home at least to two weeks at a time. Most companies don't offer regional until 90 or more days after your hire date.

You may be best served to get your passenger endorsement and drive a school bus or city bus if being home is a concern. Most newbie truck drivers have to earn their stripes over the road at least a year or two before home every day opportunities become available.

Getting a school bus job is easy. We need drivers everyday. State retirement and insurance is the reason most do it. If you love the little angels it would be easy

Thanks guys, and Old school...always appreciate your wisdom.