OTR Vs No OTR To Get Your Dream Job

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 have talked to several companies with routes that would get you home weekly, some a few times a week. A few companies even had daily hometime routes, although, these were LTL/Linehaul. A lot of flatbed companies are weekly hometime, too.

From what I see, the days of having to cut your driving teeth on OTR before you get the "good" local jobs, are pretty much gone. You just have to be willing to face a steeper learning curve to start with the local gigs. LTL companies Old Dominion, R&L, and YRC, all hire recent graduates. Schneider also has local jobs available for new drivers. The company at the top of my list, TMC, (flatbed) has great hometime, too.

I also understand, that it is just a really good ixdeay to run OTR at first, just to get the solid behind the wheel experience. But remember RV, you have far more options now, with good companies, that will accommodate your needs.

Stay safe