Starting Out Regional And "paying Your Dues"
Topic 22586 | Page 2
I started NE Regional with Swift (Walmart)...
But as Gtown said
IMO "Paying your dues" applies more to the training process and the myriad of challenges/hurddles/setbacks faced in the first 6 months regardless of OTR or Regional or Dedicated.
That first 6 months was very challenging, and spanned a crazy winter, to boot.
Regardless what you choose, remember, PATIENCE, no need to rush.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
Being Regional can be far less forgiving to your wallet than traditional OTR can be during your first months to year learning the ins and outs. Sometimes having that extra day in a week can be beneficial. Regional will require you to be a lot more on the ball with your clock management. You will have to push harder everyday as you will typically get unloaded and a loaded every day. Nothing says you won't get longer runs as well, but you are not going too far from home. Maybe a few states away.
The biggest difference I found is doing Regional you are fighting your 14hr everyday; where as OTR, my 70 ends up playing the larger part of managing my clock. I started out in a Regional dedicated position. I decided to change and stay out 2 weeks at a time typically. Lately somehow I have ended up being out for longer periods to take longer breaks at home.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
I went to Roehl and got my license through there school. I requested and received a spot in their dedicated customer out of Winchester Va. it allowed me the opportunity to get home on weekends and sometimes weekday(I am about to watch one of my sons little league games on my 10 hour break). I consider it regional. Basically east coast. It gives you plenty of experience.
As others have posted dedicated or regional post sometimes pay higher, but they are also more consistent with miles.
Good luck
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
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IMO "Paying your dues" applies more to the training process and the myriad of challenges/hurddles/setbacks faced in the first 6 months regardless of OTR or Regional or Dedicated.
Endure the first year with nary a scratch? That's paying your dues.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.