Finally Got My CDL License!
Topic 25353 | Page 2
PackRat's Comment
5 years ago
Congratulations to you Octavio! 
We truthfully recommend starting OTR for at least one year to learn the ropes, gaining necessary experience and confidence.
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.
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What type of local driving is it? Line haul? P&D? Food/beverage? The only time starting local would be an even remotely good idea is if its line haul. Line haul still has its challenges but of all local jobs that is perhaps the "safest" route to go. I'd suggest going to Knight and re-evaluate after you get a year under your belt. If local is your goal you'll be more qualified for any job. I'd hate for you to get in a couple accidents and then have trouble getting hired anywhere. We've seen it play out many times on the forum. I started local but the company invested easily $10k on me, not including the trainers pay for the 12 weeks he sat in the seat next to me. I got lucky to make it out unscathed in my first year and now have companies calling me I've never even applied to.
P&D:
Pickup & Delivery
Local drivers that stay around their area, usually within 100 mile radius of a terminal, picking up and delivering loads.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers for instance will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.
Line Haul:
Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.