The OTR Life And Bug Has Gotten To Me!

Well it’s been nearly a year since I posted anything because I have been focusing on my driving career. And boy has it been fun! I still drive for a local company and am home virtually evening. However, we do have some customers up in PA and OH we deliver to and a lot of P/U’s in those areas as well. They have sent me up there several times and generally I lay over one night but on one occasion I had to layover for 2 nights. When they approached me and asked me to do this I wasn’t sure I was going to like this but now I can’t get enough of it.

Here is my problem; I love it so much that I have been thinking of leaving this company and going to TMC so I can be out all week. I am married and have children but they are mostly grown. My son has Aspergers and will always be at home and my daughter is in her 3rd year of college. My wife can’t travel with me because of a neck injury from a car wreck several years ago which prevents her from long periods of sitting. Obviously she doesn’t want me gone Monday thru Friday but is supportive in everything I do. Most people tell me I am crazy since I have a driving job that gets me home every night but that feeling of being out there is pulling real hard. What are your thoughts and if you were in my shoes, what would you do?

Trust me Brian, I know what you're talking about. I was with Prime a little over a year ago and had to leave due to back surgery. I've had a local job paying good money hourly for the last year. I have missed being on the road as well. I recently put my two weeks notice in and am going back to Prime next week. Like you, my kids are all older and my wife is very supportive of what I want to do. Making a change is sometimes great for your mental health!!

Hi Brian, I understand your post. I have one initial question. Have you ever done OTR , or just the local gig??

Family is always the most important in life. Being gone all week will put alot more on your wife at home. I certainly don’t want to imply she can’t handle it in your absence, only do you want her too. Sometimes the honest answer to that is not an easy one. Sometimes spouses are supportive outwardly, but internaly not so much. It can lead to jeaously and resentiment.

I get your feelings. When I go home, within 2 days I’m ready to go back to work. Its not that I don’t have things to do at home, but I just get antsy. Maybe I’m just weird. However my kids are all grown and live 2600 miles away and I’m single.

I was married for a few years and had a special needs child at home. I took a local job at home working 4-5 days a week and home every weekend. After she decided marriage wasn’t for her I went back to tankers.

In your situation I would stick to the local gig.

Brian, I started OTR with Schneider. They were great, but I wasn’t home every week.

After two years, I came to a southeast regional company and get home at least weekly. I love it.

I could’ve done regional with Schneider, but was told I’d probably average 1500-1800 miles per week. Where I am. I average 2,500+ per week.

I hope this helps.