"Looking to start a small family trucking business"
Best of luck. You should do further research on this rather than just asking a bunch of drivers on a net forum. Sounds like you have a "dream" which could be met with cold reality, particularly if Congress pushes through the litany of laws being eyed this year.
Looking to start a small family trucking business. Want to know what drivers, OTR and regional want and need most. We will try to accommodate our driver needs on a driver to driver basis. All replies appreciated.
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 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.
Dave, I appreciate that you are interested in getting more trucks on the road, moving America's stuff. We do need more trucks moving and drivers to drive them.
But know this: trucking is regulated for safety, but the financing is up to you. You haven't let on as to your logistic experience. In that respect trucking is a dog eat dog business. Expect 3-5% ROI. That's about T-bills, but with the headaches of running a capital intensive business.
It's true the competition for drivers almost matches the competition for freight. Ask a driver what they want? More home time, better CPM , a fridge, microwave and satellite TV + WiFi on board. A new truck every two years. Ability to idle all night for comfort (A/C and heat). You know, things that cost the owner money.
Best of luck.
Drivers are often paid by the mile and it's given in cents per mile, or cpm.
A truck drivers DAC report will contain detailed information about their job history of the last 10 years as a CDL driver (as required by the DOT).
It may also contain your criminal history, drug test results, DOT infractions and accident history. The program is strictly voluntary from a company standpoint, but most of the medium-to-large carriers will participate.
Most trucking companies use DAC reports as part of their hiring and background check process. It is extremely important that drivers verify that the information contained in it is correct, and have it fixed if it's not.
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Looking to start a small family trucking business. Want to know what drivers, OTR and regional want and need most. We will try to accommodate our driver needs on a driver to driver basis. All replies appreciated.
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.