Amount Of Local Only Jobs?
Topic 539 | Page 1
There are local jobs, the problem you will run into is that most of the local companies want at least 6 months OTR experience. However, there are a handful of local companies that will hire you right out of school. I know some people that have managed to land a local job right out of school, but this is very rare.
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 generally tell people that if you're looking to start a new career but you're not interested in travelling then there are a lot better choices than trucking. Trucking brings with it a lot of headaches and risk. The best part about it are the perks you get with the travelling lifestyle.
Trucking really doesn't pay that great, especially most local jobs as you had guessed. The hours tend to be very long and erratic, the job can be stressful and exhausting, and overall - to me, anyway - local trucking jobs are kinda lousy. The money isn't worth the hassle.
Not to mention, trucking gives you absolutely no opportunity for advancement or opportunities to make money on the side. For instance, if you were to become an electrician or carpenter or mechanic...you could land a solid job that gets you home every night, pays decent, and has benefits - just like trucking. But with those jobs you could land side jobs to make extra money and possibly go into business for yourself one day. That's not going to happen in trucking.
I'm not saying you should definitely not become a truck driver if you're only going to run local. As long as you keep your license clean and you're a solid driver it's a decent career and you'll always have a job. But I think if you're looking to stay home every night there are a lot better careers to choose from when you consider the long-term opportunities.
DAC:
Drive-A-Check Report
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.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.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.
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Hello all,
I'm researching a career in trucking and I need some basic info. I have nothing but the highest respect for all you cross country people (as the USA would shut down without you) and I know that I cannot do it. What is the deal with "local" only jobs, that is "home every night" "9 to 5" type jobs? Are they out there, harder to get, pay less (I would assume less pay).I had a friend many years ago (lost touch) who drove for Marshalls clothing stores in MA. He did his run then went home, loved it. Thanks in advance for steering me straight (sorry, couldn't resist).