any OTR driver on here?

[teddypenn]

im currently a local driver and been giving alot of thought to goin over the road. i know i'd hate being away from my family for lengths of time, but im so sick of my current job (i've been there for 10 years) and i do alot of heavy lifting and carrying. anyone got suggestions as to how many avg miles a week i may get or feedback?

 

[JGGUNS]

If you could put together a team I could probably give you something in between local and OTR. I need a team in that area to run between Beatrice NE, Dallas, and Brookhaven, MS. My drivers that want the miles average around $70K. If your interested in discussing shoot me a PM.

While we are at it in case anyone else is looking. I have immediate openings for qualified teams (or drivers willing to team) in Knoxville, Peoria IL, Lincoln NE, Dayton OH, and Albion MI.

 

[sixpack577]

I used to drive OTR for TMC(largest privately owned flatbed company)they are excellent to work for. You'll make as much or more than the average 2500 to 3000 mile per week company, and drive about half the miles. You'll also be home every weekend if you choose. The downside is the work that comes with flatbedding. A full trailer needs 2 tarps(when required) and they weigh 80 lbs each. It's also alot of work just securing most loads, and of course in all weather.
Even if you drive for a van trailer company you still have the ongoing headache of ever increasing traffic, and waiting to pick up and drop off loads. Some areas of the country are obviously alot worse to drive in than others too.
Worst part is having a great week, being well ahead of schedule on Friday morning, excited to get home, and then running into one or more traffic jams from rush hour's and accidents and getting home the next day.
Pros and cons to it, I got a local job a few years ago because I was tired of running and I just wanted to be at home with my wife(and now daughter, I can't imagine being away from her all the time). Home every weekend is the best driving deal out there for a OTR family man, but by the time you do what needs to be done, relax and settle down, it's time to go again(48hrs flys by). Your wife/kids will also want to go places with you when you're home, and you'll probably find that after driving all week, all you want to do is sit home. That can cause stress even when both sides fully understand why.
Personally, unless you're just passionate and born to be a trucker, it gets old. If you're a family man, you'll miss being able to be home, especially when your family really needs you and you're two days away.
Some days I'de love to drive a truck cross country again(there is alot of great things about the job too), but that would give me my fix for a year or so. I'm glad I did it, absoloutely no regrets, but I'm happy at home. Think long and hard man, and good luck with whatever you do.

 

[880jedi]

Go spend a weekend at a truck stop. Sleep there, eat there and shower in a community stall. It will change your mind real quick. ???There is nothing like sleeping in your own bed and stepping out of your clean shower.

I've done both OTR and local. Local wins by a landslide. It's a commitment that requires a bunch of soul searching. The money is good, but at what cost? Good luck.

 

[Fastfrog007]

I used to drive OTR for TMC(largest privately owned flatbed company)they are excellent to work for. You'll make as much or more than the average 2500 to 3000 mile per week company, and drive about half the miles. You'll also be home every weekend if you choose. The downside is the work that comes with flatbedding. A full trailer needs 2 tarps(when required) and they weigh 80 lbs each. It's also alot of work just securing most loads, and of course in all weather.
Even if you drive for a van trailer company you still have the ongoing headache of ever increasing traffic, and waiting to pick up and drop off loads. Some areas of the country are obviously alot worse to drive in than others too.
Worst part is having a great week, being well ahead of schedule on Friday morning, excited to get home, and then running into one or more traffic jams from rush hour's and accidents and getting home the next day.
Pros and cons to it, I got a local job a few years ago because I was tired of running and I just wanted to be at home with my wife(and now daughter, I can't imagine being away from her all the time). Home every weekend is the best driving deal out there for a OTR family man, but by the time you do what needs to be done, relax and settle down, it's time to go again(48hrs flys by). Your wife/kids will also want to go places with you when you're home, and you'll probably find that after driving all week, all you want to do is sit home. That can cause stress even when both sides fully understand why.
Personally, unless you're just passionate and born to be a trucker, it gets old. If you're a family man, you'll miss being able to be home, especially when your family really needs you and you're two days away.
Some days I'de love to drive a truck cross country again(there is alot of great things about the job too), but that would give me my fix for a year or so. I'm glad I did it, absoloutely no regrets, but I'm happy at home. Think long and hard man, and good luck with whatever you do.

Aka Truckers Marine Corps. A coworker of money years ago drove for them, said it was a great company and that ya HAD to wash your truck weekly. They've got some good lookin trucks for sure.

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[RMS2005]

Had to give it up cause of the kids. Was posed to be SE regional and never figured out how Cali, Washington, Oregon was considered south east. I miss the heck out of it but the kids are alot more important. It ain't a family mans life. I went local and now I stay in state. An occasional run pops up to AZ or NM about once or twice a year. If its a large Co they will tell u that the home time is good but once they got you in your hung and its just like everything else, its about the money for them.
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[GsxrBots]

TMC, we used to call them Too Much Chrome! Always had spotless trucks.
I drove OTR flatbed for about 8 months. HATED IT! Then I went to a "regional" company. I was home every Wednesday night, and Friday through what they considered Sunday. I usually had to leave Sunday around 6pm and was expected to drive the 10 hours Sunday night, so that meant you slept most of the day on Sunday. But it was still way better than OTR cross country. Made good money, but took a toll on a newlywed.
When I was driving "regional" I was a door swinger. I docked, waited to get unloaded, then went on to the next stop. There are MANY days that I miss driving. Not so much in the Midwest in the winter, but definitely in the summer.
Good luck in whatever you choose. It's been 12 years since I've driven, and I don't regret it at all!

 

[m_ridgeway]

my father in law drives locally for con-way and my buddy is OTR team driving with his dad with them. both seem to like them. there are some pipeline, drilling, and industrial type companies that work Ok area that you could look at too. the keystone pipeline should be starting out of cushing and they will be hiring teamsters if you are interested in that.

 

[DREW]

Look at USPS contractors. Good money and mostly home every day. I have been deiving for a Postal contractor for the past 11 years. good luck.

 

[holeshot kid]

Go spend a weekend at a truck stop. Sleep there, eat there and shower in a community stall. It will change your mind real quick. ???There is nothing like sleeping in your own bed and stepping out of your clean shower.

I've done both OTR and local. Local wins by a landslide. It's a commitment that requires a bunch of soul searching. The money is good, but at what cost? Good luck.

community stall ??? I drive ot thats in past man.Petro, flying j+ pilot showers r just like hotel.Real clean + fresh towells.
I like otr better thats real trucking.

 

[holeshot kid]

im currently a local driver and been giving alot of thought to goin over the road. i know i'd hate being away from my family for lengths of time, but im so sick of my current job (i've been there for 10 years) and i do alot of heavy lifting and carrying. anyone got suggestions as to how many avg miles a week i may get or feedback?

well legal limit is 11 on + 10 off a fuel stop going eat time + the drops.
i go around 2,000----2,500 just depends were im going.

 

[sixpack577]

community stall ??? I drive ot thats in past man.Petro, flying j+ pilot showers r just like hotel.Real clean + fresh towells.
I like otr better thats real trucking.

+1 on the showers, I didn't get that either, he must've drove a Long time ago. Even the shady lookin truckstops in the middle of nowhere had clean showers.

 

[holeshot kid]

I mostly go 2 pilot with the rewards card I get free meals after get enough points.