What Are Over the Road Truck Driving Jobs & Challenges?

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 According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), there are about 3.6 million professional truck drivers in the US, and a portion of them are over-the-road truck drivers. And in 2019, two million truck drivers were employed as long-haul truck drivers. But what are over the road truck driving jobs and their challenges?

What are over-the-road truck drivers?

They’re dedicated truck drivers who haul freight over long distances, either across national borders or state lines, and they spend three to four weeks on the road at a given time.

They sleep at motels or hotels along the way, but some in the truck's cabin and typically drive with another driver rather than solo. An OTR team takes turns behind the wheel to comply with regulations.

OTR truck drivers haul vehicles, heavy machinery, consumer goods, and all other types of freight. As a result, there's always a high demand for them, and the average they make is $57,100, according to this source, with a range between $50,468 and $65,514 based on certain factors like certification and education.

What are the challenges of OTR truck drivers?

Driving long-haul involves being on the road for a couple of days or even weeks at a time, which is the primary challenge that over-the-road truck drivers face.

Detention time: Complications when picking up or delivering freight delay a route, ruining one's schedule and hindering their ability to earn more or comply with the hours of service rules. If they’re stuck for up to five hours instead of two hours, as to what’s initially agreed upon, it’s detention time. This takes more time to complete unloading or loading the shipment. 

Time away from home: It can be stressful to be away from loved ones for a long time, particularly for new drivers who aren't used to the OTR lifestyle.

Poor infrastructure: Sixty-five percent of major US roads are in less than good condition, according to the US Department of Transportation. This affects OTR truck drivers negatively, including delays in hauling freight.

Over-the-road truck driving jobs are challenging jobs to handle. If you're looking for an OTR truck driver opportunity, prepare for these challenges or talk with a reputable recruiter for guidance.


Over the Road Truck Driving Jobs


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