For many truck drivers, working a local route provides a consistent routine and the opportunity to be home every night. However, the allure of the open road, bigger paychecks, and cross-country adventures often draws drivers to make the leap from local truck driver jobs to over-the-road (OTR) driving. While the transition can be exciting, it also comes with its own set of challenges and adjustments.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to successfully transition from a local trucking job to OTR driving. We’ll cover everything from practical considerations to lifestyle changes, so that you can make the move with confidence and clarity.
Why Consider Making the Switch?
Before diving into the “how,” let’s address the “why.” Transitioning to OTR driving offers a host of benefits that may appeal to you, depending on your career goals and lifestyle preferences.
Benefits of OTR Driving:
- Higher Earning Potential: OTR drivers typically earn more than local drivers due to longer hours, distance traveled, and sometimes bonuses for meeting delivery schedules.
- Travel Opportunities: OTR driving gives you the chance to see new places across the country, breaking the monotony of driving the same local routes daily.
- Career Growth: Many OTR positions offer advancement opportunities, with companies looking for long-haul drivers who can take on more responsibility and eventually move into specialized roles.
- Freedom and Independence: OTR drivers often enjoy more independence in their work, making fewer stops and managing their schedules within the framework of delivery windows.
That said, OTR driving isn’t for everyone. The lifestyle is markedly different from local trucking, requiring drivers to spend extended periods away from home. So, before making the switch, it’s important to assess whether OTR driving aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Let’s discuss: Have you considered the specific reasons why you want to transition to OTR driving? Understanding your motivations will help you determine if it’s the right move for you.
Assessing the Differences: Local vs. OTR
The differences between local trucking and OTR driving go beyond just the distance you’ll travel. Here are some key factors to consider before making the transition:
1. Time Away from Home
In local driving, you may work long hours, but you’re home at the end of the day. OTR driving, however, involves spending days, weeks, or even months away from home. Many OTR drivers work on schedules where they’re on the road for 2-3 weeks and then home for a few days.
- Ask Yourself: Are you comfortable being away from family, friends, and home for extended periods?
2. Work Schedule
While local trucking typically follows a set schedule (even if long), OTR driving can be more unpredictable. You may drive through different time zones, work overnight shifts, and deal with weather conditions that require flexibility in your routine.
- Ask Yourself: Are you adaptable to a less structured schedule, and can you manage fatigue that comes with long, irregular hours?
3. Physical and Mental Endurance
Local drivers are often accustomed to short trips with multiple stops for deliveries or pickups. OTR drivers, on the other hand, need the stamina to handle long stretches on the highway, sometimes with limited breaks. This requires a different kind of mental focus and physical endurance.
- Ask Yourself: Do you enjoy long, uninterrupted drives? Are you prepared for the demands of driving long distances over several days?
4. Job Flexibility
OTR driving gives you more autonomy over how you manage your time on the road, but it also means you’re responsible for making decisions about your routes, rest breaks, and how to meet delivery windows. With local trucking, you’re often working on a tighter schedule and a more defined route.
- Ask Yourself: Do you prefer the freedom to manage your own day, or do you thrive with more structure and predictability?
Steps to Transition from Local to OTR Driving
Once you’ve decided that OTR driving is the right fit for you, it’s time to start the transition. Below are the key steps to take when moving from a local trucking job to OTR driving:
1. Research OTR Companies and Their Requirements
Not all OTR jobs are the same, and different companies have varying requirements for experience, licensing, and qualifications. Some OTR carriers may prefer drivers with prior OTR experience, while others are willing to hire drivers who are transitioning from local work.
- Tip: Start by researching OTR carriers, looking for ones that offer competitive pay, benefits, and a schedule that aligns with your needs. If you’re new to OTR driving, search for companies that provide comprehensive training for drivers making the switch.
2. Get the Right Endorsements and Certifications
Depending on what you’ll be hauling as an OTR driver, you may need additional endorsements beyond your standard CDL. For example:
- Hazmat Endorsement: If you’ll be transporting hazardous materials.
- Tanker Endorsement: For liquid cargo, such as fuel or chemicals.
- Doubles/Triples Endorsement: If you’ll be pulling multiple trailers.
If you don’t already have these endorsements, look into the testing and certification process, as they can make you a more attractive candidate for OTR companies.
3. Update Your Resume and Apply for OTR Positions
Transitioning from a local trucking job to OTR is a career shift, and your resume should reflect the skills and experience that will benefit you as an OTR driver. Highlight your driving history, safe driving records, and any experience you have with different types of cargo or long-distance driving.
Once your resume is updated, start applying to OTR positions. Be ready to discuss how your local driving experience has prepared you for the demands of OTR work.
4. Prepare for Life on the Road
The lifestyle of an OTR driver is drastically different from that of a local driver. If you’ve never been on the road for extended periods, this will require both mental and practical adjustments.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
- Pack Wisely: Since you’ll be living in your truck for weeks at a time, packing the essentials is crucial. This includes clothing for various weather conditions, toiletries, non-perishable food, and entertainment (books, music, or a laptop).
- Get Comfortable with Truck Stops: Truck stops will become your new “home away from home.” Learning how to manage your time for refueling, resting, and showering is essential for a smooth OTR experience.
- Stay in Touch: Being away from home for extended periods can be difficult. Make a plan to stay connected with loved ones, whether through regular phone calls, video chats, or social media. This will help combat feelings of loneliness and keep your support system close.
5. Embrace the OTR Lifestyle and Challenges
OTR driving offers plenty of freedom, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. You’ll need to be prepared for long hours, tight deadlines, and unpredictable weather or traffic conditions. But you’ll also get to see parts of the country you may never have visited otherwise, and you’ll gain a sense of independence that’s unique to life on the road.
Here are some strategies for success:
- Manage Your Time Effectively: One of the keys to being a successful OTR driver is learning how to balance your driving time with rest breaks, fuel stops, and delivery schedules. Using apps or GPS systems designed for truckers can help you stay on track.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: It’s easy to fall into unhealthy habits when you’re on the road for long periods. Make an effort to eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and get regular exercise—even if it’s just stretching or walking during rest breaks.
Let’s discuss: Do you feel ready for the lifestyle adjustments that come with OTR driving? What challenges do you anticipate facing, and how can you prepare for them?
How to Set Yourself Up for Success in OTR
While transitioning to OTR driving can be a big step, there are several ways to set yourself up for long-term success. Here are some additional tips to help you thrive as an OTR driver:
Build Strong Communication Skills
OTR drivers often work independently, but clear communication with dispatchers, customers, and other drivers is crucial. Stay in regular contact with your dispatch team to ensure deliveries are on time and any potential issues are resolved quickly.
Maintain Your Truck
As an OTR driver, your truck is your lifeline. Regular maintenance is key to avoiding breakdowns and ensuring your safety on the road. Develop a habit of checking your truck daily, keeping it clean, and addressing any mechanical issues as soon as they arise.
Focus on Safety
Safety is always a top priority in trucking, but OTR driving presents additional challenges due to the long hours, unfamiliar routes, and changing weather conditions. Stay alert and prioritize rest so you can stay focused on the road.
Learn How to Manage Stress
Life on the road can be stressful at times, especially when dealing with tight deadlines, traffic, or unexpected delays. Developing stress-management techniques—whether it’s deep breathing, listening to music, or taking short breaks—will help you stay calm and focused.
Conclusion
Transitioning from a local trucking job to OTR can be both rewarding and challenging. While the lifestyle shift may require some adjustment, the opportunities for higher earnings, career growth, and the adventure of traveling across the country make it a compelling choice for many drivers. By preparing yourself mentally, securing the right endorsements, and embracing the unique aspects of OTR driving, you can make the switch with confidence and enjoy a successful career on the open road.
