OTR, or over the road, and local driving are two different types of commercial driving. OTR drivers go farther distances and spend more time on the road, while local drivers’ routes are closer to the central area. If you’re deciding between OTR and local, continue reading and see which one is best for you.
Family Time
Since OTR drivers take on longer distances, they have to go farther away from home and won’t be able to see their families as frequently. Whereas local drivers might get to go home every night or two, OTR drivers may spend the better part of the week on the road. If you have young children that you want to be around, it might be best to go with local driving. As your kids grow up and you can spend more time out, you might switch to OTR driving.
Sights
You’re not going to see anything too out of the ordinary if you’re driving along the same routes every day, as a local driver might, so OTR driving has the advantage when it comes to sightseeing. You’ll see places and landscapes you’ve never seen when you travel for long stretches, which is what draws some people to the job in the first place. If you’re in it for the sightseeing, then consider OTR driving.
Job Security
Knowing that you have a job to show up to every day and a steady paycheck to make a living off of is comforting, and truck drivers in general enjoy a great deal of job security. If you want to be as comfortable as possible in your job security, know that OTR drivers are retained slightly more than local drivers.
No matter which option seems more appealing, you have to start by earning your commercial driver’s license. The Phoenix Truck Driving School of Ft. Bliss is happy to help you prepare, so visit our website or call us at (877) 206-8344 today.
