Everything to Know About Being an OTR Truck Driver
The idea of starting a new career can be both exciting and scary. But if you love the thought of life on the open road, with a secure salary that includes great benefits, you may be perfect for truck driving jobs—specifically as an over-the-road truck driver.
You probably see large trucks daily on your regular commute—the trucking industry has always been essential, and that’s never been more obvious than over the past year. Truck driver jobs can be both challenging and rewarding. Even if you don’t have any experience, you can be driving in as little as one month!
The best part? New drivers can start with an average salary of $50k annually depending on the truck carrier they work for and the type of freight they haul.
What Is an Over the Road Truck Driver?
An over-the-road truck driver secures freight, so it stays put throughout the drive and waits until it is completely unloaded upon arrival at the destination. It’s a job that requires you to drive long distances for hours at a time.
There are several rules in place that protect you and give you plenty of time to rest and recover between trips. For example, after you’ve driven a maximum of 11 hours continuously, you can relax in the truck’s berth. This area is often equipped with a bed and where you can add appliances like a small fridge and microwave—it’s basically your on-the-go apartment. Kick your feet up to rest for at least seven hours before you have to head back out on the open road.
After eight hours of driving, you can take a 30-minute break—often, this will be at truck stops at the side of major highways, where you can grab some food, freshen up, and refuel the truck. These truck stops are also great for when you’re ready to rest and when you need to take a hot shower. They have everything you need and are always conveniently located so you don’t detour off your path.
What You Do as an OTR Truck Driver
You have several responsibilities besides driving when you’re an OTR truck driver. The first and most important responsibility you have is to obtain your commercial driver’s license (Class A CDL), which is what you need to operate a truck. Once the initial CDL training, for which you can get financing, is complete, you can work with a recruiter to find a trucking company that best suits your needs. You can then get started on your new job.
You need to follow road maps and adhere to instructions to make sure you’re protecting the cargo and always arriving on time. Before you load up, you need to inspect the truck. You must also verify that what’s being loaded is exactly what needs to be transported. Finally, you can head off toward delivery.
The two main responsibilities are delivering each load safely and on time. When you’re on a trip with long miles, your pay increases; this is because many drivers are paid through a pay-per-mile system. You’re also responsible for logging all relevant information, including how many hours and miles you travel, where you stop for your resting periods, and any paperwork related to the pick-up and delivery of cargo.
