Over-the-road truck drivers haul the same types of freight as their short-haul counterparts, but there are significant differences between OTR, regional, and state local trucks. Most of these differences involve how much time drivers spend on the road, but there are distinctions in the type of vehicles and tools employed and potential pay.
Regional truck drivers exclusively transport items in a specific region of the nation. Depending on their location within the continental United States, regions can be subdivided into many states. A regional truck driver, for example, would only drive in a specific area, such as the Midwest, Southwest, or Northeast.
Some truck drivers prefer regional driving over OTR trucks because it allows them to spend more time with their families at home. Some trips may last several days, but routes may fall on weekends or normal days off.
Local trucks are short haul and usually pay less than regional or OTR trucks. Just like working an hourly job, you’ll usually be home at the end of the workday with this type of career. You can transport items from a factory or warehouse to stores or from one company to another within a 200 mile radius. To complete their routes, local truck drivers may occasionally cross state lines.
You will spend more time on residential streets with local trucks than in regional or road transport. You can also use a smaller truck and have to make a lot of stops along the way.
