There are three main types of trucking, local, regional and over the road. Most truckers will help unload or load the freight on location, so there is some physical work required. In addition, the DOT allows truck drivers to spend 70 hours on duty during each eight-day period, with no more than 11 hours in any given day. Find out which type of trucking is best for you by understanding the requirements for each.
Local
If you enjoy driving a truck but also have a small family that you want to be able to spend time with as the children grow, local trucking may be your preference. Depending on the type of truck you own, you may work with a broker or other group to find local loads for trucks. This can allow you to choose when and where you haul your load. Generally, if you go with this type of trucking, you won’t be hauling anything more than about 200 miles or working more than 10 hours per day.
Regional
The country is roughly divided into several regional divisions that usually entail a radius of about 1000 miles. Whether you prefer the Northeast, Midwest or other region, you can see that trips will usually take several days and can take you to quite a few more locations. You will likely be driving for a specific period of time, often on the weekend, and then spend a specified period of time at home.
OTR
Over the road trucking can take as many as four weeks at a time as truck drivers go long distances to haul their loads. This may take a driver across the entire United States or into Canada. If you want to see more of the country and haul a larger variety of freight, you will likely want to opt for OTR trucking.
Understanding the differences between local, OTR and regional trucking can help you make a solid choice. No matter which you choose, enjoy the drive!
