
OTR, or over-the-road trucking, is a term often heard in the freight industry. But what exactly does it mean? For those new to trucking, understanding OTR is essential, as it plays a crucial role in long-haul transportation across the country. OTR trucking involves hauling freight over long distances, typically between states, and requires a unique set of skills and lifestyle adjustments. Let’s break down what OTR trucking is and why it’s significant in the trucking world.
From hot shot trucking to local deliveries and cross-country trips, truckers have many options when it comes to which loads they pick up and where they go. With 2.2 million of the 3.5 million active truck drivers in the U.S. working as over-the-road (OTR) truckers as of 2023, OTR trucking is an incredibly popular option.
OTR drivers are responsible for moving 72.6% of the freight in the U.S., putting them at the heart of our economy. Without OTR trucking, manufacturers and stores would need to turn to a combination of trains and local or regional trucking to receive new inventory—but who exactly are these drivers, and what do they do?
This article will go over the meaning of OTR, what OTR drivers do, how to become an OTR driver, challenges in OTR trucking jobs, how drivers can find OTR loads, and more.
In the trucking industry, not all driving jobs are created equal. The terms OTR, regional, and local trucking each refer to different types of driving routes, schedules, and lifestyle requirements. Understanding the distinctions between these categories can help drivers and companies choose the right type of freight hauling for their needs.
While the focus of this piece is on OTR trucking itself, understanding OTR means understanding its context. OTR trucking is just one portion of the larger logistics industry. In fact, logistics are broken into three key segments: first-mile, middle-mile, and last-mile logistics. Let’s take a closer look at each of these segments:
To pursue a career in OTR trucking, the first step is obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which is required to legally operate large commercial vehicles. The process of earning a CDL varies by state but generally includes passing both a written exam and a practical driving test. Aspiring drivers should begin by studying their state’s CDL handbook or enrolling in a trucking school to take a CDL course for more structured training.
There are three classes of CDLs, each qualifying drivers to operate different types of vehicles:
Automatic-only CDL restriction: If you take your CDL skills test in a truck with an automatic transmission, your license will include a restriction—known as Restriction E—which limits you to driving automatic vehicles only. To avoid this limitation and qualify to drive both manual and automatic trucks, it’s best to test in a manual transmission vehicle if possible.
Additionally, drivers need to pass a CDL hazmat written knowledge test to transport hazardous materials and gain their H endorsement. Other CDL endorsements include:
Once you’ve earned all the necessary licenses, you’re ready to embark on an exciting career as an OTR driver! Life on the open road is an adventure, full of unique experiences and the chance to see parts of the country that many people never get to explore. While being an OTR trucker means spending time away from home, it also offers the freedom to travel and the opportunity to develop valuable skills. You may encounter a variety of weather, busy highways, and limited meal choices, but each of these can be an opportunity to build resilience and resourcefulness.
Below are some of the challenges you might face as an OTR trucker:
If you hit these limits, you’ll need to wait for your hours to reset. This is typically done by taking 34 consecutive hours off duty.
Note: If you’re a short-haul driver operating within a 150 air-mile radius, different exemptions apply. These drivers often work up to 12 hours per day, follow the same 60/70 hour weekly limits, and usually enjoy more regular schedules with weekends off.
To help enforce these rules, the federal government introduced the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate in 2019, requiring most commercial drivers to track hours electronically.
OTR trucking offers drivers the opportunity to earn higher wages while covering long-haul, coast-to-coast routes. However, it requires a commitment to spending extended periods away from home and careful planning to manage both time and profits effectively. Success in OTR trucking also depends on following safety regulations, obtaining the proper endorsements, and strategically selecting loads to minimize downtime. Whether you’re a new driver or managing a large fleet, mastering these elements is essential to thrive in the demanding world of over-the-road trucking.
FAQs
OTR, or over-the-road trucking, refers to long-haul driving where truckers transport freight across long distances, often traveling between states or coast to coast. OTR drivers typically spend extended periods on the road, sometimes weeks at a time, as they deliver goods to various locations. This type of trucking requires drivers to adapt to a life away from home, offering higher earning potential due to the increased demand and mileage.
OTR trucking allows drivers to work up to 11 hours within a 14-hour window each day, as regulated by Hours of Service (HOS) rules. After being on duty for 14 consecutive hours, drivers must take a mandatory 10-hour off-duty break before resuming driving. While drivers can be on duty for up to 14 hours, only 11 of those hours can be spent driving; the remaining time can be used for breaks, fueling, inspections, and other duties. Additionally, a 30-minute break is required after 8 hours of driving to promote safety and reduce fatigue.
Over-the-road trucking companies are always looking for new drivers, and they pay accordingly. Compared to other trucking jobs, OTR driver jobs typically offer a higher salary, though the exact amount can vary depending on years of experience, routes, types of loads, and more. The average salary for an OTR truck driver is $64,471 per year, and the median is $64,000, according to PayScale. However, some OTR drivers make as little as $42,000 per year, while others make $91,000 or more per year. Typically, those with more experience and certain endorsements make salaries towards the top of the range.
OTR trucking usually involves long-haul routes, where drivers move full truckloads across states or regions. These trips are often direct, with few stops, and can last several days or more.
LTL (less-than-truckload) is used for smaller freight that doesn’t fill an entire trailer. It operates on a hub-and-spoke system in which freight is picked up from multiple customers, consolidated at terminals, and moved through regional hubs using smaller linehaul trailers (often 28-foot). The final delivery is typically handled by a local driver.
While LTL shipments can travel long distances, the freight makes the journey via a network of handoffs. OTR drivers, on the other hand, usually stay with the load from origin to destination.
To work in OTR trucking, you’ll need a Class A Commercial Driver’s License, which qualifies you to operate combination vehicles with a gross weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
Be mindful of the automatic-only restriction (Restriction E). If you take your CDL skills test in a truck with an automatic transmission, your license will limit you to driving automatic vehicles. Testing in a manual transmission truck helps avoid this restriction and keeps your job options open.
You can also add endorsements to expand your qualifications:
These endorsements require passing additional written tests and, in some cases (like hazmat), background checks.
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