What Is OTR Trucking?
OTR trucking consists of picking freight up in one place and delivering it to another, mainly across several states. Driving trucks that weigh at least 26,001 pounds, some long-haul drivers have regular routes, which takes them to the same place each trip, and some irregular route carriers go all over the United States, Canada and even Mexico. Some companies have their own OTR trucking divisions for transporting their own goods, while others contract deliveries with outside trucking companies.
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Function
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Planes cannot make direct pickups or deliveries. Almost all goods sold will be on a truck at some point, and OTR trucking companies ensure that these goods are available to the consumer. Trains, planes and ships transport goods as well, but they do not have the flexibility of a truck. A train, plane or ship cannot ship products to an inner-city location or a rural facility without placing the goods on a truck for pickup and final delivery.
Types
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OTR trucking companies sometime specialize in different equipment types. Dry vans are typically 102 inches wide, 13.5 feet high and 53 feet long. These trailers transport material that needs protection from the weather, but does not need a certain temperature. Flatbed trailers transport large products or products that are more easily loaded and unloaded from the side of the trailer, such as lumber. Refrigerated carriers use reefer trailers to transport goods that require a controlled temperature, and tank trailers deliver liquid materials such as gasoline.
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Training
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A Class A driver's license must be held by any OTR driver hauling heavy goods. This license will show any law officials that the driver knows the laws and regulations that his job requires, and any restrictions, such as the need for eyeglasses, that the driver has. Trucking companies require an inexperienced driver to team with an experienced driver in order to learn how to do the job.
Considerations
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OTR trucking can be a difficult career choice. Days and weeks away from home, long hours and solitude can be difficult for drivers and their families. Traffic problems and weather hazards can increase a driver's stress levels, which can lead to health problems. Lack of time to exercise and poor eating habits also contribute to poor health. Anyone considering an OTR trucking career may want to think about the problems of the job.
Benefits
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Job security and availability are two benefits of an OTR trucking career. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job opportunities are favorable for OTR drivers in the future. The DOL estimates that the industry will create as many as 291,900 new jobs from 2008 to 2018. Many companies offer insurance to their drivers, and most companies offer retirement plans.
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References
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- Photo Credit derelict tractor trailers in a row image by Bo Widerberg from Fotolia.com Plane image by Nikolay Okhitin from Fotolia.com
