What is Over-the-Road (OTR) Trucking?

OTR trucking refers to the transport of goods over long distances, typically spanning hundreds or thousands of miles. Unlike regional or local trucking, OTR routes often require drivers to cross multiple state lines or even national borders. Common examples of OTR routes include shipments from the East Coast to the West Coast or between the United States and Canada.

This type of trucking is essential for maintaining supply chains in industries like retail, manufacturing, and construction. It’s the reason consumers can find fresh produce in supermarkets or the latest products on store shelves.

Features of OTR Trucking:

• Long-Distance Travel: Typically involves routes that cross state lines and cover hundreds or thousands of miles.
• Freight Variety: Drivers may transport a wide range of goods, from refrigerated items and hazardous materials to dry goods and oversized loads.
• Extended Time on the Road: Drivers often spend days or weeks away from home, living and sleeping in their trucks.
• Nationwide Impact: Plays a critical role in the supply chain, supporting industries such as retail, manufacturing, and agriculture.

What Does an OTR Truck Driver Do?

Life as an OTR truck driver is both rewarding and challenging. Drivers spend significant time on the open road, covering long distances and managing schedules to meet delivery deadlines. For solo drivers, independence is a key advantage, offering the freedom to navigate routes and manage time independently.

Common responsibilities include:

• Driving long distances across state lines and national borders.
• Loading and unloading freight, sometimes involving manual labor.
• Maintaining delivery schedules to ensure on-time shipments.
• Inspecting the truck and ensuring the vehicle is in safe operating condition.
• Communicating with dispatchers about routes, delays, or delivery updates.

Why OTR Trucking is in High Demand

Goods must move across state lines and national borders to meet consumer demand, and OTR drivers are key to ensuring this happens. The trucking industry faces a growing need for experienced OTR truckers, creating excellent opportunities for those entering the field.

While regional routes and local driving remain important, OTR trucking covers the long-haul needs that other models cannot fulfill. Industries like retail, agriculture, and manufacturing rely heavily on the ability of OTR drivers to transport goods across the country, making their role indispensable.

Who Should Consider OTR Trucking?

OTR trucking is a good fit for drivers who:

• Enjoy long hours on the open road.
• Are comfortable spending weeks away from home.
• Have the endurance for physical labor like securing loads.
• Want higher pay compared to local or regional trucking jobs.

Are You a New Driver?

For new drivers entering the trucking industry, OTR trucking provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience. While long-haul driving requires long hours and time away from home, it offers unmatched opportunities to gain experience. However, it can be challenging for those unprepared for the lifestyle.

How Is OTR Trucking Different From Other Trucking Jobs?

• Local trucking: Local drivers focus on short-haul deliveries, typically returning home every night. This makes local driving appealing for those seeking a predictable schedule.
• Regional trucking: Regional drivers handle routes within a specific area (e.g., the Midwest or Northeast), offering a balance between home time and mileage. Regional truckers often haul freight along a dedicated route.
• OTR trucking: OTR truckers often spend weeks on the road, traveling long-haul routes and crossing state lines. This commitment is rewarded with higher pay and unique travel opportunities.

Benefits of Over-the-Road Trucking

1. Higher Pay

One of the biggest advantages of OTR trucking is the potential for higher pay. OTR drivers often earn more than local or regional drivers due to the increased demands and longer distances associated with the job.

2. Travel Opportunities

OTR truck drivers experience life on the open road, traveling to diverse locations across the United States. For those who enjoy exploration, this aspect is a major perk.

3. Job Security

With the high demand for drivers in the trucking company workforce, OTR trucking provides long-term job stability and growth potential.

Challenges of OTR Trucking

While rewarding, OTR trucking comes with its challenges:

• Long periods away from home: Drivers must adapt to extended time on the road, which can be difficult for those with families.
• Physical demands: Long hours of driving and manual labor involved in loading and unloading freight can take a toll.
• Lifestyle management: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while on the road requires discipline and planning.

How to Start as an Over-the-Road Driver

1. Requirements: To become an OTR truck driver, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and, in some cases, endorsements for specific freight like hazardous materials.
2. Training: Many trucking companies offer training programs for new drivers, helping them gain the skills and experience needed for OTR trucking.
3. Equipment: OTR drivers often use sleeper cabs equipped with amenities for living on the road.

How Much Do Over-the-Road Truck Drivers Make?

The average salary for OTR truckers varies based on experience, type of freight hauled, and company policies. However, OTR drivers typically earn more than regional or local drivers due to the demands of long-haul trucking.

Compared to local truck drivers, who typically have more predictable schedules and shorter routes, and regional drivers, who operate within a defined area, OTR truckers often enjoy higher earning potential. For those willing to spend long periods on the road and take on the unique challenges of the open road, OTR trucking provides a rewarding career path with competitive pay and growth opportunities in the trucking industry.

Mercer Transportation’s Long-Haul Services

At Mercer Transportation, we specialize in long-haul trucking and cross-border freight services, connecting businesses across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With a fleet of experienced drivers and a commitment to timely deliveries, we ensure your shipments are handled with care and precision.

Whether you need to move freight across the East Coast, West Coast, or national borders, Mercer Transportation has the expertise to make it happen.

Interested in Becoming an Over-the-Road Driver?

Are you looking to take your trucking career to the next level? Mercer Transportation offers drivers the opportunity to become owner-operators, giving you the freedom to run your own trucking business while enjoying the support of one of the most respected names in the industry.

As an owner-operator with Mercer Transportation, you’ll benefit from:

• Flexible freight options to choose the loads and routes that work best for you.
• Competitive pay and settlements, ensuring you get the most out of every mile.
• Supportive dispatch teams that help you stay on schedule and maximize efficiency.
• Access to a network of cross-border and long-haul freight opportunities.

Ready to join the Mercer team? Contact us today to learn how Mercer Transportation can meet your shipping needs.