What do you love about OTR?

[honestashol]

I've been told that if you love your job, it's like getting free money. Several people have said in older posts that they love their OTR gig, I want to know why. Me, I love a good challenge. I've met every challenge at my current career of 20 years and am getting bored, but I've read some good challenges here.

Not including down time, what do you love about OTR driving, bumping docks, tarping, etc?

[JeffTheTerrible]

I only ran OTR for a comparatively short period of time, and stopped in late '05, when I began running local, but, for me there were a number of things.
For one, going places. I've always loved to travel, and since my career as the next famous white rapper hadn't taken off yet (and still hasn't, but we won't worry about that), I didn't have the money to go sailing around the world in a private yacht, but travelling across the USA (and Canada) in a big truck wasn't a bad alternative. Granted, it may not have allowed for me to see all of the major tourist attractions (such as the world's largest ball of twine, which I've always harboured a secret desire to see for myself one day), but I did get to go to some interesting places, and see some interesting things.
But my favourite part about it... really, it was the people I happened across. Yeah, I ran into some assclowns out there, but, there were also those people who'd run with me across Texas, New Mexico, or wherever else, and the time would fly by as we chatted on the CB, and we might hang out for a bit at the end of the day. I think that's what I miss the most about it.
Mind you, there's plenty that I don't miss about it, as well, but, all in all, I don't regret it.

[rodcannon]

I only ran OTR for a comparatively short period of time, and stopped in late '05, when I began running local, but, for me there were a number of things.
For one, going places. I've always loved to travel, and since my career as the next famous white rapper hadn't taken off yet (and still hasn't, but we won't worry about that), I didn't have the money to go sailing around the world in a private yacht, but travelling across the USA (and Canada) in a big truck wasn't a bad alternative. Granted, it may not have allowed for me to see all of the major tourist attractions (such as the world's largest ball of twine, which I've always harboured a secret desire to see for myself one day), but I did get to go to some interesting places, and see some interesting things.
But my favourite part about it... really, it was the people I happened across. Yeah, I ran into some assclowns out there, but, there were also those people who'd run with me across Texas, New Mexico, or wherever else, and the time would fly by as we chatted on the CB, and we might hang out for a bit at the end of the day. I think that's what I miss the most about it.
Mind you, there's plenty that I don't miss about it, as well, but, all in all, I don't regret it.

I feel much the same about my six years and two months in Navy. And I gather it's not uncommon feeling that way. Most of us hated it at the time, complained about Navy all day every day. But when we look back on it later we realize that we had some good times, too, and had experiences we would never have had otherwise.

[Malaki86]

What do you love about OTR?

Less and less every day...

Between the increased traffic on the highways, people not caring about anything other than themselves with you holding them up, the regulations, the high fuel prices (and this is from a company driver), etc etc etc

I'm sure I'll keep driving for quite awhile, but the job isn't the same as it was even 8 years ago when I started driving. Sure, there are still some days where I'm the happiest person out here because of my job, but those days are getting farther and farther between.

[Evinrude]

I love not getting paid for unloading and reloading,fueling,waiting for a load and on on.

[zipy46]

I love the obsequious safety guy that stands at the corner of the lot and

waits till a driver hooks to a trailer with recent damage and phones in to the

safety dept on the poor fellow.

Capitalism....just gotta love it

[JeffTheTerrible]

I feel much the same about my six years and two months in Navy. And I gather it's not uncommon feeling that way. Most of us hated it at the time, complained about Navy all day every day. But when we look back on it later we realize that we had some good times, too, and had experiences we would never have had otherwise.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I did a stint in the Army, myself. And I think the similarity between that and OTR driving is that they are both formed into something of a fraternity. Military personnel have a common ground which can form the basis of conversations that an outsider wouldn't understand, and it really is the same with truck drivers, and people in various other professions, I'm sure.

On a side note, I did consider the Navy, but Shark Week on Discovery Channel persuaded me otherwise

[HWD]

I love the obsequious safety guy that stands at the corner of the lot and

waits till a driver hooks to a trailer with recent damage and phones in to the

safety dept on the poor fellow.

Capitalism....just gotta love it

That ain't capitalism, that's a knob who was probably the grade school hall monitor.

If it weren't for capitalism, you probably wouldn't have a truck to drive.

[zipy46]

I love the obsequious safety guy that stands at the corner of the lot and

waits till a driver hooks to a trailer with recent damage and phones in to the

safety dept on the poor fellow.

Capitalism....just gotta love it

That ain't capitalism, that's a knob who was probably the grade school hall monitor.

If it weren't for capitalism, you probably wouldn't have a truck to drive.

You're right

Good point ,

Trucking is not all that bad...

its just those few that mess it up and make waves for the rest

of the drivers.

[all18wheels]

the fact that i have a job is about the only thing. and i make a good check for a newbie. other than that, drivimg a truck OTR pretty much sucks. cant wait to go local in a year or two

[rigidsporty]

what do you love about OTR driving

The $800 to $1000 a week take-home pay.... period. The rest sucks balls. I'd rather be broke and happy, thats why I went back to a warehouse/driving job that pays dick... but.. theres always LTL. :wink: $18 to $19 an hour starting pay, home nightly and off weekends. I'm studying for my haz-mat and doubles as we speak. :wink:

[rigidsporty]

OTR pretty much sucks. cant wait to go local in a year or two

Look into LTL or food service. Most food service companies (Sysco, Gordon, PFG, US Foods, ect.) are so desperate for drivers, some will hire drivers fresh out of school... but you'll work your ever-lovin' ***** off (voice of experience :wink: ). Most LTL companies (like Southeastern, Saia, Estes, ect.) will hire with as little as 12 months experience but require Haz-mat and doubles/triples endorsements. Just a couple suggestions... good luck.

[BHG0069]

IMO its all about the company you run OTR for. I used to hate OTR, but now that I am with a solid company I honestly do not mind it one bit. I usually leave on Monday and and home by Fri or Sat. I bring home around $800 a week. My company is a perfect fit for me, I LOVE it here.

Now mind you that I am single, no children and no debts. That will most defiantly play a role in your "OTR lifestyle".

[zipy46]

IMO its all about the company you run OTR for. I used to hate OTR, but now that I am with a solid company I honestly do not mind it one bit. I usually leave on Monday and and home by Fri or Sat. I bring home around $800 a week. My company is a perfect fit for me, I LOVE it here.

Now mind you that I am single, no children and no debts. That will most defiantly play a role in your "OTR lifestyle".

Yes...exactly...gotta find the perfect fit.

[DDCavi]

I bring home around $800 a week.

Gross?

[Evinrude]

[quote="honestashol"]I've been told that if you love your job, it's like getting free money. ]


The only people that are getting free money is the Companies as there drivers sit hours on end for a load. As I sit here in PA for hours waiting for a reload I thought should warn newbies. Take your gross pay and divide it by hours in the company truck and you will cry.

[all18wheels]

OTR pretty much sucks. cant wait to go local in a year or two

Look into LTL or food service. Most food service companies (Sysco, Gordon, PFG, US Foods, ect.) are so desperate for drivers, some will hire drivers fresh out of school... but you'll work your ever-lovin' ***** off (voice of experience :wink: ). Most LTL companies (like Southeastern, Saia, Estes, ect.) will hire with as little as 12 months experience but require Haz-mat and doubles/triples endorsements. Just a couple suggestions... good luck.

im a flatbedder, i already work my "ever-lovin *****" off.
worked for ABF for a bit, but i screwed up and was hired as a city driver. so, i spent my 3 month career with them on the docks 20 hours a week.
i like my job now, but i would like a "home most nights" job
my goal is looking at grocery store like Safeway or Raley's
SMC, etc.
or, one of the other LTL Companies you mentioned. but this time it will be as a line haul driver.
dont get me wrong, i get paid well for a newbie as a flatbedder.
but i have to be away from home during the week ( i know, boohoo)
and id like to get away from tying down loads in the weather

[BigWheels]

IMO its all about the company you run OTR for. I used to hate OTR, but now that I am with a solid company I honestly do not mind it one bit. I usually leave on Monday and and home by Fri or Sat. I bring home around $800 a week. My company is a perfect fit for me, I LOVE it here.

Now mind you that I am single, no children and no debts. That will most defiantly play a role in your "OTR lifestyle".

Bingo! If I was single, no kids, and had little-to-no debt, I'd be an OTR driver in a heartbeat (with a carrier that fit my OTR lifestyle).