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Thread: Definition of "OTR"

  1. 03-09-2009 03:25 PM #1
    NoBama
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    Default Definition of "OTR"

    What does "OTR" experience mean? I have run local city P&D for two different LTL companies. I have driven Line-haul for the same two LTL companies. These are the states I have driven in. Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Would driving in those states be considered "OTR"? Thanks for any insight and possible definition.
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  2. 03-09-2009 03:37 PM #2
    NoBama
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    I think what I'm trying to ask is if driving in those states would tend to be considered "OTR"? I am now a victim of the economic situation that the world is in. I was laid off from my job at Con-way freight today and am not about to sit on my behind and collect un-employment. I live in north-west OH. I've been driving commercially for 43 months. I have 0 points on my MVR, No DUI's ever and all endorsements except passenger. I think I will have a hard time finding something local. Would like to pull tank. Food-grade or Haz-mat. Was thinking about giving strong consideration to flat-bed. TMC, Boyd, Melton comes to mind. I think everyone is struggling right now, even regional and OTR(?). Have'nt talked to any carriers, just been on some web-sites. Thanks and god-bless.
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  3. 03-09-2009 03:52 PM #3
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    Just explain your situation to any prospective employer. Sounds as though you are good on the experience part.

    Arguing on the C.B. is kinda like running in the Special Olympics, 'cause even if you win your still retarted.
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  4. 03-09-2009 03:57 PM #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by NoBama View Post
    What does "OTR" experience mean? I have run local city P&D for two different LTL companies. I have driven Line-haul for the same two LTL companies. These are the states I have driven in. Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Would driving in those states be considered "OTR"? Thanks for any insight and possible definition.
    Personally, I would consider that regional. "OTR", to me, means that you aren't limited as to where you go.
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  5. 03-09-2009 04:29 PM #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by NoBama View Post
    What does "OTR" experience mean? I have run local city P&D for two different LTL companies. I have driven Line-haul for the same two LTL companies. These are the states I have driven in. Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Would driving in those states be considered "OTR"? Thanks for any insight and possible definition.
    NO! Most(and I said MOST) OTR carriers will consider you to have NO OTR experience. Most(again I said MOST) will start you out as a newbie and put you with a trainer and pay bottom scale.

    I tried that five years ago. Applied at the "Big Orange" for their Walmart account. Already had five years driving at that time. They said that I had NO OTR experience and that I would have to go with a trainer and all that BS. Most OTR companies don't count local and/or regional driving as experience.
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  6. 03-09-2009 06:11 PM #6
    Uturn2001
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    Generally speaking OTR experience means irregular route multi state operations. You usually have to get both in at the same time for it to count as OTR experience, and regional does often count if it is irregular route.
    Finding the right trucking company is like finding the right person to marry. I really comes down to finding one whose BS you can put up with and who can put up wih yours.
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  7. 03-10-2009 12:33 AM #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Double R View Post
    NO! Most(and I said MOST) OTR carriers will consider you to have NO OTR experience. Most(again I said MOST) will start you out as a newbie and put you with a trainer and pay bottom scale.

    I tried that five years ago. Applied at the "Big Orange" for their Walmart account. Already had five years driving at that time. They said that I had NO OTR experience and that I would have to go with a trainer and all that BS. Most OTR companies don't count local and/or regional driving as experience.
    A blessing in disguise at the time DR! Now you know the rest of the story!
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  8. 03-10-2009 08:25 AM #8
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    Thanks for the insight. I'm pretty sure that UPS Freight is at least accepting apps for possible future openings. Take some time and do that. One of the reasons I beleive I was hired by Con-way was and is YRC's possible demise, then freight really went south. Thanks again and God-bless.
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  9. 03-10-2009 08:33 AM #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by NoBama View Post
    I'm pretty sure that UPS Freight is at least accepting apps for possible future openings.
    Yes we are and I would definately do that. Rumor has it we are turning Toledo into a minihub (FAC in Conway lingo) and will run triples out of there. If true it would be a good place to get in early.
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  10. 03-10-2009 10:11 AM #10
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    Checked into filling out app. for future openings. No Toledo location.? Closest terminal to me would be Mansfield? This is for the Freight Div. not Package Div. Gonna make a phone call to the Toledo terminal. Thanks Snowman7, God-bless.
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  11. 03-10-2009 10:51 AM #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by NoBama View Post
    Checked into filling out app. for future openings. No Toledo location.? Closest terminal to me would be Mansfield? This is for the Freight Div. not Package Div. Gonna make a phone call to the Toledo terminal. Thanks Snowman7, God-bless.
    Just checked and you're right, they aren't taking apps. The terminal is on Nebraska, I've been there several times.
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  12. 03-11-2009 08:06 AM #12
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    The best way to find out is to call the recruiters and ask what their company considers to be OTR.

    Most of the recruiting sites will just say OTR experience, you will have to actually talk to the recruiting department to get the real info on the details.


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  13. 03-11-2009 08:48 AM #13
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    NoBama, I'm in the same boat, as far as OTR experience goes. I've been driving for SYSCO for the last 6 years.

    If something happened to my job, I probably would have to do some kind of "refresh" course, or whatever they call it, if I wanted to look into the major carriers. I got my Class A the summer I turned 21, the first year I went on wheat harvest. I was hauling wheat from the fields to the elevator when I was in high school. (I have done farm work for an outfit, since I was in high school) The first truck that ever drove, or learned how to was a Chevrolet C-60. I thought I was in tall cotton

    If you drive for a local company, where you are home every night, I don't think companies consider that to be OTR experience. Kinda silly, but that's how they are. Even though, some of us had driving experience, before we got our CDL. I don't think it makes any difference how long you been driving a truck, trucking companies want to know what you have done in the last 3 years. If you have been driving, OTR in the last 3 years, I think you would have good chances. (I could be wrong)


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  14. 03-12-2009 07:57 AM #14
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    Thanks again for your insight.
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  15. 03-12-2009 09:23 AM #15
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    Definition of OTR is different with every company. Some mean all 48, some say you must drive atleast 5 or 6 + states, yet others say if you have to use a log book.

    Personally I find it ******ed. Why would you turn down someone with a perfect record that has been driving a semi locally for 6 years, yet go with someone who only has 6mos experience.

    Sure you can say 'Well they don't have experience in all weather and terrain', if you drove locally or regionally in the Northeast, every terrain is up there, with 4 full seasons, not to mention you get to do it all with lots of traffic .
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    So all I can do is take it slow.
    But I do know it will work out,
    So I wait and watch without a doubt    .
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  16. 03-12-2009 09:24 AM #16
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    haha the word retar-d is censored, that os odd. What If I was to say engine ******ers?
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    As I sit looking all around,
    Confusion and uncertainty is all I found.
    The answers are there,
    But I do not know where.
    Optimistic and hopeful dreams,
    Are all I have so it seems.
    The future I do not know,
    So all I can do is take it slow.
    But I do know it will work out,
    So I wait and watch without a doubt    .
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  17. 03-12-2009 09:57 AM #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by matcat View Post
    Sure you can say 'Well they don't have experience in all weather and terrain', .
    Anytime I see that in an ad, I just laugh.
    I'm from Texas, I've driven in all types of weather, and different terrain. We can have all 4 seasons of the year in a week's time, and from one side, and up down the other, we have all kinds of terrain.


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  18. 03-12-2009 10:02 AM #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jackrabbit379 View Post
    Anytime I see that in an ad, I just laugh.
    I'm from Texas, I've driven in all types of weather, and different terrain. We can have all 4 seasons of the year in a week's time, and from one side, and up down the other, we have all kinds of terrain.

    Hehe yeah Texas does have a melting pot of terrain, and though
    i know it does happen from time to time, I have yet to see snow though in texas.
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    As I sit looking all around,
    Confusion and uncertainty is all I found.
    The answers are there,
    But I do not know where.
    Optimistic and hopeful dreams,
    Are all I have so it seems.
    The future I do not know,
    So all I can do is take it slow.
    But I do know it will work out,
    So I wait and watch without a doubt    .
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  19. 03-12-2009 10:25 AM #19
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    For the most part, Texas does have mild winters.
    You get out west, and towards the panhandle, it can get ugly in winter. I've seen some rough weather north of Armadillo.
    I've seen on the weather before that Armadillo has had all kinds of snow, and it could be in the 60s here, on the very same day.


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  20. 03-16-2009 11:25 PM #20
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    OTR does have a different meaning for different folks. Most of the time, it's use by recruiters to start you out at a lower pay, stating that you have no experience. That will change when the economy changes again, and the demand for trucks drivers comes back again.

    For me, OTR has a totally different meaning.

    It means you start out away from your home, 3-6 weeks at a time.

    You are on your own while you are there, unless you team up with someone.

    Your home is a small box that you travel with, smaller than most bathrooms.

    You have be careful with how you budget you cash flow...being broke is always trouble while your out.

    And you better love yourself. You will be with you for a long time....

    OTR is a way of life. Not some position with some company. It can be as easy or as hard as you make it.

    And it's NOT meant for everyone.

    Anyone can learn to drive a truck. Only a few of those will stay in it to become truck drivers.

    Good luck.
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