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-   New Truck Drivers: Get Help Here (https://www.classadrivers.com/forum/new-truck-drivers-get-help-here-102/)
-   -   Definition of "OTR" (https://www.classadrivers.com/forum/new-truck-drivers-get-help-here/37336-definition-otr.html)

Snowman7 03-10-2009 05:51 AM


Originally Posted by NoBama (Post 441969)
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.:thumbsup:

Just checked and you're right, they aren't taking apps. The terminal is on Nebraska, I've been there several times.

dle 03-11-2009 03:06 AM

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.

Jackrabbit379 03-11-2009 03:48 AM

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 :lol:

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)

NoBama 03-12-2009 02:57 AM

Thanks again for your insight. :thumbsup:

matcat 03-12-2009 04:23 AM

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 :).

matcat 03-12-2009 04:24 AM

haha the word retar-d is censored, that os odd. What If I was to say engine ******ers? :)

Jackrabbit379 03-12-2009 04:57 AM


Originally Posted by matcat (Post 442208)
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. :p :rofl:

matcat 03-12-2009 05:02 AM


Originally Posted by Jackrabbit379 (Post 442215)
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. :p :rofl:


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.

Jackrabbit379 03-12-2009 05:25 AM

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.

Cluggy619 03-16-2009 06:25 PM

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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