Being a truck driver opens up a world of opportunities. You must decide whether you want to drive locally or as an over-the-road trucker as one of your initial decisions.
Making an educated selection will be possible if you are aware of the benefits and drawbacks of each option. Below we have described in detail about OTR trucking and job requirements, so continue reading.
What is over-the-road trucking (OTR)?
Freight is transported across vast distances, frequently over state boundaries and sometimes international borders, by over-the-road trucks. An over-the-road trucker may travel for 3–4 weeks at a time, either in hotels and motels along the way or in the cabin of the truck.
Instead of only single drivers, it’s usual to see two-person OTR teams on the road. The crew can work in shifts while still maintaining compliance with driving laws if someone else is responsible for driving the route.
OTR drivers transport a variety of freight, including heavy equipment, automobiles, building supplies, and consumer products. OTR driving is how many truck drivers begin their careers. But many experienced drivers opt for an OTR career since there is always a need for them and because they frequently make more money.
OTR trucking job requirements
To become an OTR truck driver, an individual must be at least 21 years old and have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). This license is obtained by passing a written exam and a driving test, which assesses the individual’s knowledge of traffic laws and their ability to safely operate a large commercial vehicle.
In addition to a CDL, OTR truck drivers must have a clean driving record and be able to pass a background check and a drug test. Employers may also require their OTR drivers to have a certain amount of experience driving large vehicles, as well as a good understanding of basic vehicle maintenance and repair.
Physical fitness is also an important requirement for OTR truck drivers. The job requires long hours of sitting and driving, as well as the ability to lift and move heavy items. As a result, OTR truck drivers must be in good physical shape and able to perform the physical tasks required by the job.
In terms of personal characteristics, OTR truck drivers must be reliable, responsible, and able to work independently for long periods of time. They must also have good communication skills, as they may be required to communicate with customers and other members of the transportation team.
Overall, the job requirements for OTR trucking positions are demanding, but the rewards of this career can be significant. OTR truck drivers are essential to the economy, and they are well-compensated for their hard work and dedication.
There aren’t many obstacles to pursuing an OTR trucking career, but obtaining your commercial driver’s licence is the key first step. To lawfully drive big, heavy vehicles in commerce, you need this licence.
There are three classes of CDL:
Class A CDL: Driving a truck with a gross combined weight rating of at least 26,001 pounds requires a Class A CDL, which is the most prevalent (tractor-trailers, tankers, livestock carriers, and flatbeds).
Class B CDL: Required to drive a single vehicle that isn’t coupled to a trailer and has a combined weight of at least 26,001 pounds is a class B CDL ( examples are tourist busses, school buses, heavy delivery trucks).
Class C: Need to drive a car that weighs more than 26,001 pounds when all of its components are integrated, or a car that is pulling a car that weighs less than 10,000 pounds (double trailers, tank trucks, and HAZMAT vehicles).
A unique CDL endorsement is required if you want to transport hazardous goods as part of your OTR job. You can obtain this endorsement, known as the hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement, by passing a CDL HAZMAT test.
Although each state has its own licencing procedures, all of them involve passing a written exam and a driving test. Similar to the examinations you underwent to obtain your ordinary driver’s licence, although a little more rigorous. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to drive a big vehicle safely and your familiarity with local, state, and federal laws.
A CDL manual from your state is the best place to start. If you’d like, you can prepare for this and pass the CDL exam on your own. To give the learning process some structure, many drivers choose to enrol in a CDL course at a trucking school.
