Trucks across America transport the goods Americans use and consume daily. From food to furnishings, purchases are made every minute, creating a perpetual need for distribution channels. It is safe to say that the trucking industry has become absolutely vital for the development of the country’s economy. It is no surprise that the industry has the issue of the truck driver shortage, as it constantly keeps growing.
There are three types of truck drivers – regional, OTR (Over The Road), and local. And today, we will focus on regional truck drivers, discussing the essence of the regional truck driving job, its benefits, and what needs to be done to become a regional truck driver.
What Does it Mean To Be a Regional Truck Driver?
So, what is a regional truck driver? A regional truck driver works in a specific part of the country. These drivers oversee routes between local and long-distance drivers, giving them the best of both worlds in some situations.
Typically, companies and distributors split the US into divisions no greater than a 1,000-mile radius. Regional truck driving routes can also be a handful of states rather than an entire region, depending on the size, company, or distributor.
Regional truck drivers work for a set amount of time and then, depending on the company’s policy, get time off for a certain number of days. The regional truck driver lifestyle includes making deliveries during the week, meaning their time off typically coincides with the weekend, allowing them to be home with their friends and family frequently. Additionally, they might even make it home on weeknights, which is a significant benefit for many truck drivers in the industry.
Another beneficial aspect of regional truck driver jobs is that it allows opportunities for travel and access to obscure lands across the country. The drivers can immerse themselves in the diverse cultures while working and exploring new cities and villages.
What are The Advantages of Being a Regional Truck Driver?
Truck driving is generally an advantageous job, and some of the benefits of regional truck driving include:
More time at home
The pleasure of returning home at night is available to regional truck drivers. They spend more time with friends and family since their hauls are substantially shorter than those of over-the-road truck drivers.
Regular Schedule
Regional truck drivers often work a regular schedule. Usually, they will take the same route each day, week, or month. Drivers may more easily organize their lives outside of work by following a set schedule.
Completing More Deliveries
A trucker might need several days for one trip. Regional truckers can finish more hauls in a single day. Regional truck driving becomes more fun when drivers spend less time on the road but still manage to complete more hauls each day.
Familiar Routes
A truck driver who often travels through the same area will discover roadways that are more convenient than others. A driver will quickly learn which routes are preferable and which should be avoided at particular times during the day. Using a familiar route makes things considerably simpler for a truck driver.
Local, OTR, and Regional Truck Drivers. How Do They Differ From Each Other?
Local Truck Drivers
Local truck drivers travel short, 8–10 hour trips so that they may return home each evening. They may set their schedules because many deliveries must be delivered by a certain time each week, and their routes are often within a 200-mile radius. Local drivers usually wake up early (about 4 a.m.) in exchange for the ability to spend their nights at home. The local truck driver salary is about $500 to $700 weekly.
OTR Truck Drivers
OTR drivers transport long-distance freight. OTR truckers go to 48 states while driving for 21 to 30 days at a time. They transport machinery, building supplies, and other equipment in addition to freight. OTR drivers make the most money, their average truck driver salary being $80,000 a year if they work in a team. OTR drivers generally get 34 hours of rest for every 70 hours they work.
Regional Truck Drivers
In contrast to local truckers, regional truck drivers travel shorter distances and on smaller roadways than local ones. The average regional truck driver salary is about $62,400 per year.
What Can a Regional Truck Driver Expect?
Since most regional truck drivers take the same route every day, week, or month, they can be confident that their schedule will typically stay the same. Most regional routes are in the transportation, mail, and food service sectors. The regional truck driving includes:
- Distributing commercial goods to industrial facilities’ factories.
- Transporting supplies to warehouses and stores.
- Either a local bus driver or a tour guide driver.
- Delivery services.
When regional trucking, drop and hook pads are used with a dry van truck, meaning that a driver is not responsible for loading or unloading any products when delivering, making the day-to-day work less taxing.
Getting Started as a Regional Truck Driver
So, what are the requirements to become a truck driver, specifically a regional one?
To operate a regional truck inside their city, county, or state boundaries, the drivers will require a Commercial Driver’s License(CDL). There are three types of CDL a truck driver can get, but the trucking company will normally indicate which one the driver needs in their employment application.
Employers might also require a spotless driving record. To do that, the drivers must consult organizations like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). These organizations teach future drivers all traffic and cargo safety rules.
Using frequent checklists and properly communicating repair needs, the drivers can further guarantee that they know their vehicle’s truck care and maintenance requirements.
A degree is not mandatory to start working as a regional, local or OTR driver. However, age limits and restrictions may apply for certain types of drivers. A driver must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a CDL but is limited to driving within state lines; the minimum age requirement is 21 for those who drive across state lines
Which Trucking Company is a Great Place To Start a Regional Truck Driving Career?
Because the future of trucking industry is promising, many companies are looking for truck drivers who are eager to join the field.
It is highly crucial to find the best trucking company that operates safe and quick freight transportation and creates a motivating atmosphere for its workers by providing a competitive wage. Further, a trucking business that practices sustainability is preferred and in high demand.
With over 30 years of experience, AJR Trucking has established a reputation that lives up to all these commitments.
Our US trucking industry operates on a sustainable business strategy and powers its trucks and cars with renewable energy.
It cooperates with the USPS and provides top-notch shipping and delivery services. So if you’re interested in truck driver jobs, AJR can be a great start as a regional truck driver. Its sustainable business practices and appreciation for workers make it the best trucking company to work for.
