How to find the best OTR truck driving jobs
What is the best OTR trucking company to work for?
Maybe you’re a new driver who just earned your CDL (commercial driver’s license) and want to make the best choice for your first OTR trucking job or you’re an experienced driver looking for a better way to spend your working hours. Whatever it is, starting with a good company is a way to ensure you’ll have a positive career in the trucking industry.
There are many opinions on the answer to this question and the best OTR, or long haul, trucking company for one person may not be the best for another. When you’re considering companies and truck driving jobs, think about what’s most important to you. For example, do you want more work or more home time? Would you prefer to be an owner operator or a company driver, full-time or part-time? Whichever company you choose to work for, these are important things to consider. The driver recruiter should be able to answer the questions that will help you decide.
Some of the top trucking companies to work for are:
- Old Dominion
- FedEx
- UPS
- H.O. Wolding, Inc.
- ArcBest Inc.
- Walmart
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What OTR trucking company pays the most?
This is a difficult question to answer. Driver salaries will vary based on location, the type of freight and risk involved, the company’s pay structure, and your individual qualifications. Specialty types of trucking jobs, like driving reefer (refrigerated) and HAZMAT (hazardous materials) trucks as compared to flatbeds and tractor trailers, can earn even more money. Keep a clean driving record, regularly improve your skills, and be easy to work with to earn the most.
The list of trucking companies above also tend to have the top paying truck driver jobs. Look at the company’s job postings or talk with a recruiter to learn more about specific driver positions.
Do OTR truckers make more money?
When compared with local truck drivers hauling similar freight, OTR truck drivers do make more money. They all need a Class A CDL, but the OTR truck driver will also assume more risk and fulfill a more challenging role. There are, of course, trade-offs. A big one is that OTR drivers can be away from home for three or four weeks at a time.
Is over the road trucking worth it?
Ultimately, this decision is up to you if you choose to become an OTR truck driver. After you put in the work to earn your CDL, gain hours and hours of driving experience to sharpen your skills, driving long distances may be a great way to increase your income, but this question is common. Key factors that determine a person’s response to it are home time, just how long those long distances are, and company benefits like health and life insurance, truck amenities, and referral bonuses.
