Trucking companies hire long-haul drivers, also known as over the road (OTR) drivers, for distances that exceed 250 miles. In many cases, truck-driving as an OTR driver involves:

• Being on the road for days to weeks at a time
• Logging upwards of 1,000 miles on interstates and freeways

As an integral part of the supply chain, those who choose OTR truck-driving are in very high demand and responsible for the economy’s stability. When there’s a lack of drivers, prices for just about everything increases.

Every trucker starts their day at different times, but most OTR drivers prefer an early start. You’ll be on the road for hundreds of miles per day, and the day often starts with a large pot of coffee or an energy drink.

Many truckers get up between 3 am and 5 am, but these hours can change based on the requirements of trucking companies and the load you’re hauling. Getting an early start often allows you to get through high-trafficked areas before the morning rush.

Prior to hitting the road, most truckers will check their tires, mirrors, and other components to ensure that their rig is ready for the ride.

Daily, you’ll drive:

• 11 hours a day to maximize distance while staying within federal guidelines
• through all sorts of weather, including ice, snow, rain and sunshine
• 11 hours within a 14-hour window

Typically, truckers will stop to take a 30-minute break sometime during their shift. Depending on the day, driving conditions and traffic, you may need to take a break later than you expected because you need to make up for lost time.

You’ll also need to deal with:

• Weigh stations
• Loading and unloading
• Construction sites
• Detours

During the day, you may have to handle a live unload or a drop-and-hook. You’ll likely communicate with dispatch throughout the day and exit your truck during a break to get up and stretch your legs.

At the end of the day, you’ll spend time pulling off the road to rest. If you have a sleeper in your truck, you’ll spend the night in the rig, wake up and begin the day again. Otherwise, you’ll have to stop off for the night.

You’ll need to find parking, perform your post-trip inspection, handle any paperwork necessary, eat dinner and finally enjoy whatever remaining free time that you may have.

While mileage may vary, most truckers will average 350 – 450 miles daily, but there may be some days when you exceed these figures if everything goes smoothly.

Many truckers who remain in the OTR position for long wouldn’t trade the freedom of the open road for a 9-to-5 position.

The lifestyle sounds romantic, but truckers suffer from:

• A solitary position with little human interaction
• Long work hours that can mean a week or two on the road – or more
• Lack of family time, with young drivers struggling to raise families

One major benefit of being an OTR trucker is that you’re in high demand. In recent years, pay has been rising, and benefits are increasing to retain more drivers. Routing optimization has also improved, reducing the amount of time spent in traffic and maximizing the mileage you can drive daily.

More miles mean that you earn more money.

We don’t want to discourage you from life on the road because being a long-haul trucker is exciting, the pay is good, and the demand is exceptionally high. Learning to navigate this intense lifestyle is the most challenging part of the job, and we’re going to share a few tips on making your life as a long-haul trucker easier and more fulfilling.

A few tips that go a long way in improving life on the road include:

• Start the day on time. Otherwise, you’ll spend the entire day trying to make up for lost time.
• Pets are a great companion, so if the trucking company you drive for allows, consider bringing a pet with you on the road.
• Listen to audiobooks and podcasts to make the day less mundane.
• Preplan your trip so that you’re prepared for the day.
• Take your time and keep your eyes and ears open.
• Make safety a priority and don’t try to short-change it for a few extra dollars.
• Exercise at night or in the morning, even if that means bringing weights with you in your rig.
• If you’re tired and can’t stay awake, pull over. Period.
• Learn to be patient because your days will be filled with a lot of waiting.
• Set expectations with family so that they know when they’ll see you next.
• Always keep a safe distance between you and the person in front of you.
• Get out at truck stops and talk to other truckers whenever possible.
• Listen to advice from others who have been long-hauling for a long time.

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