Updated March 2022
Life as an OTR truck driver can have its pros and cons. While there are benefits that make this the ideal career and lifestyle for some, challenges need consideration. You must find out which career path is best for you. We will look through some of the advantages and disadvantages of over-the-road trucking.
Living in Your Truck
Advantage & Disadvantage
Depending on your living preferences, this can be seen as a pro or con. One benefit is being able to take your ‘home’ with you. Your belongings and living space will travel with you wherever you go. Therefore, you do not need to move your things consistently. However, having your home on the road can become lonely for some. Rather than coming home to family every night, you will be alone while you are on the road. This can also be isolating if you’re not careful, though.
Wages and Benefits
Advantage
The pay rate of being an OTR Truck Driver is one of the few aspects that just about everyone sees as a plus. Drivers who complete their CDL training can expect to earn up to $60,000+ in their first year. Additionally, while you live in your truck, you usually do not need to pay rent or utility bills. With the lack of living expenses, OTR drivers have the flexibility to save their money. OTR drivers can also see increased benefits due to the higher demand for truck drivers. These benefits include health insurance, 401K, and paid time off.
Truck drivers also see increased job security due to the driver shortages affecting the industry. An expected 200,000 new jobs are needed in 2022, which means that OTR drivers can expect more benefits and wage rises in the future.
Traffic
Disadvantage
One of the downsides of this job can be dealing with the traffic. As an OTR driver, you will be traveling through major cities and high-traffic areas. This can sometimes result in slow-moving traffic and additional travel times. Occasionally, OTR drivers need to exercise their patience while on the road.
Travel
Advantage & Disadvantage
The upsides of OTR driving are traveling across the United States. You get to tour parts of the country you may never have seen without this job! Being an OTR truck driver can be like a professional tourist, depending on the routes. However, as mentioned before, as an OTR driver, you must travel long distances for the job. This can sometimes get tiring, and you must prepare for long hours in your truck.
Are you interested in becoming a truck driver? Napier Truck Driver Training offers Class A CDL Training in the Cincinnati metro area. To learn more, head over to our Truck Driver Training Program!
