Long haul trucking has become a vast field in the auto transport industry. It plays a vital role in transporting purposes and making transportation of heavy loads uncomplicated and favorable. Long haul trucking also known as Over-The-Road (OTR) trucking, which helps in transportation of goods, cars, RVs and heavy equipment over long distances i.e. 250 miles or further, including crossing state lines or even international borders. If you are thinking about choosing a long haul truck driver career or just want to know about the field, be ready to read this guide in which we’ll discuss; what is long haul trucking, its career path and expected salary for the driver. Let’s get started to dive into the journey of long haul truck drivers and how to become one.
What is Long Haul Trucking?
Long Haul Trucking is generally recognized as over-the-road (OTR) trucking or long distance trucking in which drivers/ truckers drive about 250 miles or more distance to transport goods to another state or even international countries. In order to travel such long distances, companies provide proper training to the drivers such as vehicle handling during journeys, and knowledge of all the laws and regulations for driving in different countries or states. OTR trucking generally involves loading and unloading of products and ensuring safety of goods without any damage into the entire journey.
Role of Long Haul Truck Drivers:
Long Haul Truck Drivers play a dominant role in long haul trucking, their responsibility is to ensure the shipping of cargo on time and in good condition. These drivers operate huge trucks (semi-trucks or tractor-trailers) and are tasked with navigating highways, ensuring timely deliveries, and maintaining their vehicles’ and cargo condition throughout the whole journey. They also face challenges like managing their tough routine and continuously driving for about two three days just to deliver on time.
Difference Between Long Haul Trucking And Short Haul Trucking:
| Characters | Long-Haul Trucking | Short-Haul Trucking |
| Distance | Limited distance usually involves around 150 miles. | Normally the distance exceeds 250 miles. |
| Trip Duration | Trip duration often stretches multiple days or even weeks. | Commonly, completed within a single or two days. |
| Overall Costs | Higher due to fuel, maintenance, and lodging expenses | Lower than long haul trucking expenses. |
| Safety Concerns | Higher because of long driving hours and exposure to varied conditions | Few as to shorter driving durations. |
| Vehicle Size | Typically use larger trails or trucks due to the large amount of goods. | Generally, using smaller trucks or even vans are enough. |
Benefits of Long-haul Trucking
Although the job and responsibility of long haul trucking is tricky, it also has worthy benefits which make it the most favorable option in transportation. Some of them are mentioned below.
High Earning Salary: This career provides a large amount of salary to the drivers and also gives monthly bonuses.
Traveling Opportunity: It has a great opportunity for those who love to travel because it allows them to explore places on a daily basis.
Job Security: As the transportation industry grows faster, the demand for highly skilled and experienced long haul drivers also increases, which helps to secure your job if you have high skills.
Variety in work: No days are the same for long haul truck drivers, because the type of route and destinations for drivers change regularly.
Flexibility: Long haul truck drivers have flexibility in their career. They can sign on those schedules and contracts that match their routine and needs.
Challenges Faced by Long-Haul Trucking Companies
Long haul trucking is a difficult and tricky task ever done by the companies.
1. Increasing fuel cost because of the large distance is the main challenge ever faced by long haul trucking companies.
2. Higher chances of shipment rejection, due to product damage by large distance travel.
3. Companies also face the shortage of experienced drivers, leading them to face objections in delivery schedules.
4. From before, planning routes to decrease the fuel usage, time and overall cost while maintaining timely delivery is the permanent challenge in this industry.
Challenges Faced by Long-Haul Truck Drivers
1. Continuous driving for many hours, which causes fatigue and physical health problems in long haul truck drivers.
2. Dealing with traffic problems causes stress issues in drivers while meeting deadlines for delivery.
3. They also face safety challenges by driving in hazardous weather conditions and also fear of thieves.
4. Staying away from home for even months is also a big challenge for them.
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How to Become a Long-Haul Truck Driver
Becoming a Long Haul truck driver, the driver should meet specific qualifications and training programs. Companies select those applicants who have 100, 000 miles or more driving experience while maintaining safety and precautions of driving. But some companies also offer training programs to ensure steady supply of drivers. This job requirements include communication skills, driving skills and 2- 3 years of experience in driving long vehicles.
Requirements for Long Haul Truck Drivers:
License: First, you must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) of Class A which is required for long haul trucking. Some states or companies also required (HAZMAT) endorsement for transporting long vehicles.
Driving Record: Having a clean driving record is the most important thing in this industry.
Age Requirement: Age requirement for long haul truck drivers may vary by locations but average age is 20 or above.
Certification: Complete training programs such as road safety, driving skills and regulations. Pass a written exam which covers traffic laws and vehicle safety. Last complete skill test to meet driving requirements.
How Many Hours Can a Long-Haul Trucker Drive?
Daily Driving Limit: Long haul truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours within a 14 hours of driving window. Drivers must take 30 minutes rest after driving continuously for 8 hours.
Weekly Driving Limit: Average driving limit for the week is 70 hours. After that the driver should take rest for about 3 to 4 days, before going to any other scheduled driving contract.
How Much Does a Long-Haul Truck Driver Make?
The average annual salary for long-haul truck drivers is around $166,021. However, it’s important to note that the salary can vary based on a driver’s experience, skills, and location. Different states in the U.S. offer varying pay packages for long-haul truck drivers. To get an overview of the salary packages in different states, you can check this link: Indeed Long-Haul Driver Salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is considered a long-haul truck driver?
Long haul trucking requires that their drivers be introduced with cargo handling laws and rules of driving of all states they pass through.
2. What is the role of a long-haul truck driver?
The role of long haul truck drivers include safely delivery of cargo on time, maintaining their vehicle condition and following rules and regulations of states.
How much does a long-haul truck driver earn in the USA?
Salaries of long haul truck drivers range from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on the experience, location, and job type.
What does long haul mean in transport?
Long haul trucking refers to a long distance driving system, where drivers usually drive about 250 miles or more in a single drive to deliver the cargo to different states of the country or sometimes they cross international borders for international deliveries.