How Much Does an OTR Truck Driver Make

How much does an OTR truck driver make? OTR driving or Over the road driving is one of the most in demand truck driving jobs in many parts of the United States.

Over the road truck drivers, also called long haul truckers; are responsible for hauling all types of freight, including heavy freight, machinery, and other equipment.

They transport materials over long distances, as opposed to local routes.

OTR driving normally means you will be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company’s hauling region.

It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.

Over the road drivers often drive several hundred miles per day.

According to Federal regulations, OTR drivers may spend up to 11 hours per day on the road.

They get some days off which vary depending on who they are working for from 2 weeks out with 2 days off.

If you are a safe driver and interested to see different parts of your country while completing your transportation then an over the road job may suits you.

Are you wondering about how much is the OTR truck driving salary? Continue reading this article to know.

How Much Does an OTR Truck Driver Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2011 they earn average salaries of $19.87 per hour or $41,430 per year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for an OTR truck driver in the United States during 2018 was $43,680 a year, up from $40,260 in 2015.

As of May 2020, the OTR Truck Driving salary in the United States is $ 31 per hour, or $63,888 a year.

Let me tell how much do OTR truck drivers make per mile on average, drivers with some experience are paid between $0.28 and $0.40 per mile.

Some companies pay more. The jobs that pay between $0.40 and $0.45 per mile are typically given to drivers with many years of experience and have exceptional driving skills.

Having a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is valuable for you if applying for an OTR truck driving job. 

OTR truck drivers that have a CDL earn the most, with salaries averaging $59,158 per year. 

What Are OTR Truck Driver Duties?

• Transporting freight safely between different sites for long distances.
• Assisting in loading and unloading of freight into and off the truck.
• Performing truck inspections before and after each trip to ensure that all mechanical systems are in good working order.
• Maintaining a logbook detailing the hours traveled, rest periods, miles covered, as well as all fuel, repair, and toll expenses.
• Carefully planning routes to ensure that deliveries are completed in a timely manner.
• Maintaining the company truck well, by washing and cleaning it, changing oil and water, monitoring tire pressure, and performing minor repairs as required.
• Notifying the dispatcher and customer of any delay that may affect scheduled delivery times.
• Reporting any traffic violations, road accidents, and vehicle breakdowns to management.

What Qualifies You to Become an OTR Truck Driver?

How can you become an over the road truck driver? An OTR driver is required to have a “Class A” Commercial Driver’s License or CDL.

You can also get optional certification in specialties like transporting hazardous materials.

And in addition to a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a clean driving record is essential for getting a job in OTR trucking.

What Skills You Should Have to Get This Job?

• Driving Skills: OTR truck drivers should drive keeping their eyes on safety and their freight at all times.

• Mechanical Skills: If something happens with your truck in a place where the nearest mechanic is far from you, then you may need to handle the situation by your own. OTR truck drivers should have mechanical skills to be able to troubleshoot mechanical difficulties appear on the way.

• Time Management Skills: OTR truck drivers to ensure that deliveries arrive on time.

• Well, knowledge of road safety regulations.
• The ability to use road maps and GPS devices.
• The ability to work long hours.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication skills.

What Detects an OTR Truck Driver’s Salary?

OTR truck driver’s average salary varies depend on some factors such as: The driver’s experience level, the type of freight being transported, and the distance.

Some drivers are paid a flat rate for an entire trip, while others are paid by the mile.

What Are The Best Trucking Companies to Work For in the United States?

What are the best companies in OTR trucking field in the U.S.? You may be interested to know the OTR truck driver average salary, but let me first list you some reputed companies for this job:

• United Parcel Service (UPS): it provides OTR truck drivers with an average salary of $27.83 per hour.
• FedEx: OTR truck drivers receive an average salary of $22.83 per hour.
• Old Dominion Freight Line, ArcBest, and XPO Logistics.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of This Job?

Like other aspects of life, being an OTR truck driver may be rewarding and proper for others. In the contrary, it may not suit others.

So here are the advantages and disadvantages for you:

Advantages of becoming an OTR truck driver

• Higher Pay:  OTR truck drivers often receive higher salaries than other drivers. Continue reading this article in order to know more about the OTR truck driver’s average salary.

• See and know the Country: you will get to visit places and know regions you may not have been able to see and know before.

• Job Security: there is a permanent need for OTR truck drivers. (e.g.: Amazon shipped over five billion packages in one year). Means that OTR truck drivers can easily find a job.

• Decide what time to go: if you are an OTR truck driver, you will never work standard (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) hours. You can typically design your own schedule according to your conditions, which means you can drive through the night if you like peace and quiet or follow the sunshine if it boosts your mood.

• Good relationships: Many OTR truck drivers work in teams, which means you will get to know your partners very well and allow you to make good relationships.

Disadvantages of becoming an OTR truck driver

• Being on the road: OTR truck driver may spend weeks or months away from home. So it needs planning and adjusting to make it suitable with your other obligations.

• Changeable Schedule: there are laws for OTR truck drivers regarding the driving time they can drive in a constant period. Therefore, many OTR trucking jobs start at the end of the mandatory rest period, which means your schedule will change week to week.

What Is The Outlook For OTR Truck Drivers?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of OTR truck drivers was expected to grow by 5% between 2018 and 2028.

As the economy grows, the demand for consumer goods grows, which promote the trucking and transportation industry.