Most people shy away from trucking jobs because they associate them with being away from their families and driving long distances for days, if not weeks. While that is true to some extent, this article explains why local trucking jobs are different and the benefits you can accrue from working such jobs.
What Does It Mean to Be a Local Truck Driver?
Local truck drivers move cargo to and from specific locations within a given geographical area. These drivers are tasked with ensuring that the cargo is properly secured while in transit and is delivered to the client in pristine condition and on time.
Local truck driving job requirements vary not only by the size and weight of the trucks but also among local trucking companies. Even so, most trucking jobs require that you have a CDL, previous driving experience, a clean driving record, life insurance, and either a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
What is a Local Truck Driver?
Local truck drivers drive short hauls for a duration of between 8-10 hours delivering cargo or goods within a set regional area. The more traditional schedule on which these drivers operate enables them to be at their homes at set times every night instead of being on the road for several days. Local truck drivers usually operate box trucks or any other vehicle of a similar size.
Benefits of Being a Local Truck Driver
Here is an outline of some of the benefits of being a local truck driver:
- Home time: Simply put, working as a local truck driver means you’ll spend lots of time at home. This is probably the most significant advantage the local trucking jobs hold over other types of trucking jobs. As a local truck driver, you’ll be home every night and can spend some quality time with your family.
- Excellent work/life balance: While local trucking jobs may not be the easiest, unlike other truck driving jobs, it provides drivers with lots of time off to be present at home for day-to-day relationships. If you value being physically present for important moments, you should consider becoming a local truck driver.
- Establishing routines: If you fancy having a specific schedule, then local driving is your cup of tea. Drivers have a set work schedule and daily routes, making it great for planning activities outside of work.
- Health and wellbeing: Given that local truck drivers generally spend less time behind the wheel, they are less exposed to risky and unhealthy eating habits associated with spending too much time on the road.
What a Local Truck Driver Needs to Expect
As a local truck driver, you’ll drive short hauls within a set geographical location. Local truck drivers typically operate box trucks or vehicles of similar size rather than large tractor-trailers. Some of the responsibilities of a local truck driver include making deliveries, loading and unloading cargo, and tracking and documenting mileage and inventory.
Regional Truck Drivers and Local, OTR Truck Drivers. What is the Difference?
Regional truck drivers are those that transport goods and materials within a specific part of the country. Typically, the routes used by these drivers are broken up into divisions like Midwest and Northwest and are usually within a 1000 mile radius. On the other hand, local truck drivers transport goods and materials on local routes, usually within a 200-mile radius, and constitute an 8-10 hour workday. Finally, OTR drivers cover plenty of miles transporting cargo across the country, sometimes even crossing the Canadian border. Typically, they spend 3-4 weeks at a time on the road.
Local Trucking Job Alert
Are you looking for local trucking jobs in Williamsport, MD? Well, look no further than D.M. Bowman, Inc. At D.M. Bowman, we understand that our employees work hard. That’s why we strive to give them fair compensation, reliable equipment, advanced safety features, safe driving bonuses, performance bonuses, and flexible scheduling so that they can have quality family time. To top it off, we have a sign-on bonus! Want to learn more? Feel free to contact us, or you can also apply for a driving position today.
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