Many drivers wonder what the biggest differences are between over-the-road (OTR) and local CDL jobs. While there are pros and cons to each job, it is important to decide which type of driving job best fits your needs and priorities. Find out if you should switch to becoming a local driver with our handy list of frequently asked questions.
How long is a typical local driving shift?
Since local drivers are staying close to home, their routes are usually shorter and less time consuming than an OTR driver. Many local trucking companies will set their drivers’ shift to be about 10-14 hours each day. At Solar Transport, our fuel tankers typically work a 12-hour shift. Once in a while, you might be asked to commit a 14-hour day, but our local drivers will never have a shift that exceeds the 14 hour limit.
As a local truck driver, how many miles will I usually drive in a day?
Even though local routes are consistent, no day in a truck driving career is ever the same. Your mileage may vary from day to day. On average, Solar Transport drivers travel 33 miles per haul and will drive an average of 250 miles per day.
Will I have set hours as a local truck driver?
Most OTR drivers will drive long hauls at any hour of the day or night, but the advantage of being a local fuel truck driver is that you have a predictable schedule. Our drivers have a designated start time and end time each day.
Do local truck drivers get paid by the mile or an hourly rate?
It’s common practice for OTR drivers to get paid by the mile since they will be gone for extended periods of time and hauling loads across huge distances. Since local drivers are frequently running the same routes and have more regulated schedules, most local truck drivers have an hourly wage. Our skilled fuel transportation drivers are paid by the hour or by the load depending on which region they’re working in.
Where can I get the training to become a local truck driver?
If you’re looking to make the switch from OTR to local driving, trucking companies will offer on the job training to help you obtain the required driver qualifications and licenses. Fuel truck driver requirements are even more extensive since there are very specific steps to follow. That’s why when you’re hired at one of the best trucking companies, like Solar Transport, it’s our priority to provide high quality training. In addition to a four-day orientation, our drivers spend 3-4 weeks with a certified driver trainer before getting behind the wheel themselves. This ensures our drivers are fully prepared for the challenges that go along with being a local fuel transportation driver.
How do I choose a local trucking company to work for?
Like any career, it’s important to choose a company that’s a great match for your situation. Family is very important to the Solar Transport team, so we want your truck driving career to be beneficial to you and your family. That’s why our local drivers are home daily!
When searching for the best trucking company to work for, it’s also a good idea to look at their core values and how they exhibit them in their business. Our fleet is dedicated to excellence, performs with integrity, we’re passionate about what we do, we care and respect each other and we always work as a team.
What are the other duties for local fuel transportation drivers?
If you think fuel transportation is the right career move for you, it’s important to learn the requirements. At Solar Transport, our drivers practice cautious and efficient driving when carrying heavy fuel and follow strict regulations when unloading fuel and connecting the hoses to the proper openings. This involves an additional checklist that needs to be looked over multiple times before the job is complete.
A bonus skill for local truck drivers to have is good communication. Typically, a driver will connect with the same customers on their routes and sometimes act as the middleman, informing customers of overages, shortages or damages.
What job benefits are available for local truck drivers?
One of the best benefits of local truck driving careers is being home with your family each day. You can have a rewarding job that still gives you a regular schedule. This is why Solar Transport focuses on hiring close to home. Additionally, we have more benefits that make Solar Transport one of the best trucking companies to work for:
- Flexible and predictable schedules
- 401(k) plan (company match)
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Long- and short-term disability
- Paid vacation, holidays and sick days
- Paid bereavement leave
- Paid training for Qualified Drivers
- Employee assistance program
- Christmas Club (company match)
- Performance bonus
- Paperless payroll distribution
- Scholarship programs
- Tuition reimbursement
- Driver guarantee
Solar Transport Is One of The Best Local Trucking Companies To Work For
Join America’s finest fleet and become a part of the Solar Transport team! Check out ouropen positions near you and advance your local trucking career. When you become a fuel transportation driver for Solar Transport, you will learn new skills and set yourself apart as one of the best in the industry.
Do you want to find out if you have what it takes to become a fuel hauler for one of the best fuel trucking companies to work for? Check out our driver qualifications and disqualifications, or contact Solar Transport today.