OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Local, Linehaul
Topic 15174 | Page 2
A different perspective on regional.
I run reefer for Interstate. I can't say for certain how they do it out of the Lebanon, TN terminal , but all reefer drivers dispatched out of either Tacoma or Fontana run western 11 only, and I'm based out of Tacoma. I do probably 75% or more of my loads in and out of WA, OR, and CA, and go to a lot of the same shippers and receivers, so I have a pretty good idea how long it will take me to get from one place to another, and where I'll want to stop for my breaks.
That being said, I still operate very much like I did when I was doing OTR over all 48. I stay out for 28 days, and go home for 4 or 5, depending on what kind of appointments or other obligations I have waiting for me. I have the flexibility available to me to go home more often for shorter periods (14/2, 21/3) or even to stay out longer and be off longer, but I've found that, for my own purposes, 28/4 works the best. I can get off the truck before hitting burnout, and still have enough time off to decompress and get everything done at home that needs did. I didn't have that kind of schedule flexibility available when I was doing OTR, and knowing that I can use it if/when the need arises is a comfort. I've also found that running regional makes it significantly easier to get home on time. In the 2 years since I switched from OTR, I haven't gotten home late once. I can count the number of times I actually got home on time doing OTR on the fingers of one hand.
Hope that gives you some good information to mull over.
Shipper:
The customer who is shipping the freight. This is where the driver will pick up a load and then deliver it to the receiver or consignee.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll 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.
Interstate:
Commercial trade, business, movement of goods or money, or transportation from one state to another, regulated by the Federal Department Of Transportation (DOT).
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
OWI:
Operating While Intoxicated
New Reply:
New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features
Preview:
Why Join Trucking Truth?
- The High Road Training Program
- The High Road Article Series
- The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
- Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted
Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TT On Facebook
What region do you run? I am also interested in that because it would be nice to sort of have an otr run but be back home for a reset.
Shipper:
The customer who is shipping the freight. This is where the driver will pick up a load and then deliver it to the receiver or consignee.
Regional:
Regional Route
Usually refers to a driver hauling freight within one particular region of the country. You might be in the "Southeast Regional Division" or "Midwest Regional". Regional route drivers often get home on the weekends which is one of the main appeals for this type of route.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll 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.