Best Home Base For OTR/Regional Drivers
Topic 4677 | Page 1
What kind of trailer is he planning on pulling? That could make a pretty big difference.
It would also help to know who he's working for. Have you checked out the different terminal locations and drop yards? That could also help you nail down a location. Good Luck, MRC
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.
It would also help to know who he's working for. Have you checked out the different terminal locations and drop yards? That could also help you nail down a location. Good Luck, MRC
This is true but not always. When I was with Tmc we had our main terminal in Des Moines, but we really only had two shippers in the entire state of Iowa.
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.
All great feedback! Thanks guys! He's going to be working for CR England...which I'm told does mainly reefers. My thoughts on PA were also about being in a good place for keeping his options open down the line. Seemed like there are a lot of companies in the area...lots of shippers...major routes etc. ...and it's affordable. Trying to keep all these things in mind. Whole new life/lifestyle!! I've given him the link so hopefully he will benefit as well as a driver. You guys have a lot of great stuff here!!!
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.
Reefer:
A refrigerated trailer.
Hi Suzanne, I live in the northern 'burbs of Cincinnati, OH and there are tons of trucking companies around here and it is quite affordable. The one MAJOR draw back is they have the Cincinnati Bengals instead of the Pittsburgh Steelers on every Sunday during football season, but if you can live with that it's a good place to live and raise a family! 
I second what Jolie said about not airing the Steelers, although I actually do live in PA. My issue is that they'll air freaking Ravens games over Steelers games since we're in a "Baltimore" market, makes me wanna puke ;)
Seriously though, I live in an area of major freight lanes. I'm near Carlisle and York, PA. If you're looking near my area, your husband will have LOTS of regional and local trucking job options, including LTL jobs where he can be home every day and still make a very good living. I see CR England day cabs constantly running up and down I-83, that means local and regional runs with his company.
Within a 15 mile radius of where I live, I bet there's 25 or more trucking companies.
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.
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
- FedEx Freight
- Con-way
- YRC Freight
- UPS
- Old Dominion
- Estes
- Yellow-Roadway
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carrier
Day Cab:
A tractor which does not have a sleeper berth attached to it. Normally used for local routes where drivers go home every night.
My husband is just finishing up his training...should be on his own in a week or two. I am considering relocating to make it easier/more convenient for him to get home time. We were thinking about Pennsylvania as it appears to be a large hub and it's affordable. Anyone have any other thoughts/ideas as to what the best location would be specific to PA or other locations in the states?
If he can do flatbed, Roehl has regional work in Northern WI or Iron Mountain MI. Iron Mountain is DIRT cheap for houses but is still a fairly nice area. It's "up nort' here hey" but it's beautiful country (though winters are harsh).
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.
Jolie, that's hilarious!!! I have to admit I'll probably miss watching the Pats...where ever we go. Six String, Carlisle is actually where I'm looking! Can't really live in the city proper because of parking issues, but the outlying areas seem very nice. My company actually has one of its headquarters there, so that would be the perfect solution. Good to hear the positives. Any areas I should stay away from? Zen, I'm not sure if he could, or more importantly, would do flatbed...and personally, the harsh winters are something I'm trying to move away from, but thank you so much for your response!!!!
Dm:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.New Reply:
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My husband is just finishing up his training...should be on his own in a week or two. I am considering relocating to make it easier/more convenient for him to get home time. We were thinking about Pennsylvania as it appears to be a large hub and it's affordable. Anyone have any other thoughts/ideas as to what the best location would be specific to PA or other locations in the states?