Getting Paid - For Real?
Topic 6513 | Page 3
oK....I HAVE LEARNED SEVERAL THINGS HERE AND DEVELOPED a couple questions. First of all, I HATE the location of the CapsLock key on the keyboard (LOL)! Second, LTL is both a style of moving freight AND the name of a trucking company. And LTL trucking does exclusively linehaul freight hauling. Linehauling is a subcategory of OTR. Good, I got that. bUT WHY SOOO MUCH MORE money? Arguably the work is easier, right? Do you run longer with less time home? Well, in any case, I don't think I have any ltl terminals around me so the point is moot.
No, linehaul is not a subcategory of OTR. It might seem like semantics, but I'm clarifying mainly because if anybody reading this becomes interested in LTL linehaul, they might initially be confused when searching for employment opportunities.
It's easier to contrast linehaul and OTR by thinking LTL and truckload. A simple way of putting it - there's always exceptions.
If you remembered what I posted previously, you'd see that in regard to hometime I'm home everyday. Most linehaul drivers are home every day, or only stay out a few days a week, and get two days off.
The work is NOT easier for linehaul drivers, if anything, it can be tougher. It all depends, on the individual, and the circumstances. I typically will work a 12-14 hour day as a linehaul driver. Most OTR drivers enjoy a bit more of a relaxed schedule, although can run hard if they choose.
Linehaul drivers will make more money and be home more frequently than OTR drivers. The reason why linehaul drivers make more is mainly because LTL companies can be more profitable than truckload companies, so they have more money to pay their employees. This is an oversimplification, but is generally true. The competition is not as strict as the truckload sector of the industry. LTL companies actually benefitted from deregulation. Also, some LTL companies are union, which can also be a contributing factor.
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.
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
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.
Linehaul:
Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.OOS:
When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.
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Choosing A Trucking Company Truck Driver Salary
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The lightweight trucks do indeed have far less room in them, so that's one reason they'll pay more. But the real reason is because they can haul more freight with a lightweight truck than a full size truck so it's more profitable for the company. You sacrifice a little room to help the company make more money and they'll give you a kickback for it.