OTR / Extended Away Jobs for Entry Level Drivers

OTR / Extended Away Trucking for Entry Level Drivers

Traditional over-the-road trucking keeps you out for 3-4 weeks at a time, covering thousands of miles coast to coast. This is the highest-paying schedule for company drivers because it maximizes productive miles. It is also the most demanding lifestyle, which is why turnover in OTR positions remains the highest in the industry.

You have completed your initial training period and have been driving solo for several months. You are building confidence in your skills and establishing your safety record. At this stage, more carriers are willing to hire you and pay rates start improving noticeably.

Companies Hiring

Tips

• 💡 Start building relationships with dispatchers and load planners — drivers who communicate well and are flexible with loads get the best freight assignments.
• 💡 After 6 months of clean driving, update your resume and start exploring carriers that pay significantly more than training companies. You now have leverage.
• 💡 Consider getting your hazmat endorsement — it opens higher-paying loads and sets you apart from other entry-level drivers with only basic CDL-A credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions