Over-the-Road (OTR) - Dallas TX
Posted 1 day ago
Long-haul trucking across state lines with extended time on the road. OTR drivers cover thousands of miles weekly, delivering freight coast to coast.
Average Pay
$55,000 - $85,000
Home Time
2-3 weeks out
Experience Required
6+ months CDL-A
Over-the-road trucking is the backbone of the American freight economy. OTR drivers cover 2,000 to 3,000 miles per week, hauling general freight, consumer goods, and raw materials across state lines. Routes span coast to coast, and drivers spend extended periods away from home -- typically two to three weeks at a time before a home-time reset.
Most OTR positions run no-touch freight, meaning drivers are not responsible for loading or unloading. This keeps the focus on safe driving and meeting delivery windows. Many carriers offer slip-seating or assigned trucks with amenities like APUs, refrigerators, and inverters to make life on the road more comfortable.
New CDL holders often start in OTR because it builds experience quickly. After six to twelve months, many drivers transition to regional or dedicated lanes with more predictable schedules. OTR remains popular with experienced drivers who enjoy the open road and the higher mileage pay that comes with long-haul routes.
Carriers like Werner Enterprises, Knight-Swift, and Prime Inc. operate massive OTR fleets with consistent freight networks. Sign-on bonuses, mileage incentives, and safety bonuses are common. If you want maximum miles and are comfortable spending time away from home, OTR offers some of the strongest earning potential in trucking.
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Most OTR drivers average 2,000 to 3,000 miles per week, depending on the carrier, freight lanes, and driving conditions. Solo drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving per day under HOS rules, while team drivers can cover significantly more ground by trading shifts.
It depends on the carrier. Some OTR positions are dispatched -- the carrier assigns loads and routes. Others, especially at carriers like Landstar, allow drivers to pick their own freight from available loads. Seniority and performance often influence route preferences at most companies.
OTR drivers typically spend two to three weeks on the road before getting two to four days at home. Some carriers offer more frequent home time (every 7-14 days), but this usually means fewer miles and lower pay. Home time policies vary significantly between carriers.