Fundamentals Of Over-The-Road Truck Driving Jobs
Are you planning to take part in offering over-the-road trucking services? Are you wondering about the qualifications you need to achieve to become an over-the-road truck driver? And finally, are you looking forward to getting certified for the job? Worry not; this feature airs in detail the answers to your questions.
Who is an Over-the-Road Truck Driver?
These individuals practice over-the-road (OTR) trucking, which involves transporting goods over long stretches, typically across national and state borders. These goods often include construction merchandise, heavy appliances, and vehicles. Additionally, OTR operators are liable to maintain the trucks assigned to them, adhere to the routes they are given, and promptly inform their dispatchers in case of any incident. They are also responsible for overseeing the careful loading and unloading of goods to avoid damage.
How to Get Certification for OTR Trucking
To get certification as an over-the-road truck driver, you need training from a seasoned institution. After this short course, you must undertake a CDL exam and pass the test to acquire an A-class commercial driver's license. In most cases, after obtaining your license, you will get a few weeks of on-the-job coaching after getting hired. However, to get considered for a permit, you should have a high school diploma or General Educational Diploma (GED), have good driving records, and be above 18 or 21 years to drive within the state borders or from state to state respectively.
Expected Remunerations
Remunerations are the compensation packages that an over-the-road driver gets for services provided; they encompass both monetary and non-monetary packages. These are:
1. Salaries for Over-the-Road Truck Drivers
Recently, the need for OTR drivers has skyrocketed due to the demand for transportation of medical kits and vaccines in the COVID-19 era. This upsurge in demand for personnel makes OTR trucking a very lucrative job at this time. On average, an OTR operator earns between, $34,000 and $94,500 annually depending on their skill level, experience, and distance covered for that month.
2. Bonuses
OTR drivers receive direct compensation in the form of bonuses on top of their retainer or basic salary depending on performance, the safety and conditions of the goods on delivery, and referrals. This remuneration actively motivates them to maintain their output and aim for higher service provision. Companies have different criteria for calculating the amount of the bonuses paid to their drivers but you can be sure excellent work is rewarded in this line of profession.
3. Days Off
As an OTR driver, you will need time to rest and rejuvenate to avoid fatigue-related accidents. Fatigue is detrimental to drivers, hence companies offer days off after a certain number of trips. These days are highly valued by OTR drivers, as it gives them time to attend to other issues like family and medical appointments when not on the road. Ensure your job description comes with a schedule for a resting duration at home or an indemnity package.
Contact a company like Advantage Transportation for more information.