Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) will open up a whole world of career possibilities. Even before you graduate from truck driving school, you can dive right in and explore your career options. Truck driving careers can be categorized based on how far the trucker is traveling, what type of freight he or she is hauling, and whether he or she is driving solo or as part of a team.
Local
Just as the name suggests, local driving gigs will let you stick close to home. Most of the time, you can expect to be back at home each night, though there are exceptions. This is a great opportunity for people who want to earn their CDL, but are concerned about being away from their family for long periods of time.
Regional
Regional truck drivers haul freight over a broader area than local routes, but they still tend to stay within a few hundred miles of home. The specific amount of time spent on the road will vary, depending on the trucking company. Some regional drivers are home every two to three days, but it’s also possible to be out on the road for two to three weeks at a time.
Over-the-Road
Over-the-road (OTR) truckers, also known as long-haul truckers, go anywhere within the contiguous states, and they may also venture into Alaska and Canada. OTR drivers may be out on the road for two to five weeks at a time. OTR jobs aren’t as popular with drivers who have families, but they’re a great option for people who genuinely love to drive big rigs.
Solo or Team
OTR driving is also ideal for team drivers. There are lots of spouses and partners who decide to earn their CDLs together and start team driving. The other option is solo driving.
HDS Truck Driving Institute in Tucson, Arizona features a world-class job placement and career planning program. We strongly encourage every student and graduate to take advantage of our job placement services. Interested in earning your CDL? Call (877) 205-2141 today!
