Could You Be a Long-Haul Truck Driver?
Becoming a long-haul truck driver has held a fascination for many Americans throughout the years. It is more of a lifestyle than simply a job. It also comes with a special set of living circumstances and demands that impacts the time you get to spend with your loved ones more than many other types of jobs.
Still, the solitude and flexibility are very attractive to some, and it is definitely a job with its own subculture and identity. Let’s look at some facts about long-haul truck drivers that make their occupation so unique.
They Work Irregular Hours
While some drivers like to “move with the light,” others prefer to drive in the darkness when they encounter less traffic. Over the road (OTR) drivers usually do not have rigid starting hours, so their schedules are set by their own preferences.
They Work Long Hours
California drivers that carry property can drive for a maximum of 11 hours after having 10 consecutive off-the-clock hours. For drivers that carry passengers, there is a 10-hour drive maximum following 8 consecutive off-duty hours. That said, drivers may be expected to work up to 70 hours over a period of eight days.
They Are Often Paid Per Mile
While there are some OTR drivers who are paid hourly or earn a salary, most drivers’ pay is calculated per mile driven. In other words, drivers do not get paid when they are not driving. Even within that context, there are different pay structures. Some employers pay on what is known as a “practical miles” structure, which means the driver is paid for every mile driven while on the job. Other employers use the “paid miles” standard which is equivalent to drawing a straight line on a map from Point A to Point B and paying that amount of mileage, despite the fact that most routes are not so direct. Drivers can increase their incomes if they are certified and willing to haul hazardous or oversized materials or if the employer pays on a load percentage basis.
They are Dependant on Others to Load and Unload
Loading and unloading at points of destination can take hours. OTR drivers are almost never expected to unload freight, but they are at the mercy of shipping and receiving departments. Delays can affect the drivers’ schedules, and as a result, their pay.
Miles and Miles and Miles
A common mileage requirement for OTR drivers is 125,000 miles per year, which calculates to around 2,500 miles a week. Can you imagine driving an average of 500 miles a day for a year? To do so, you must love the job.
Answering the Call of the Road
While they may not appeal to everyone, other perks of the truck driving lifestyle include:
- Solitude. No one is looking over your shoulder all hours of the day.
- You get a comprehensive view of the country.
- There is a camaraderie among your truck driving peers.
- Modern trucks are comfortable, ergonomically designed, and have many amenities in the cab.
- You can listen to music or podcasts during your hours behind the wheel.
- There is an American cultural admiration for truck drivers, the ‘Knights of the Road.’
Watch the YouTube video. Below is a humorous and informative video about life as an OTR driver.
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
Hello. Thanks for reading. I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Some of the unique aspects of the truck driving lifestyle, such as long hours on the road, can lead to driver fatigue and accidents. When a collision occurs that involves a commercial truck, injuries can be severe due to the size of the vehicle. If you have been injured in an automobile accident involving a large semi-truck, and are seeking free and friendly legal advice, call our injury lawyers at (916) 921-6400. If you are outside of the local area, use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400. My website also provides an option to contact us online.
Have a look at our case results and client testimonials at the links below:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/transportation-driving-freeway-1495618/
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