There are approximately 1.8 million truck drivers in the country right now, and each one is tasked with transporting and delivering specific shipments to specific destinations. Sometimes those destinations are only a few miles away, but if you’re on an OTR trucking team, then your goal could be hundreds of miles away.
If you’re curious about what team trucking jobs look like and want to learn about how they’re some of the highest paying trucking jobs around, here are some examples of the OTR trucking lifestyle:
Experience the Open Road
There are plenty of things to do in your off-time while on the road. Not only will you have regular access to some of the most beautiful sights in the country, but many truck stops are outfitted with a cavalcade of amenities designed to make the OTR trucking lifestyle a little brighter. For example, in an interview with Travel Channel, Brett Aquila—the founder of TruckingTruth.com—mentions that one of his favorite stops is outfitted with “gigantic, beautiful spa suites with wonderful hot tubs” that “made you feel like you’re living like a king.”
Truck stops don’t have to be the only place that makes you feel like a king, though. If you and your co-driver don’t want to rely on the greasy, high-calorie food options at restaurants or rest stops, then you can easily cook your own fantastic meals from the comfort of your truck cabin.
“For a driver, truck cabs are like mini-apartments,” MentalFloss.com says. “In addition to sleeping quarters, many have outlets or power sources that can accommodate small appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and cooking gear.” Don’t hesitate to try out some new recipes with your partner and liven up your daily routine with some tasty, homecooked meals.
You and your co-driver can (and should) take up hobbies on the road, as well! Just because you spend most of the day in the cab of a truck doesn’t mean you can’t learn something new or have a little fun. If you’re looking for a way to pass the time, generate lively conversation, or just keep yourself active, here are some of the most popular activities OTR drivers can do while on the road:
- Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or new music
- Learn a new language with one of the many programs available online
- Exercise at truck stops (go for a jog, lift weights, or stretch out your muscles)
- Take up photography and show your friends and family all the beautiful sights you’ve seen on your travels
You and your OTR trucking co-driver will have plenty of time to experiment with different hobbies, so let your imaginations go wild! If you want to do a little bit of extra planning, you can even plot out a route that takes you to some popular tourist sites. This not only gets you both out of the truck but also helps you encounter areas of the country that may have otherwise gone unseen.
The Benefits of the OTR Trucking Salary
OTR team trucking is one of the highest paying trucking jobs in the industry. Since OTR trucking jobs often pay their drivers on a per-mile-driven scale, the more miles you cover, the more money you’ll be making. When driving with a co-driver, you can effectively double the number of miles you cover in a day, since one driver can sleep while the other drives and vice versa.
This means that OTR team drivers can make twice as much as a solo driver would in the same length of time. Even though team drivers split the salary 50/50, their percentage is still substantially more than a solo driver would make.
If you want to learn more about what OTR trucking opportunities are available to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lily Transportation at 800.248.5459 or at our website!
