Trucking is a growing industry as the need for greater transportation and logistics grows. With so much to consider, understanding the differences between regional and local trucking can be a challenge. Regional trucking refers to the movement of freight and freight carriers across interstate lines, while local trucking involves the movement of freight within the same state. Both have a variety of pros and cons, so it is important for businesses to weigh the differences and decide which one is best for their needs. This blog post will discuss the differences between regional and local trucking, as well as the cost, time, and safety implications of each. We will also provide an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of both types of trucking, so that businesses can make the most informed decision when choosing the right option.
What is local trucking?
Local truck drivers operate closer to their homes. They frequently finish their routes in a single day and make deliveries within their own state. Due to this, local truck drivers spend more time traveling on narrower, slower roads.
Local truck drivers may make numerous stops along their route to make deliveries depending on the employer. Additionally, a local truck driver may help load and unload goods at these delivery locations. For instance, a regional truck driver for a soda business might deliver cases of soda cans to various supermarkets and convenience stores, unloading the crates into the store when they get there.
What is regional trucking?
The region a truck driver primarily services is referred to as their regional trucking area. Unlike national or local trucking, regional trucking involves truck drivers operating within a defined area that typically covers a few states or a roughly 1,000-mile radius. For instance, a truck driver may commute between the states of Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania while working in the Northeast.
Regional truck drivers transport supplies and services like mail and food. They could also work in the moving industry, assisting people and businesses with relocation. Regional truck drivers spend the majority of their time on highways as they travel between states. They might need several days to finish a route, spending the night at each stop before arriving at their final destination.
Pros and cons of regional trucking
There are a number of advantages to working as a regional truck driver, including:
As for drawbacks, there are a few to consider, including:
Differences between regional trucking and local trucking
Regional and local trucking positions have many similarities. Both require a commercial drivers license (CDL), a clean driving record or one with few infractions, and a lot of hours spent operating a truck. However, here are a few key differences between the positions:
Delivery area
Regional and local trucking primarily differ in the region in which the driver operates. Regional truckers travel longer routes that may cross several states. Local drivers, however, typically stay within a 100-mile radius.
Work hours
Regional truckers may take several days to complete their routes, sleeping in their trucks or at motels along the way. Due to the longer distances they must travel, they might also spend more time driving. Typically, local truck drivers complete their routes in a single day and return home at night.
Salary
Regional truckers typically earn more money than local truckers. This frequently occurs as a result of the fact that employers pay truck drivers based on the number of miles they travel. Additionally, employers frequently provide greater benefit packages to drivers who log more miles.
Responsibilities
Local and regional drivers might carry out various tasks when they get to their destinations. Local drivers frequently unload their trucks by themselves, while regional drivers frequently have help when they arrive at their destination. This implies that local drivers might have to do more physical labor throughout the course of the day.
Pros and cons of local trucking
There are advantages and disadvantages to working as a local truck driver, just like regional trucking. Some benefits include:
The disadvantages of being a local truck driver could be:
Should I become a regional or local truck driver?
Consider a few factors to decide whether regional or local trucking is the better career choice for you. Consider the kind of salary you want to earn first, then make sure the position you’re applying for fits those criteria.
Also, consider the type of hours you prefer. A local trucking job is probably preferable to a regional one if you want to spend more time at home during the week. Take into account the hours you want to work during a typical workweek as both positions typically operate during the week.
Last, determine how you want to spend your working hours. Consider regional trucking if you want to spend the majority of them traveling along the highway. However, local trucking is probably a better fit if you would prefer to make frequent stops and help with loading and unloading.
“ Pros & Cons” Of OTR Vs. Regional VS. Local Trucking!! (Which One??)
FAQ
What do regional mean in trucking?
Regional trucking: A person who operates a truck in a particular area of the nation, also referred to as a “region,” is referred to as a regional trucker. This could imply that you are a “Southwest Region” or “Northeast Region” driver.
Is regional better than OTR?
The best combination of local and long-distance driving is regional trucking. Regional drivers’ work is concentrated within specific US geographic regions. These areas typically span 4-5 states and don’t extend beyond a 1000-mile radius.
What is considered local trucking?
Local trucking enables the driver to spend every evening at home, which can be very advantageous for those with families. The routes are local, usually covering a 200-mile radius, and the workdays are 8 to 10 hours long.
Do you make more money OTR or local?
Greater Pay: OTR truck drivers frequently earn more money than local drivers. OTR drivers make an average of $62,000 per year, but it may take some time to increase that.
