Regional truck driving offers a unique blend of opportunities for CDL drivers looking to find the benefits of longer miles on the road but who still want the comfort of more consistent home time.
Striking a balance between local and over-the-road (OTR) driving, regional routes provide drivers with the chance to cover shorter distances, maintain a regular schedule, and still enjoy a solid income.
Whether you are a seasoned driver looking to change your routine or new to the industry, understanding the ins and outs of regional trucking can help you decide if it is the right fit for your career.
What is a Regional Route?
Regional truck driving refers to routes within a specific region, often covering a radius of about 200–1,000 miles from the driver’s home base. It typically involves travel across several states within a designated area, such as the traditional regions of Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and Northwest.
Like other trucking jobs, regional drivers typically haul freight between distribution centers, warehouses, and retail outlets. The freight can be anything from general merchandise to specialized loads like refrigerated goods or hazardous materials.
Most regional drivers average between 1,500 and 2,500 miles per week and often have consistent routes, which provides a sense of routine. This can lead to familiarity with specific highways, rest stops, and customers within the region.
Unlike OTR driving, regional drivers are home weekly and often several times a week. However, regional routes can still take several days to complete, meaning many drivers spend a few nights a week away from home.
Regional vs. Local vs. OTR Routes
Before deciding on a career in regional trucking, it is important to understand what makes these routes different from OTR and local truck driving.
Whereas OTR drivers can be on the road for weeks at a time, running freight across the entire country, and sometimes even over international borders, regional, and local truck drivers remain closer to home.
Local drivers, however, generally operate within a smaller area than regional drivers and return home every day. Regional drivers travel further, usually with at least one or two overnight stays.
When it comes to compensation, OTR drivers earn the highest pay per mile on average, due to the extensive travel, longer hours, and time away from home. Regional drivers typically earn more than local drivers because of the greater distances they cover and the occasional overnights, but their pay tends to be lower than OTR due to the shorter length of their routes.
Benefits of Regional Driving
A career in regional truck driving comes with many unique benefits that make it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a balance between home life and time on the road.
- Improved Work-Life Balance: Regional drivers typically have more home time than OTR drivers, making it easier to maintain personal relationships and handle home responsibilities.
- Consistency: The demand for regional truck drivers remains high, which leads to a more predictable schedule and consistent work throughout the year. Regional truck drivers often can plan which nights of the week they will be at home, and when they will be away.
- Physical and Mental Health: Less time spent on the road compared to long-haul drivers can reduce stress and fatigue. Being far from home for long stretches of time can have a significant impact on drivers’ mental health, whereas regional routes offer more time for physical exercise, meal prepping to save money on the road, and rest time at home.
- Familiarity with Routes: Regional drivers often drive the same routes frequently, which can make the job easier as they get to know the roads, rest areas, and regulations specific to their region.
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