Local vs. Long-Haul Truck Driving: Which Career Fits You Best?
When people talk about truck driving in the U.S., two career paths usually come up: local (short-haul) and long-haul (OTR). Both keep America moving, but the lifestyle, pay, and day-to-day work are very different. Understanding these differences can help you decide which path is right for you.
▌ 🚦 Routes & Cargo
Local Drivers usually cover 150–200 miles from home. They make multiple stops in city or county areas, hauling groceries, construction supplies, or retail goods. Trucks are smaller and easier for city driving. This type of driving is perfect for those who prefer a set routine and familiar roads.
Long-Haul Drivers, on the other hand, travel across states—sometimes coast-to-coast. They often run 500+ miles daily, moving larger loads such as consumer products, machinery, or refrigerated freight, using tractor-trailers with sleeper cabs. This role appeals to drivers who want to explore new places and don’t mind spending extended time on the road.
▌ 💵 Pay & Benefits
When comparing pay, the structure itself is different:
- Local: Paid hourly, with most earning $40k–$60k/year. Unionized jobs often provide higher pay and stronger benefits. Expenses are lower since you return home daily.
- Long-Haul: Paid per mile. Average annual pay is $70k–$80k, and top drivers can exceed $100k. However, road expenses (meals, hotels) cut into net pay, though per diem allowances help offset costs.
- Benefits: Both local and long-haul jobs usually include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
So while long-haul may bring in bigger numbers, local work often means steadier take-home pay thanks to fewer travel costs.
▌ 🕒 Lifestyle & Schedule
Lifestyle is often the deciding factor.
- Local Drivers typically work 8–10 hour shifts, 5–6 days a week. They are home every night, making it much easier to balance family life and routines.
- Long-Haul Drivers may spend weeks on the road, driving up to 11 hours per day plus waiting/loading time. This schedule is best for those who enjoy independence and seeing the country, even if it means being away from home.
In short, if family time is your priority, local driving may be the better fit. If freedom and travel excite you, long-haul offers that lifestyle.
▌ 🏢 Company Spotlights
The differences between local and long-haul careers become clearer when looking at actual companies:
Costco – Local Driving Made Comfortable
- Type of Driving: Local or regional, no overnight routes.
- Workload: Mostly “no-touch” or “drop and hook”, meaning less physical labor.
- Schedule: Predictable, with steady hours and the guarantee of being home daily.
- Pay: Competitive hourly wages starting at $25–$32/hr, with experienced drivers reaching $36/hr.
U.S. Xpress – Flexibility and High Earning Potential
- Type of Driving: Offers regional and long-haul (OTR) roles, plus some dedicated lanes.
- Options: High-mileage OTR for drivers who want to maximize income, or dedicated lanes for those who prefer regular home time.
- Pay: Drivers are paid for their trips based on dispatch mileage, with pay ranging from $0.73 to $0.76 per mile depending on route and experience. Weekly earnings average $1,600–$1,850, with opportunities to earn more depending on mileage and routes.
✨ Whether you’re drawn to Costco’s stable home-daily model or intrigued by the flexibility and high earnings at U.S. Xpress, these companies show how different the truck driving experience can be depending on the path you choose.
▌ 🎓 Training & Career Growth
No matter which path you choose, a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required:
- Class A: For tractor-trailers (long-haul).
- Class B: For dump trucks, box trucks, and many local roles.
Career growth is possible in both tracks. Local drivers can specialize in tankers or hazardous loads, while long-haul drivers may move into team driving, lease their own truck, or shift into management. The current driver shortage also means there are plenty of openings for new drivers, making this a promising career choice overall.
▌ 📌 Detailed Takeaways
Local Driving (Short-Haul)
- Home daily and predictable hours.
- Lower expenses and less travel stress.
- Fits drivers who prioritize stability and family time.
- Example: Costco’s competitive hourly pay and strong benefits.
Long-Haul Driving (OTR)
- Higher earning potential with mileage-based pay.
- Adventure, independence, and the chance to see the country.
- Fits drivers who enjoy life on the road and flexible schedules.
- Example: U.S. Xpress regional and OTR routes with weekly pay of $1,600–$1,850.
👉 Bottom line: Both career paths offer great opportunities—local driving for balance, and long-haul for income and adventure. The right choice depends on what you value most in your lifestyle and career goals.