What types of trucking jobs won't require you to drive long
distances across the country? If you're ready to start a new career but don't feel
comfortable with a long-haul job right now, take a look at the top short-haul
questions for soon-to-be truck drivers.
How Is Short-Haul Different from Long-Haul?
It's all in the name. Like the title implies, short-haul
drivers haul loads or drive for short distances. Long-haul truckers drive for
long distances - hauling loads across state lines or even from coast to coast.
While different companies have different routes of service, short-haul truckers
often drive within a 150 airmile radius. This creates an exception to the
federal hours-of-service regulations.
As a new or future driver, you need to understand what an
air mile is and how it differs from what you may think of as a regular driving
mile. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an air mile
is 6,076 feet and a statute mile is 5,280 feet. This makes air miles (also
known as nautical miles) longer than statute miles.
A set air-mile radius doesn't mean short-haul truckers only
drive 150 air miles per day. This is the radius drivers stay within. You may
drive more or less miles back and forth between stops within your geographic
work area. But you won't drive more miles over the road to one destination.
What Are the Advantages of Driving a Short-Haul Job?
Now that you know more about the difference between long-
and short-haul driving, take the next step and decide which option is right for
you and your career goals. While you don't have to stay with one option or the
other, you do need to decide which type of jobs you want to apply to after
completing a driver's training program.
Work-life balance is one of the primary reasons to choose a
short-haul truck driving job. Whether you have children, a spouse, a
significant other, or family who live nearby or just enjoy spending time with
your friends, a short-haul route makes it easier to come home, relax, and see
your loved ones. While long-haul drivers do get time off, they may not get to
come home nightly or even weekly.
Along with work-life balance, some short-haul drivers enjoy
the geographic familiarity a local route offers. Instead of constantly
navigating new terrain, you'll get to know your city, country, or a specific
part of your state well. This can provide a sense of comfort and can even help
you to navigate the area during your off-work hours.
Do Short- and Long-Haul Jobs Pay the Same?
This question has no universal answer. In 2020, the median
pay for a heavy or tractor-trailer truck driver was $47,130 per year, according
to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The specific salary you make as
either a short- or long-haul driver depends on several factors. These include
the company's pay rates, your geographic region's economy, the number of hours
you work, and your experience level.
An entry-level driver may make less than the national
average, while an experienced driver who has worked for the same company for
years may make more. Before you accept a new job, consider the pay rate versus
the number of hours on the road. Long-haul drivers typically spend more time away
from their home base. The quantity of time on the road can impact the value of
a long-haul driver's salary.
What Types of Short-Haul Jobs Are Available?
The answer to this question depends on your local driving
market. Common types of short-haul jobs include construction vehicle and
delivery driver positions. A truck driving career school or program may have
access to job banks or may help you to find short-haul jobs nearby.
Are you ready to start a new driving career? Contact Commercial Trucking School
for more information.
