Choosing between a local CDL A driving job vs long-haul trucking career is a major decision that impacts your lifestyle, schedule, and earning potential. Both options offer advantages, but they also come with trade-offs.
If you’re trying to determine which path suits you best, it’s important to weigh the benefits and challenges of each before making a commitment.
Work-Life Balance and Home Time
One of the biggest differences between local and long-haul trucking is the time spent at home. A local CDL A driving job allows you to return home every night (as long as you stay safe on the road, especially if you’re new), making it a great fit for those who prioritize family time and personal commitments.
On the other hand, long-haul trucking requires extended periods on the road, sometimes for weeks at a time. If you enjoy traveling and don’t mind being away for long stretches, the freedom of the open road can be appealing. However, it does mean less time with loved ones and fewer home-cooked meals.
Pay and Earning Potential
When comparing a local CDL A driving job vs long-haul options, pay is a key factor. Long-haul drivers generally earn higher salaries due to the miles they cover, bonuses for longer trips, and sometimes per diem allowances. The trade-off? More time away from home and longer hours behind the wheel.
Local driving jobs typically offer lower per-mile pay, but drivers are often compensated through hourly wages or short-haul mileage rates.
While the paycheck might not be as high as a long-haul job, it’s still well worth taking the CDL A road test, as the consistent hours and work-life balance can be worth the difference.
Job Demands and Daily Routine
If you prefer a structured workday with set hours, local trucking might be a better fit. You’ll often have regular routes, predictable schedules, and more interactions with customers or dispatchers throughout the day.
The physical demands may be higher, though, as local drivers often handle deliveries, loading, and unloading freight. This type of schedule can also make it easier to balance CDL A training with a full-time job, giving you the flexibility to gain experience while maintaining your current responsibilities.
On the other hand, long-haul trucking offers more independence. Your schedule will vary, and your workday might not have a fixed end time. You’ll experience new routes, different climates, and long hours on the highway. If you enjoy solitude and don’t mind unpredictable days, this could be the ideal career path.
Equipment and Driving Conditions
Local drivers typically operate smaller trucks, such as box trucks or daycabs, making it easier to navigate city streets and tight loading docks. This means frequent stops, more traffic, and less highway driving.
Long-haul drivers usually handle larger rigs with sleeper cabs designed for comfort on multi-day trips. Highways make up most of their routes, meaning fewer stops and less stop-and-go driving. However, long-haul drivers must also manage changing weather conditions, weigh station requirements, and longer driving shifts.
Career Growth and Opportunities
Both local and long-haul trucking provide room for career advancement. Local jobs can lead to specialized roles such as delivery supervisor, dispatcher, or dedicated regional routes with higher pay.
Long-haul drivers can transition into owner-operator roles, which offer greater earning potential and flexibility. Many also move into specialized trucking jobs, such as hauling hazardous materials or oversized loads, which come with significant pay increases.
Lifestyle Considerations
Beyond the paycheck and career growth, lifestyle is a major factor in your decision. Local truckers get to sleep in their beds every night and have more consistent daily routines.
They also can maintain hobbies, family commitments, and a social life outside of work. However, local driving can be more physically demanding, with frequent stops and manual labor.
Long-haul drivers, while spending more time on the road, enjoy seeing different parts of the country and experiencing a sense of adventure.
Many appreciate the solitude of long drives and the opportunity to earn bonuses on lengthy routes. However, extended time away from home can take a toll on personal relationships and well-being.
Which CDL A Driving Job is Right for You?
The best choice between a local CDL A driving job vs long-haul trucking career depends on your priorities. If you want consistency, home time, and a steady routine, local driving is a great option.
If you crave adventure, higher earning potential, and the chance to see the country, long-haul trucking may be the better fit.
Drive Your Future with East USA Trucking
Choosing between a local CDL A driving job and a long-haul trucking career is a big decision that’s probably going to affect both yourself and those around you, but you don’t have to make it alone.
At East USA Trucking, we’re here to support your journey every mile of the way. We offer comprehensive training programs to get you there, including CDL Entry-Level Driver Training, CDL CLASS A & B Testing, CDL Practice Course, as well as CDL Refresher Course to help you get back on the road with ease.
Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping you gain the skills and confidence you need for a successful trucking career.Contact us today and start your next chapter behind the wheel!