Local Trucking: The Best Route for Drivers Who Want to Be Home Daily

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Introduction

Not every trucker dreams of spending weeks on the road or waking up in a different state every morning. Some drivers prefer a steady paycheck, predictable hours, and sleeping in their own bed every night. If that sounds like you, then local trucking might be the perfect fit.

Local truck drivers operate within a specific region, typically within 100–250 miles of their home base. They haul shorter loads and usually complete multiple deliveries in a single shift. While local routes don’t pay as much as OTR (Over-the-Road) trucking, they offer a better work-life balance, making them ideal for drivers with families or other responsibilities.

But is local trucking really the easy life, or does it come with its own set of challenges? Let’s break it down.

What Is Local Trucking?
Local trucking involves short-haul deliveries, meaning drivers start and end their shifts at home most days. Unlike OTR truckers, local drivers work set routes, usually within a single state or metro area.

What Local Truckers Haul:
📦 Retail & Consumer Goods – Delivering to stores, warehouses, or distribution centers.
🛠 Construction Materials – Hauling dirt, gravel, lumber, and equipment.
❄ Refrigerated (Reefer) Freight – Transporting fresh and frozen goods.
🏭 Manufacturing Supplies – Moving raw materials for factories and plants.

Pros & Cons of Local Trucking
✅ Pros – Why Drivers Choose Local Trucking
✔ Home Every Night – No sleeping in a truck stop; you’re back in your own bed daily.
✔ More Predictable Hours – Many local trucking jobs offer set start and end times.
✔ Easier on Family Life – Perfect for truckers who need to spend more time with kids, spouses, or elderly parents.
✔ Less Loneliness – OTR drivers spend weeks alone, while local drivers get regular social interaction.

❌ Cons – The Tough Parts of Local Trucking
❌ Lower Pay Than OTR – Since you drive fewer miles, you make less per year than long-haul truckers.
❌ More Physical Labor – Many local trucking jobs require unloading freight by hand.
❌ City Traffic & Tight Spaces – You’ll deal with stop-and-go traffic, tight docking spots, and impatient four-wheelers.
❌ Early Start Times – Many local trucking shifts start before sunrise, especially for grocery or construction deliveries.

Who Should Consider Local Trucking?
🚛 Truckers With Families – If you need to be home every night, this is one of the best trucking jobs.
🚛 Drivers Who Prefer Routine – Set hours, familiar routes, and a steady paycheck.
🚛 Experienced Drivers Looking for Stability – Many OTR drivers eventually switch to local trucking as they get older.

How Much Do Local Truckers Make?
💰 Average Salary: $45,000 – $70,000 per year.
💰 Hourly Pay: Many local drivers earn hourly wages ($20 – $35 per hour).
💰 Bonuses: Some companies offer safety, performance, or overtime bonuses.

While OTR truckers make more per mile, local drivers benefit from consistent paychecks and overtime opportunities.

What to Expect in a Local Trucking Job
📅 Local Trucking Schedules
Day Shift: Typical start times between 3 AM – 6 AM, finishing by early afternoon.
Night Shift: Some companies pay extra for overnight deliveries.
Weekends Off: Many local trucking jobs offer Monday–Friday schedules.
🏠 Home Time
Most local drivers are home daily.
Some regional drivers may work 2–3 days out, then get home time.
Seasonal work (construction, agriculture) may require longer shifts.
🚦 Driving Conditions
Heavy traffic – More time spent in congested cities compared to highway driving.
Multiple stops – Expect frequent docking, backing, and tight turns.
Customer interaction – You may deal directly with clients when making deliveries.
Best Local Trucking Jobs
1️⃣ LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Freight
✔ Smaller deliveries to multiple locations in a single shift.
✔ Companies like FedEx, UPS, and Old Dominion hire LTL drivers.
✔ Great for drivers who like fast-paced work with a mix of driving and unloading.

2️⃣ Dump Truck & Construction Hauling
✔ Hauling gravel, sand, and heavy equipment for construction projects.
✔ Higher pay than some local jobs, but more seasonal work.
✔ Requires more skill with backing and operating heavy machinery.

3️⃣ Grocery & Food Service Trucking
✔ Great pay, but requires unloading freight.
✔ Supermarkets and restaurant chains always need deliveries.
✔ Companies like Sysco, US Foods, and Coca-Cola hire local drivers.

Tips for Succeeding as a Local Trucker
✅ Learn to Back Up Like a Pro – You’ll have tighter docks and more urban driving.
✅ Get Used to Hand Unloading – Many local drivers handle freight daily.
✅ Be Patient in Traffic – City driving is a different beast compared to highway hauls.
✅ Find a Company That Pays Overtime – Many local jobs offer extra pay for longer shifts.

Is Local Trucking Right for You?
✔ If you want to be home daily, have a set schedule, and earn steady pay, local trucking is a great option.
✔ If you prefer highway driving and don’t mind being away for weeks, OTR might be a better fit.
✔ If you want a mix of home time and longer routes, regional trucking could be a solid middle ground.

🚨 CTA: Want to find a high-paying local trucking job? Check out LifeAsATrucker.com for expert advice!