Thinking about a career change? Whether you’re burned out from a desk job, ready to break free from routine, or just craving something different, trucking offers something many careers don’t: freedom, flexibility, and a fast track to financial stability. But before you hit the road, there’s one big decision to make—short haul vs long haul trucking?
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When you become a professional truck driver, you’ll have more choices than you might expect—including the kind of routes you run. One of the most important decisions you’ll make early in your trucking career is whether you want to drive short haul vs long haul trucking routes. Each has its pros and cons, and your decision will shape your lifestyle, your schedule, and even your income.
Let’s break down the key differences and help you decide which route best fits your goals.
Long Haul Trucking
Long haul drivers (also called over-the-road or OTR drivers) typically cover hundreds or even thousands of miles per trip, often crossing multiple states.
Imagine waking up to a sunrise in Montana, hauling coast to coast with your favorite podcast playing and the open road stretching ahead. That’s the long haul lifestyle.
Pros:
- Higher Earning Potential: Since most truckers are paid by the mile, long haul drivers can earn more by covering greater distances. Back-to-back trips can lead to a strong paycheck.
- More Independence: If you enjoy solitude and working without someone constantly checking in, long haul might be a great fit. You’re out on the road, managing your own time.
- Paid Travel: You’ll see different parts of the country—and get paid to do it! For drivers who enjoy exploring new places, this is a huge perk.
- High Demand: There’s always a need for long haul drivers. If you’re ready to hit the road, you’ll find plenty of job opportunities across the industry.
Cons:
- Time Away from Home: OTR driving often means being gone for days—or even weeks—at a time. It’s a sacrifice, especially if you have a family or important commitments at home.
- Challenging Lifestyle: Long hours behind the wheel can take a toll on your health if you’re not careful. Eating well, staying active, and maintaining a routine can be difficult while on the road.
Short Haul Trucking
Short haul drivers typically stay closer to home, driving within a limited radius—usually 100 to 300 miles—and often return home daily or every few days.
Picture finishing your workday at 6 p.m. and sitting down to dinner with your family. That’s the short haul lifestyle.
Pros:
- Home Most Nights: One of the biggest benefits of short haul driving is a more stable home life. You’ll spend more time with your family and sleep in your own bed most nights.
- Routine & Familiarity: You’ll likely run the same routes and work with the same customers, making your workday more predictable and less stressful.
- Healthier Lifestyle: More time at home makes it easier to eat balanced meals, stick to an exercise routine, and manage stress.
Cons:
- Lower Pay (Usually): Because short haul drivers cover fewer miles, the pay tends to be lower than long haul positions. However, this can vary by company and region.
- High Expectations: Just because the routes are shorter doesn’t mean the job is easier. Short haul drivers are often under pressure to complete multiple deliveries quickly and on time—sometimes with very little room for delays like traffic or weather.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Both short and long distance driving have unique advantages and challenges. The best choice depends on your goals, lifestyle, and priorities. Want to maximize your earnings and see the country? Long haul might be the way to go. Prefer more time at home and a consistent routine? Short haul could be your match.
Common Myths—Busted
- “I’ll never be home.” Not true—short haul routes keep many drivers home daily.
- “I don’t have experience.” That’s what training is for. You’ll be road-ready in weeks.
- “It’s not for women.” Trucking is for everyone. More women than ever are thriving in the industry.
- “It’s too late to start.” Whether you’re 21 or 71, it’s never too late to build a new career.
Take the First Step with American Truck Training
Whether you dream of life on the open highway or a steady routine close to home, it all starts with the right CDL training—and that’s where we come in.
At American Truck Training, we’ll help you earn your CDL and prepare for the career path that fits your life, whether that is short haul vs long haul trucking. With just a few weeks of hands-on training, you can go from considering a new career to starting one with real earning potential.
Ready to stop clocking in and start moving forward?
Let American Truck Training help you take the wheel—literally. Call us today at (405) 254-5556 or complete the form above to get started.