A Fleet Manager's Guide to Long-haul Trucking

The trucking industry transports 70% of goods across the U.S. That’s why long-haul truck driving has become an in-demand job with many benefits. But not just anyone can become a long-haul truck driver. These drivers operate heavy trucks and tractor-trailers with a minimum capacity of 26,000 pounds in gross vehicle weight, according to the CDC. The job also requires driving long distances, often crossing borders into Mexico and Canada.

Given the distances covered and the responsibilities involved, drivers should think carefully before making long-haul trucking a career. Here's what you need to know if you're considering becoming a long-haul truck driver.

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How long-haul trucking differs from short-haul trucking

Unlike long-haul truck drivers, short-haul truckers operate smaller vehicles that pass over city roads. They also don't go beyond a 150-mile radius from their truck’s origin. Short-haul drivers are limited to making several deliveries daily. They have time to come home each day since they only travel within their designated area.

By contrast, long-haul truckers may travel thousands of miles to complete a single delivery. They drive larger trucks, stay away from home for weeks, and spend their nights sleeping in the trucks. Their long-haul loads require them to drive over interstate freeways and highways, possibly crossing country borders.

Here’s more of what you can expect as a long-haul truck driver:

Higher Compensation

The salary of a long-haul truck driver is higher than that of a short-haul driver because the industry compensates for the longer time on the road and away from their families. Their average annual earnings are $81,314, compared to $66,630 for short-haul drivers.

Less Work/Life Balance

Because long-haul drivers spend so much time on the road, they experience more work and less work-life balance. Long freight deliveries involve more hours, irregular schedules, stress, and limited access to healthy food. Life as a truck driver on the road means they can expect to not see family for weeks or months in a year.

Job Security

According to the American Trucking Associations, the industry needed 60,800 drivers for freight services by 2018's end. The shortage came from aging drivers and an increase in freight volumes. Given the high demand, those qualified to do long-haul truck driving can find a job easily and are likely to keep it for longer.

Health Conditions

A CDC national survey on long-haul truck drivers found that a combination of worker behavior, health conditions, and the work environment affected drivers' health. Drivers have higher rates of diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and heart disease. Unlike short-haul truck drivers, who have free time after work, long-haulers don't have time to exercise or control their diet during trips.

Qualifications

To be a long-haul truck driver, you must be above 21 years old, have a commercial driver's license (CDL), and show a clean driving record. In preparation for earning a CDL, trucking schools teach students about cargo handling, vehicle maintenance and handling, and record-keeping of their hours of service (HOS).

Distance Traveled

A long-haul trucking owner and an operator will drive an average of 120,000 to 130,000 miles per year. This means drivers will be on highways for weeks. They spend rest periods at truck stops and sleep in the vehicle at night. Expect to live inside your truck for most of the year.

Job Duties

There are major differences in the duties between short-haul and long-haul truck drivers:

• Long-haul drivers only make one or two delivery stops every few days or weeks. Short-haul truckers may make several stops per day.
• Short-haul drivers don't need to log their HOS to receive their salaries. Since long-haul drivers spend more time on the road, their HOS logs are a requirement.
• The traffic laws long-haul drivers follow are highway-specific, while short-haul drivers pay more attention to city street rules.
• The heavier vehicles long-haul truckers operate have specific maintenance requirements to operate over long distances and carry such large loads.
• Short-haul truckers load and unload items several times a day, while long-haul truckers load and unload at least once a week.

Working Conditions

Short-haul truck drivers spend more time outside their trucks loading and unloading deliveries each day. Long-haul truckers spend more time driving and need to rest in between long distances. They are prone to sleep deprivation, and they’re not allowed to operate a truck for more than 11 hours in one day. They also must rest for 10 hours in between long drives.

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Challenges for long-haul truck drivers

Drivers considering a career in long-haul trucking should consider the challenges that come with the job:

• Time away from family: Given the weeks you’ll have to spend on the road, you won't be seeing your family regularly.
• HOS compliance: As explained earlier, HOS regulations are strict about the maximum driving hours and how often long-haul truckers rest. You'll have to schedule and plan your route according to these rules.
• Rejected shipments: You'll be servicing customers who expect their shipments at a specific time or within conditions out of your control. You'll bear the brunt of customer complaints about any delays or spoiled goods you delivered.
• Monitoring of fleets: Artificial intelligence technology, GPS fleet tracking, and dash cameras are used to monitor fleet trucks driving long distances. Fleet managers monitor vehicles to ensure efficiency and on-time deliveries. Make sure you’re okay with being tracked and checked on while working.
• Expensive fuel costs: Expect to spend more on fuel costs that go above $50,000 annually. Long-haul truck drivers are normally given a company credit card for them to track their expenses. But this also comes with the responsibility of planning routes that allow for more efficient driving.

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Final thoughts for potential long-haul truck drivers

Long-haul trucking entails overseeing many details and ensuring efficient use of costly resources. Netradyne's fleet safety technology helps long-haul trucking companies properly deliver large loads in a safe, timely manner. Partner with Netradyne today and see what our dashboard and cameras can do for your long-haul fleet service.

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Commonly Asked Questions

How does Netradyne support long-haul truck drivers?

Netradyne’s Driver•i dashcams use AI to monitor driver behavior, enhance safety, and reduce accidents—crucial for long-haul drivers who spend weeks on the road.

Can Netradyne help reduce fatigue-related accidents in long-haul trucking?

Yes. Netradyne provides real-time alerts and driver scorecards that promote safe driving habits, helping long-haul drivers stay alert and compliant with Hours of Service (HOS) rules.

How does fleet tracking work with Netradyne for long-distance hauls?

Netradyne uses advanced telematics and GPS tracking to give fleet managers real-time visibility of vehicle location, helping ensure timely deliveries and efficient route planning.

Why should long-haul trucking companies invest in Netradyne?

Netradyne helps reduce insurance claims, fuel costs, and downtime. It also improves driver retention by recognizing and rewarding safe driving behavior.

Does Netradyne integrate with ELD and other fleet systems?

Yes. Netradyne’s platform integrates with ELDs and fleet management tools to streamline compliance, monitor driver hours, and simplify operations.