To try regional hauling or not to try? For many truck drivers, that is indeed the question.
On paper, the choice seems simple: regional runs mean a string of days the road each time. Meanwhile, local runs typically get you home every night. But in reality, the decision is a bit more complicated.
Life on the road has several appealing perks, while local runs come with their own drawbacks that drivers don’t always consider. it’s fair to say that regional driving appeals to a very specific kind of driver. While a few nights away from home each week might sound inconvenient to some, it can offer the perfect balance of independence, decent home time, and a reliable paycheck.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of regional driving – and remember, whether these are “pros” or “cons” often comes down to your personal lifestyle, goals, or priorities. So, without further ado…
The Positives of Regional
On average, the pay is higher than local. Since regional truck drivers are paid per mile, the hundreds they cover daily add up quickly. Regional drivers can also receive detention pay and sometimes drayage fees. For drivers where higher earnings are a priority, regional is a much more lucrative offer than local.
Work-life balance. Regional truck drivers often enjoy the sweet spot between earning power and time at home. Most regional routes mean being out for a handful of nights at a time, then back home for weekends—or longer. For drivers with families or obligations at home, this strikes an ideal balance.
Familiar routes and rhythm. Many regional drivers enjoy the predictability of recurring lanes. They get to know their routes, the shippers and receivers, and the rhythm of your schedule—making the job less stressful and more efficient.
There’s often more independence. While not quite as free-range as OTR, regional truck drivers still have more flexibility than local drivers when it comes to routing, rest stops, and time management. That extra breathing room can make the job more enjoyable.
Scenic miles, with familiar favorites. Regional routes still take you through impressive terrain. Truline drivers enjoy the red rocks of the southwest, the towering Rockies, and the wide-open desert. You may not get cross-country variety, but you do get a front-row seat to some truly spectacular parts of the country.
The Cons of Regional
Time away from home. While regional keeps truck drivers closer to home than OTR, it still means overnight trips. If you’re someone who wants to sleep in your own bed every night or be a regular part of your family’s weekdays, this can be a challenge.
Shorter delivery windows. Regional drivers often work with tighter turnaround times than OTR. With quicker runs, there’s less buffer for delays or route changes, and you may need to stay in closer contact with dispatch.
Your truck is still your home—at least part-time. Even if it’s only for a few nights a week, regional drivers still sleep in their rigs. That means getting comfortable in a confined space and adapting to life on the road during your away days. It definitely takes time to adjust to living and working in a space that’s only about 170 square feet in total.
Health challenges. Long hours on the road and tight living quarters are a recipe for an unhealthy lifestyle. Regional truck drivers usually make a concerted effort to eat healthy and get plenty of physical activity. It’s an extra challenge, however, to an already challenging job.
More likely to have to deal with severe weather conditions. While you may not face the same coast-to-coast unpredictability as OTR drivers, regional routes still mean driving through different elevations and climates. Sudden storms or icy roads can cause last-minute changes and extra stress.
So which is right for you?
As you can see, whether regional is the perfect middle ground or not really your thing comes down to personal preference. Each driver has to decide if it suits their lifestyle.
For many, regional trucking is the smart long-term choice—more time at home than OTR, better pay than local, and enough miles to keep things interesting without being too far from home.
If we can toot our own horn for a moment, we think the experience of hauling with Truline is pretty spectacular. Our local and regional routes through the breathtaking southwest, paired with great pay and driver-first policies, are just part of the reason we earned the TCA Elite Fleet certification in 2025. Don’t take our word for it—check out our current opportunities and join the Truline team today.
