Success Stories

The Long Haul Industry

Driving long distance will give new drivers considerable experience, which is widely asked for by most local employers. Long Haul driving consists of hauling freight and materials from coast to coast, Canada and Mexico. Long haul drivers are paid by the mile verses by the hour; therefore the more miles driven, the higher the wages.

The Long-Haul and Local Trucking Industry: Careers for California Drivers

At Camino Real, we take pride in our graduates. Explore our Camino Real Success Stories and see how students like you have launched rewarding trucking careers. From local routes to long-haul driving, these stories prove that your success is just a drive away.

Our graduates follow the rigorous standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ensuring they are prepared for safe and professional driving on the road. By adhering to industry guidelines, our students not only pass their CDL exams but excel in their careers.

Understanding the California DMV CDL requirements is crucial for aspiring drivers. Our programs are designed to guide students through each step of the licensing process, helping them gain the skills and confidence needed for success.

Graduates from Camino Real are part of a growing workforce where demand for drivers is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics truck driving remains a promising career path with steady opportunities for advancement.

Long-Haul Trucking

Long-haul drivers gain extensive Over-the-Road (OTR) experience, transporting freight and materials across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Paid by the mile rather than by the hour, long-haul driving offers the potential for higher wages as you increase your mileage.

OTR experience also builds advanced driving skills in various weather and road conditions — experience that local routes alone cannot provide. Graduates with long-haul experience are highly sought after by both regional and local employers, enhancing their employability and demonstrating safe, reliable driving practices.

Local Trucking

Local driving is ideal for drivers who prefer to return home daily and stay close to family. While local positions are in high demand, competition is strong, and pay rates are typically about 10% lower than long-haul routes. Local driving still provides valuable experience and can serve as a stepping stone to advanced positions within the industry.

Employer Connections

Camino Real maintains strong relationships with top trucking and transportation companies, receiving an average of five employer requests for drivers per week. Many openings are ongoing, while others require immediate placement. Our graduates are regularly updated through our website and newsletters about job openings, recruiters, and industry insights, giving them an advantage in the competitive trucking market.

The following companies have hired Camino Real graduates since 1995:

Long-Haul Driving Opportunities

Our long-haul graduates are driving across 48 states with some of the leading trucking companies in the nation:

Company	Coverage	Pay
Swift Transportation	48 States	$0.21 per mile – $10.00/hour
Schneider National	48 States	$0.39–$0.70 per mile; $10/hour on-duty time
CRST International	48 States	Up to $0.68 per mile
Covenant Transportation	48 States	Up to $0.70 per mile
C.R. England	48 States	$0.42–$0.44 per mile
Pacific Express	48 States	$0.18 per mile – $9.75/hour

Local Driving Opportunities

Our local driving graduates are staying closer to home while working with top companies throughout California:

Company	Region	Pay
Tejeda Trucking	California	$14.00 per hour
Shippers Transport	California Ports	$25-$30 per hour
South Down Concrete	California	$13.80 per hour
Robertson Ready Mix	California	$10.50 per hour
Coach USA	California	$8.75 per hour
MTA	California	$10.00 per hour
Beauchamp Distribution	California	$10.50 + commission