Questions To Ask Trucking Company Recruiters

When considering which trucking carrier you will work for, you have many options to choose from. Truck driving is a job that is currently in high demand with about 60,000 available throughout the U.S. as of 2019. This high demand for truckers means that you also have your choice of which type of trucking job you would like to do.

The best trucking company for a driver to work for is the company that best suits a driver's needs. That being said, in order to find out which company is best for you in particular, you need to ask the right questions. This will give you the information you need so you can make a decision. Here are some of the questions that will help you to start.

Home-time policy? 

Long-haul drivers put in long hours on the road, so it will be good for you to know how much time you will have to spend with your family. Also, if the company promises you one or two days off a week, ask them to define a day. Is that two full days, or the remainder of the day after you return to the terminal, then one day after?

Which are the routes?

It’s good to know what your typical routes will look like. Some routes are harder than others. Also, if you live in a remote area it will be better for you to choose an employer with a nearby terminal location.

How much does the company pay?

Before asking that question you may want to research the current driver pay scales. Evaluate the pay they offer you in terms of cents per mile. Don’t forget about the bonuses you may receive as well.

What are the benefits?

Some companies offer full medical, dental, vision and short-term disability coverage. The less the coverage, the more cents per mile you have to ask for. Time off, home time and 401(k) matching are also important factors you want to consider.

What type of equipment does the company use?

The truck they will give you is going to be your second home. You will spend a lot of time in it and you have to know what you are going to deal with. How old is the truck, is there a sleeper, what’s the size of it, what about air-ride suspension? Get all the details upfront.

Will I get a driver manager?

The driver manager can help you establish a good relationship with the trucking company. He can help you resolve concerns and issues quickly and enhance your promotion chances. So this is important question to ask.

These are the basic major questions that we recommend you to ask, but they cover only a little bit of the information you need to have before you agree to a position. Here are some other questions to have in your list:

Do you pay practical miles?

Do you pay for lumpers?

Do you slip-seat?

Do you provide layover pay?

Do you have paid holidays and vacations?

Can drivers take the truck home?

What is your average length of haul?

What percentage of loads are multiple stops?

Do you pay for parking at trucks stops?

How long is orientation and how much does it pay?

We hope that these questions will help you get the best trucking job for you. Check our blog for other useful information and get free instant quote for bobtail insurance here.