The need for qualified truck drivers seems to be growing every day. Trucking companies are always looking for drivers who are experienced and reliable. With all of the truck driving jobs available, it can be hard to find the right job for you. Some of the things to consider when you’re sorting through ads for trucking jobs include home time, company reputation, pay, and how employees are treated.
Trucking Company Reputation
Another thing you should consider when you’re comparing companies is their reputations within the industry. Much of the trucking industry is built on reputation, and companies that are known for being difficult to work with are less likely to keep contracts than those who are known for excellent service. There are enough trucking jobs available in most areas that it should be easy to find a company near you that has an excellent reputation within the trucking industry. Taking a few minutes to research the reputation of a company you aren’t familiar with is a good way to gain insight. This will give you information about the company’s safety rating and track record. It may also tell you if there has been any recent lawsuits involving the company you are considering.
Pay
Pay is always a consideration when you’re looking at truck driving jobs. Some companies pay by the hour, while others pay by the mile or by the load. Make sure that you look at the entire picture when you’re comparing pay scales. This includes bonuses, insurance, fuel surcharges and other compensation. It’s also important to ask how often the company pays its employees. Some pay only once per month, while others pay every time a load is delivered. Virtually every trucking company offers direct deposit, as they understand how seldom most truck drivers are able to visit a bank in person.
Treatment of Employees
It’s a recruiter’s job to act like their company is the best trucking company in the world and treats their employees like royalty. The reality is that many trucking companies have dispatchers that play favorites and give the worst loads to the truckers they don’t like. Finding a company that treats their employees well can be a difficult task. The best way to assess how well a company treats its employees is to ask the employees themselves. Spend some time in your local truck stops and ask truckers who work for the companies what they think of their employers. Most of them will give you an honest answer, however it’s best to ask several people and not just take the opinion of the first person you talk to.
Most employers tend to look down on truck drivers who have worked for a company for less than a year, so it pays to do your research and find the best job for you before committing to work for a particular company. You may need to spend a few hours on the phone and Internet doing research before you find a company that meets your needs. Once you have narrowed your search to two or three companies that look promising, spend some time at the truck stop talking to other truckers. This is not a waste of time, even if you don’t end up working for any of the companies you originally chose to research. Getting on with a company that suits your personality and lifestyle is one of the most important career decisions you’ll ever make.