For many truckers who’ve just started in the industry it may seem that all freight and trucking companies, especially the international and national companies, seem to get nothing but negative comments from their current drivers. There are few companies that might be distinctively driver unfriendly, but there are also many that are honest, fair and work closely with drivers so that they stay with them for years.
If you stop and think about it, a responsible and safe driver is a big asset to any company. Sure, there are plenty of drivers to take someone’s place, but new drivers without extensive experience are an untested commodity for a trucking company that heavily relies on their expertise. The trucking companies that strive hard to build a solid reputation and a loyal customer base understand that drivers are the face of the company, so top drivers are essential and important to their business.
Understanding everything that makes a trucking company favorable for some drivers and a poor choice for others has a lot to do with your personal dislikes and likes and your goals. For instance, a driver who wants to spend regular time with his or her family might see a trucking company that offers considerable home time as a good company to work for. On the other hand, if the driver wants to be on road as much as possible he or she might see extended home time as a waste of time. It all depends on priorities and perception. You can rate a trucking company low for that particular reason or prefer a company where you have less home time and are mostly on the road adding more miles.
Pay and Benefits
This is a big factor for most drivers when they’re researching freight companies to work for. However, benefits including health insurance and various other perks may be available with some trucking companies and not for others. Being able to compare various pay and benefits packages as per your specific needs is important in choosing a company that’s best for you. When a company offers you good pay, as higher pay per mile, you might see reduction in perks that are usually offered with the job.
Quality of Trucks
Top trucking companies not only offer good pay and benefits, but also good trucks. Even if they don’t have new trucks or trailers, they maintain their existing fleet immaculately, and each of their trucks are safe to drive and undergo regular maintenance.
In addition, top trucking companies also have efficient managers or dispatchers that are there to help if you need them. This makes your job easy and you can be more productive and earn more.
Passengers and Pets
Due to past negative experiences and liability issues some trucking companies are quite strict on who and what can be in your tuck with you when you’re on the road. Most companies have no pet and no passenger policy, which you might need to consider before taking up the job. This means, your kids or your spouse or partner can’t be in the vehicle under any circumstances even for that “once a year” trip together, or on long hauls. Failing to follow the policy means immediate dismissal from service, even on first reported incident. If you’ve not discussed this policy, be sure to ask about it before you bring your pet or someone with you!
Keeping You Busy
Since the only way you can make money is by racking up miles on each load, you would want a trucking company that has excellent reputation of keeping their drivers on the road. Few companies provide only minimum hours while others make sure the loads as well as backhauls are constant. This also means you have to be willing to take some of the less than desirable loads and routes, especially in the beginning of your job. This will help you gain experience, seniority and reputation as a driver who’s willing to work.