Choosing The Right Entry Level Trucking Job
This is it. You've graduated trucking school and because of the recent shortage of qualified drivers, you have offers on the table. The only problem is, each company is different and offers different benefits and settings in which to work. Use this information to cut though the confusion and get the facts.
Do you really understand what you'll get paid and what you'll be doing?
You probably didn't become a truck driver solely because you love to drive. There's money to be made, and you should make sure to claim your cut.
If you look in the adds or online there are hundreds of offers including $5,000 dollar signing bonuses, 1.20 a load per mile, paid benefits and many other perks. The trick is to determine what you'll actually be doing in order to earn all that. Sort through the numbers and calculate working time to pay. It may turn out the job pays well but is tougher than you originally thought. Do your research and don't make any hasty decisions.
Is the company profitable?
How many accounts do they have? How many have they added over the past year? What is their customer retention rate? Don't be afraid to ask these questions; if anything it will show a perspective employer you have some initiative. Companies that do one thing better than everybody else usually have specialized job positions available that pay well. Keep an eye out for that.
Will you only be doing the type of driving you want to do?
Make sure you know what you're getting into as far as driving goes. Some companies actually require a driver to be on the road for a certain number of hours in a day. Getting hired for a day only driving position that lets you be home on the weekends could turn into a long haul job, meaning you miss birthdays and other special events if you have a family. Take steps to ensure the job you get is the job you want.
Is There a focus on safety?
Does the company focus on safety? A great company puts their employee's safety above everything else. If it's easy for you to get a job with a company with a less- than-perfect driving record, you should be wary. The safest trucking companies are the most successful, and they have strict standards in place to ensure all their drivers come home safe after every run.
For more information about trucking companies, contact a professional like Bobby Hoelscher Trucking Inc.