So, you have your CDL and now you need a trucking job. It’s time to look online, in the newspaper, and everywhere else! Load boards post new loads every day and companies are desperate for more drivers, providing you with a lot of job options, but make sure you find the right job.
It can be easy to jump at the first opportunity that offers money, but you may be neglecting a better opportunity. You may also accept a load for a company that doesn’t have your best interests in mind. Learn what questions to ask and what to look for when considering your trucking job options.
What To Look For In Trucking Jobs
Solid Pay & Benefits
You need to make sure that you make a profit per load, or that the rate per mile is high enough to cover your bills and provide you with the ability to build some savings. Sometimes when business is slow you may accept loads to break even, but on a salary, you will want to profit. Also, after gaining some reputable experience you may be offered hourly pay.
Before signing on with a company be sure to research the pay scale and ask about scheduled pay increases, accessorial pay, layover pay, and bonuses. It’s perfectly fine to ask about future opportunities before investing your time with a new company.
While you’re at it see what type of benefits the company has to offer. Will they offer you insurance coverage? Do they have a retirement plan? Will you be offered paid time off for vacations or holiday pay? These are all important things to consider for your personal needs and the needs of your family.
Look Past Face Value
Most trucking companies will have a professional looking website with images of happy truckers, but don’t let that sway your opinion. Read the text to learn about the company’s goals and how they work to achieve them.
Also, Google reviews of the company to see what the general public and previous workers think of them. This will give you a good idea about their reputation.
Look at how the company values safety. Trucking is a dangerous job, so if they have safety regulations put in place and offer safety training, that’s a good sign that they actually care about their drivers.
Do The Policies Match Your Lifestyle?
Are the lanes in the routes that you like to travel? Will your loads be limited to a flatbed, tankers, and dry vans or will you get to gain experience with more specialized loads? Can you get your foot in the door by hauling dry vans and eventually work your way up to heavy loads?
Do you have a family that you would like to see as much as you can? Then look at the time off the company has to offer and try to find a terminal nearby. Some companies do offer drivers the ability to go home for weekends or every two weeks. You could also consider regional trucking instead of OTR.
Do you have pet you can’t imagine leaving behind? Then look at the company’s pet policy to see if they allow pets on trips. Some places may only allow smaller animals and others may only allow dogs. The rules and regulations for cats and dogs in the rig also vary between different carriers.
The Right Trucking Job Is Waiting For You
When looking for a trucking job it’s not important to find the perfect company or the perfect load. Instead, it’s important to find the right job for you that fits your needs and lifestyle. You may have to get out of your comfort zone a little in the beginning but as your reputation builds you will have access to bigger and better opportunities.
Please share your tips about finding the right trucking job in the comment section below and visit ExpressTruckTax.com for more trucking blogs.