Choose The Right Trucking Company For Your Over The Road Car
by KEITH GUYTON
If you've ever entertained the notion of pursuing a career in trucking, then this is a great time. There are an amazing number of companies, both big and small, offering driving jobs nowadays, and your chances of landing a job are very high. However, one of the best things you can know is that each company has its own ways of recruiting potential drivers. It'll be to your advantage if you take a long, serious look at what these companies are offering, and evaluate each one individually.
First off, find out if the company has a terminal in close proximity to where you live. This is the best way to avoid driving long stretches empty if you're using a company-owned truck, or driving many unpaid miles if you're an owner-operator. This can be an expensive and frustrating proposition for a driver.
The majority of the larger trucking companies have multiple terminal sites, while smaller firms may just have one or two. The terminal is your home away from home, where you drop off paperwork, attend company safety meetings, and take care of other job-related tasks, as well as eat meals and possibly get some 'sack time'.
Your pay is an extremely important issue, so treat it with appropriate attention. Many firms offer an signing bonus, with the provision that you must drive for them for a year or more. This may get paid upon your initial start-up with the firm, or at a time frame specified in your contract. Know up front whether your pay is mileage-based or hourly, and above all---get it in writing!
Just as important as how you are paid is knowing when you'll be paid. Sometimes it can be a set amount of days after you've turned in your paperwork on a load, or it can come on a set, specified date. Determine if your funds are coming as a check, or if they are direct deposited to your chosen bank. The best option if oyu're driving over the road is more likely direct deposit, which gives you easier access to your funds if you're not in hollering distance of your area.
Company benefits are an equally vital piece of the puzzle. Find out if you'll be offered health insurance, a 401k plan, and whether there are bonuses involved for safety and attendance. A complete and well provisioned employment package is an excellent investment for your future, because it's senseless not to have health insurance or a good savings plan.
Check thoroughly into the company's dispatch procedures, because based on these policies, getting loads can either be quite smooth or a logistical nightmare. Look toward companies that have a large freight base, for this will determine if you're able to deliver your assigned load, call in for another, then be on your way. Your earning potential will be be drastically curbed if you're constantly sitting and waiting for loads.
An over the road driver can be away from home for long periods of time, so knowing how your chosen company handles time off is an issue of extreme importance. There may be paid vacation time offered after you've been with the company for a certain set time period, but there may be occasions when you need a couple days off the road to attend to personal issues or special situations. Look towards companies that understand that things do happen, and are willing to work with you to get the down time you need.
Make sure you also know about the company's equipment, and their records on safety and maintenance. Whether you drive for the company, or pull their trailers as an owner-operator, you need to ensure that your equipment is clean, safe, well-maintained, and up to date.
In the end, your happiness and longevity with the firm you finally choose will depend on many things. Take the time to examine all issues closely, and I stress again---get it in writing! Your prior planning will go a long way in keeping you safe, sane, happy, and healthy as you move on down the road.
Keith Guyton is an aspiring writer and infopreneur. He resides in Middletown, Ohio with his wife Cheryl and their dog, Max.
