Job Hopping Myths

Work ethic is a very serious issue, in any industry. But, as an industry we have allowed companies to control the tone of this debate/issue for too long.

I know without a doubt, there are drivers everywhere who have driven for one company all their life. And I have a lot of respect for ANY person who has been with one company for more than 10 years. But.......

When did it become a "fact" that every driver has to eat ####, whether he/she likes it or not?

I continuously see/hear comments about "job hopping", from company and driver alike. All of it pointing out the negative aspect of "hopping".

How about some truth....for once.

Trucking is a service industry. Companies often blame poor service, on it's drivers.

As a driver, I provide a service to the trucking company. And I am proud of my ability and record. I want to provide a service that makes everyone happy with my level of performance. I can not do this if ONE person in the chain, is dishonest with me.

Moving on......

Discounting any personal reasons for leaving a company. Family issues, medical, etc, etc.

While rate of pay will lure a driver to another company (a topic for another post). The only thing that will make a driver leave a company, is dishonesty.

Dishonesty is a very broad word. It can cover anything from pay to time at home. Deception through omission is dishonesty. We've all been victims of this treatment at some time.

Why would we as experienced drivers tolerate anyone who is dishonest? Why would we as professionals, expect anyone else to tolerate dishonesty?

As experienced drivers, especially those of us who have driven for 10 plus year, we are VERY aware that many companies flat out LIE to attract new drivers. Yet, I continue to see these same drivers berate the new guys for having 4 jobs over a 2 year period.

This is NOT good. Many of us have bought into the company propaganda machine. We help bad companies keep GOOD drivers. And, at some point that good driver will fall through the cracks. Becoming a driver who will never work in the industry again. Due to violations or accidents. Often pushed upon the driver, by the company, through dispatch.

We must continue to support/guide good drivers to good companies. Insuring the success of both. The sooner we can get a good driver away from a bad company, the sooner the bad company can shut the doors....forever.

As experienced drivers, I see many of us within this forum and others trying very hard to steer a new guy away from a BAD company. And failing more times than not. But why label the guy/gal as a job hopper, once they realize they have made a very bad mistake?

As experienced drivers with "clean" driving records. We KNOW we can have a new job tomorrow. And it has NOTHING to do with being a long time "team player".

As a new driver, you should take more time to question the input you get within this forum. Research, research, and research some more. Sure there are those of us who literally hate some companies. But there is generally good reason. MAKE SURE there is validity to this reason. Has it happened to others? If so, that company may not be a good choice for you.

New guys, accepting ANY job out of desperation, can only lead to disappointment in your future.

 

Not always true. There are some that actually TRY. And I have respect for those.

Case in point would be my current job. I hear drivers complain about miles, not often. But it happens. It is very rare that I hear a complaint about management or dispatch.

I actually had a sit down this spring, after cleaning my truck out. Got EVERY issue resolved in that meeting.

It remains resolved to this day.

I still have to put up with the every day BS of trucking, that I can tolerate. But my company HAS tried, very effectively, to insure I am happy with my current position.

Now this may not hold true with every driver here, I'm just one of 13,000+. But the others are not me.

And my wife will be the first to tell you, I am the biggest ###hole she has ever met. When I've had enough.

Even my kids refuse to have dinner with me, in a restaurant. One never knows when the food will be bad, or a waitress will provide bad service.

 

If I come into your place for a job. You can bet I'm committed to MY family. Not your business.

There are 168 hours in a week. I AGREED to give you 70 of them for a price...NO MORE.

I expect decent pay. And my pay requirements are NOT as high as most.
To be treated with the same respect you DEMAND.
And honesty.

If you deceive me or flat out lie to me, you're no different from the 100's of other bottom feeders out here. And shouldn't expect me to give you the time of day.

If you want someone committed to your business. Offer them 49% of it.