Evaluating trucking companies for the new driver

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Commuter69, Sep 18, 2014.

  1. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

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    Based on advice I have gotten here and elsewhere, I have come up with the following in terms of evaluating companies with new driver opportunities. Look over the following list just to see if I overlooked anything that shouldn't have been, or if the items on this list are clear enough to the average person:

    Overall safety rating (company)

    48 States
    Canada
    Western regional
    Regional
    Dedicated runs

    Sign on bonus
    Orientation pay
    Pay rate/mile (training/probation) (TEAM)
    Pay rate/mile (post training/probation) (Solo or Team/driver)
    Avg miles / week
    Training time
    Safety bonus (monthly/quarterly)
    Additional income bonus

    Hazmat
    Tankers
    Reefers




    Home time
    Vacation time

    Med/dent/vision cost
    401 (K)

    Pets (?)
    Reward cards(?)
    Solo/Team


    Also, are there any good groups on LinkedIn or Facebook for commercial drivers?
     
    hal380, pattyj, lcfd15 and 1 other person Thank this.
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  3. Tolan

    Tolan Light Load Member

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    Apu/idle policy not sure what you mean by rewards card.
     
  4. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    No - I think you covered most items.

    Any recruiters or companies that can't proactively answer these questions should file themselves at the bottom of your potential employer list.

    This will put you well ahead of the curve in a new job. Good for you.

    Good luck.
     
    hal380 Thanks this.
  5. Cody1984

    Cody1984 Medium Load Member

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    Added some other things to your list you should ask.
     
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  6. HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    Get it in writing! A good and honest company will have no problem putting it in writing.
     
  7. CrappieJunkie

    CrappieJunkie Wishin' I was fishin'

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    Rewards cards??? If you mean like Pilot, TA, Loves cards for showers you can get those no matter who you drive for.
     
  8. Roadrealtor

    Roadrealtor Road Train Member

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    You might also consider if they will compensate you for cdl school and the terms of that. If the commitment on your side is over 12 months, you might not want to be locked in that long.
     
  9. AppalachianTrucker

    AppalachianTrucker Heavy Load Member

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    You forgot "Treats Drivers like Adult Human Beings"
     
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  10. lcfd15

    lcfd15 Medium Load Member

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    great list, taking this for my recruiter calls that I am still doing. Thanks
     
  11. Commuter69

    Commuter69 Road Train Member

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    Jul 2, 2014
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    Based on the advice above and some additional thoughts I had; I revised my list, if it is in BOLD, I am not sure what the poster of the suggestion meant:

    Overall safety rating (company)

    48 States
    Canada
    Western regional
    Regional
    Dedicated runs
    Local

    Sign on bonus
    Orientation pay
    Orientation location
    Terminal/drop yard location closest to Zip Code XXXXX (parking car while OTR and leaving truck while at home). If this location is company terminal, can this be location orientation and initial training be based from?
    Pay rate/mile (training/probation) (TEAM)
    Hub Miles
    Pay rate/mile (post training/probation) (Solo or Team/driver)
    Hub Miles
    Avg miles / week
    Training time
    Accessory pay
    Safety bonus (monthly/quarterly)
    Additional income bonus
    Pay for time spent waiting for loads (or loads being corrected)
    Touch/No touch freight
    If load is not done correctly, do I get paid for time spent correcting it?
    Pay for loaded/empty miles
    APU/Idle time policy

    Hazmat
    Tankers
    Reefers
    Intermodal




    Home time
    Vacation time

    Med/dent/vision cost
    401 (K)
    Corporate pricing/discounts available for motel rooms and fitness centers? Which ones?

    Pets (?)
    Solo/Team
     
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