Hello, I'm currently in my 2nd week of truck driving school and I've applied to a few of the large carriers like Schneider, Swift, and Werner. I have my permit, all endorsements, and a clean driving/criminal record. I'd like to pick the best company possible, but I'm not sure what to ask the recruiter besides basic stuff like pay and time off. Since I'm still a student I don't really know a whole lot about the industry. What are some things you veteran drivers would ask a prospective employer before deciding to go with them?
What kind of questions should I be asking employers?
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by cwr327, Oct 20, 2014.
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There's dozens of companies that will hire you; why only Schneider, Swift, Werner?
Put you location on your profile; a lot depends on the hiring area you live in.
Mainly just ask about pay and benefits. If home time is super important, then ask about that. Trucks having APU's are important to some people.
The main issues are, this will be your first trucking job and your first company probably isn't the one you will retire from, so keep it simple. How old are you? Some companies have minimum age requirements, such as must be at least 21 or must be 23 or older.Last edited: Oct 20, 2014
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I would ask about the equipment, what is the age of the trucks and trailers. Do they have automatics.
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No matter what, you'll only be talking to recruiters who WILL lie to you like Las Vegas grifters to get you into their traps.
Keep it simple and easy on yourself: Go with Schneider or Roehl. -
Ask the drivers of whatever companies you are considering working for to get something closer to the truth of how things really are. They will tell you whatever you want to hear. Example, "you can gross $85,000 a year working here!" The truth is probably one driver did that and the rest made much less.
Take it all with a grain of salt. A very large grain. -
Well recruiters aren't always going to give you straight answers, but a few good questions to ask in any job interview are;
-What does it take for an individual to be successful in this position
-401k or retirement plan (always a good question to ask as it gives the impression you are there for a career and not just a temp job)
-Does the company cross train employees to be able to work in different areas of the company
-What is expected of you in this position
-Benefits
For truck driving jobs, obviously ask about equipment, time off, company policies, etc.
As Chinatown mentioned, don't just apply to the mega carriers, if at all possible find a local smaller outfit that will treat you like a human. In Werner's handbook you will find rules that blow your mind (ie employees are not allowed to record conversations between themselves and dispatch, or anyone else) -
"Sooo... what's your turnover rate?" ....Seriously, don't ask them that, you'll find out soon enough
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1. Pay and Benefits. 2 Hometime 3.Running lanes 4. Pet or rider policy. 5 What kind of freight and who are the main customers. 6.Orientation or basically any question that come s to mind
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you can't have all your endorsements and a permit because you can't have HazMat printed on a permit (for some reason)
why not go to a company-sponsored school? its not pretty but you have a job in 2 and a half weeks, just don't screw up or your DAC has you released from a company you never worked for -
Health insurance, health insurance, health insurance!! Years ago, I never even thought about that, but now, that's the first thing I'd ask. Remember, when they say benefits "Offered", it usually means you pay into their plan, and it's not included.
No forced dispatch, is another one to ask about, although, a company I worked for once, had a "no forced dispatch", but if you refused a load, they'd say, well, we don't have anything else for you.
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