What is important to you in a driving job?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by MercuryLine, Oct 6, 2021.

  1. MercuryLine

    MercuryLine Light Load Member

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    Thank you for this insight! May I ask why only flatbeds?

    I agree with you on the open door management- that's what I want as well when I start the hiring process, but I suppose its easier when its a small company.
    I didnt know that driver facing cameras actually are a thing?! Isn't that a breach of privacy on all levels? Road facing, yes, but driver facing for company drivers is just a no no.

    Now with the DOT, would you be open to choosing out of a list? The only reason I ask is because the FMCSA with all its amazing rules and regulations requires that whoever performs the medical is registered in a national registry.

    And I agree with the family emergency- family always comes first! Thank you so much for your thoughts on this!
     
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  3. MercuryLine

    MercuryLine Light Load Member

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    You are right, I just found that too. Finally an increase in 3 years!
     
  4. rbrtwbstr

    rbrtwbstr Road Train Member

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    What I meant with the flatbed comment was if it's van or reefer work, I don't touch the freight.

    And unfortunately yes, driver facing cameras are a thing. I dunno why any driver would subject themselves to such things, though I'm sure some would argue and say it's no big deal.

    As far as the DOT physicals, so let's say you have a driver that has a family doctor on the list. Are you going to trust that driver's family doctor ( who presumably would have the driver's medical history records) to determine if he or she is medically fit to drive your truck, or you going to send your driver to some clinic that has no background on your driver? From my perspective, it'd be smarter to stick with a family doctor. I realize it's not always possible of course. When I go for a physical, I pay the bill, turn in the paperwork to the boss and he reimburses the money.
     
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  5. Redtwin

    Redtwin Road Train Member

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    Agreed, only way I would be comfortable with percentage pay is if I had direct contact with customers/brokers and knew what the load really paid vs what my boss told me it paid. CPM is just simpler. CPM with per-diem is even better.

    As for equipment, a reliable truck with inverter and fridge at a minimum. Bonus points if there is an APU. Cameras don't bother me, I don't do anything behind the wheel I shouldn't.

    Don't really care too much about hometime or if I am treated like "family" and not just a truck number. As long as my name is correct on the paycheck I don't care who actually knows it in person.
     
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  6. JForce28

    JForce28 Light Load Member

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    Good pay and decent equipment to drive
     
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  7. scott180

    scott180 Road Train Member

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    I get % pay. I trust the people I work for. If I didn't I'd be out of there in a heartbeat.
    I worked for KAG and everyone knew not to trust upper management but I stayed because I liked the work and local management. I paid dearly for that mistake and won't do that again.
    1-Be honest with your employees even when it's something they'll hate hearing. Just one lie or misleading statement calls everything you've said into question. You'll have their respect for your honesty.
    2- Truck needs to be reliable.
    3- Comfortable. If you want to have someone live out of a truck make sure it's comfortable. APU, inverter, New good mattress, microwave and large fridge, maybe XM radio and satellite TV. When a driver looks at another company they should have to consider what they'll GIVE UP by leaving. Lower your turnover rate for a little up front cost.
    4- Pay and benefits is easy,pay however makes sense to you. All I care about is how much goes into my account at the end of the week. Make sure the gross is competitive.
    5- Understand that a driver has a life outside of work. Be as accommodating as you can without being a doormat. If you have a drivers back they'll have yours.

    Most drivers are complacent about their job. If they don't have a reason to look for a new one they won't.

    One bad apple spoils the bunch. A f-up, complainer, gossiper or worse a primadonna brings everyone down. Get rid of them fast.

    Good luck.
     
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  8. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    Me personally, I only care about the equipment and the ability to make money. I think everything else takes care of itself. I like to drive reliable equipment, and if there is a malfunction, I'd like to know I can get it repaired without a lot of wasted effort. A good company has to possess the ability to run their drivers, keep them busy. I need to know that you can keep me busy whether you use spot market freight or you have your own customers. If you're keeping a driver like me busy, you'll never hear me complain.
     
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  9. Snow Hater

    Snow Hater Medium Load Member

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    Paccar?
     
  10. MercuryLine

    MercuryLine Light Load Member

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    I agree with you about the doctor- who knows better that someone who has been seeing you for years! And the driver facing camera is just insanity to me!
     
  11. MercuryLine

    MercuryLine Light Load Member

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    Love it! After learning a bit more in depth yesterday about what people want, I am working on a CPM and Per Diem pay. Currently looking at 50 CPM for all miles (empty and loaded) and 15 CPM (also for all miles) for per diem. That way its not subject to tax withholdings. Bigger paycheck!

    I am stuck on something though- what do you think about 34 hour restarts? I know most companies dont compensate for those but I want to hear your thoughts on it!
     
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