Your Opinion Counts - Calling all OTR Class A Drivers

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Recruiter007, Oct 1, 2010.

  1. Recruiter007

    Recruiter007 Bobtail Member

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    Oct 1, 2010
    Sacramento, CA
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    Good Morning/Afternoon All,

    So, I am a Recruiter for a trucking company and I wanted to get your opinion of a few things. If you would, please answer - in your own opinion the following questions below:

    • Where do you look for your CDL Class A Driver OTR and Local job opportunities? (i.e. standard local newspapers, websites, word of mouth, employee referrals).
    • What are some things you look for in a company that you would like to work for?
    • What incentives/perks would you like to have?
    • Considering some locations are tough to drive in, what motivates you to take on that run, yet keeping yourself safe on the road?
    • What other things should I address??
     
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  3. No5id3Fried

    No5id3Fried Bobtail Member

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    Sep 13, 2010
    Sacramento Ca
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    I look on Craigslist,Monster.com,Careerbuilder,and word of mouth,i just got my cdl and looking for local work but not much in the Sacramento area.
     
  4. blackw900

    blackw900 The Grandfather of Flatbed

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    From what I've read here and seen out on the road of the company driver scene...The list would be VERY long as far as what needs to be addressed!

    Like for instance:

    Crappy pay

    Filthy disgusting trucks

    Old sleeper mattresses that have been slept on by some of the most disgusting humans on the planet

    Dispatchers that treat drivers like ####

    Dispatchers that lie whether they need to or not

    Companies that load a mans DAC up with lies just because he couldn't stand being treated badly by them anymore

    That's a nice little starter list for you to chew on...Ask if you need some more!:biggrin_25525:
     
  5. Lonesome

    Lonesome Mr. Sarcasm

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    Northern Indiana
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    1) all of the above
    2) pay, equipment, home time, benefits, to feel like the company is being straight with me.
    3) achievable bonuses. Don't start bonuses at say 2500 miles a week, when no one gets that many miles. Me, I like a nice , newer truck, not a run of the mill Freightliner, or International.
    4)money is the main motivation. Give me a few extra dollars to run NYC, or Chicago Metro, etc.
    5) tell me like it is. If I have to stay out 2-3 weeks, tell me that up front, don't say "weekly hometime". Don't say "home weekends", and then get me home Saturday afternoon, only to leave Sunday afternoon. Communicate with me on loads, delivery schedules, etc. Nothing ticks me off more than showing up at a customer, and hearing "your company said you should have been here 6 hours ago", when in fact dispatch knew I was getting loaded 6 hours ago. Have good communication between dispatchers, and other office personnel.
    Finally, treat me like you would want to be treated.
     
  6. Jimbo60

    Jimbo60 Medium Load Member

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    Nov 25, 2009
    High desert CA
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    • Where do you look for your CDL Class A Driver OTR and Local job opportunities? (i.e. standard local newspapers, websites, word of mouth, employee referrals).
    Door knocking from company to company or, word of mouth. Companies that advertise extensively in newspapers OR on the web are usually desperate for drivers and, there's a reason.
    • What are some things you look for in a company that you would like to work for?
    Decent equipment, a living wage based on a realistic pay scale and the opportunity to have a job that doesn't have to be a "lifestyle" like maybe 2-3 full days at home after 8-10 days out.
    • What incentives/perks would you like to have?
    See above
    • Considering some locations are tough to drive in, what motivates you to take on that run, yet keeping yourself safe on the road?
    Making a living
    • What other things should I address??
    Most issues that drivers are concerned about are "quality of life" related.



    ............. Jim
     
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  7. tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

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    Oct 29, 2007
    Northern Ontario
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    I've never dealt with a recruiter but I would think they would tell me what they have to offer instead of asking what I would like. Or am I just confused about what a recruiter does?
     
  8. Wanna drive

    Wanna drive Light Load Member

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    Sep 15, 2010
    Lancaster, Ky
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    I don't drive or even have my CDL yet but I would like straight NO b/s info. I don't like being lied to and made to look like a fool because someone is USING me to get there quota. I know this will happen but it doesn't have too. I feel a rant about corporate America coming on so, I better stop now while I'm ahead.
     
  9. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Utah's DIXIE!
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    Recruiter007, Welcome to the forum! And thank you for being up front about what your job is. We have had numerous folks come on here that claim to be drivers, but then all they do is tell us how great their "bottom feeder" companies are, and how all the complaints the drivers list are lies.

    It is nice to see someone interested in what the driver wants. BUT, are you here just to "learn what to say," because you are not going to be able to change company policy? Or are you with a small enough company that you actually CAN change company policy?

    Please forgive us for being a bit skeptical when it comes to recruiters, as most of us have been lied to just to get us into the truck. It just is not necessary, nor is it productive for the company that operates this way.

    In other words, unless you really CAN change things, then rather than asking what we want, tell us what you can offer. I know, someone else already posted this, I'm just reaffirming it!

    Now, as to what was important to me:

    Being paid everything I was owed. First and foremost. If you are gonna cheat me, or make me fight for what I have honestly worked for, then you'd best be finding another employee, because I would not and did not put up with it.

    Don't promise what I can't deliver. Don't tell the customer something will be delivered in a time frame that can't be done, just because it is what they want to hear.

    If I give you advance notice that I am going to need home time, believe me, I WILL be at home for that time. Even if it means you come and pick up your #### truck. I'll take whatever hit I have to with DAC.

    I'm not unreasonable, and I know that things come up. But if I know that I am just one of a great many drivers, and I have given you the home time request in a reasonable time, that being a couple of weeks or more in advance. . .

    Help me to help the company keep the equipment maintained. If I shop a tractor or trailer, have the mechanic FIX the #### thing, instead of giving me 35 reason why it can't be done until next week. At a different location.

    Now I don't really care whether the equipment is old or new, as long as it is well maintained. AND CLEAN WHEN I GET IT! When I am done with it, I will return it clean as well.

    That pretty much sums it up from my standpoint.
     
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  10. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    Apr 4, 2007
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    One post and you guys ran the poster off.:biggrin_25522:
     
  11. Palazon

    Palazon Road Train Member

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    Feb 5, 2009
    Tacoma, WA
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    The very 1st thing I look at is the trucks. I really couldn't care less if the grill says Pete, KW, Volvo, or Freightliner. What I want to see is no drips, hisses and darned good tires! I want a truck to perform as advertised. That tells me a ton about the company. Junk trucks equals junk maintenance equals Junk company.

    Realistic expectations. I do the work, I get the cash. No hoops, red tape or I'll get it on the next, next, next check. No expecting a driver to get a live load/unload and still do a 800 mile day (solo) in OR or CA (55mph states).

    Dream? Don't limit my engine. Believe me, with CSA 2010, I don't want to speed. I just want the HP to climb that hill in front of me.
     
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