why do some of these companies have such a big sign on bonus?

The union "negotiator" doesn't know the cost of running a truck, either. Nor does he care. All his job entails is to say "Give us more money, or we go on strike". So you get paid a couple more CPM, which you promptly pay them as union dues. Meanwhile, the company has to raise their rates to cover the additional costs, making them less competitive in the market. They lose freight, and people get fewer miles. The workers lose; the company loses. The only people to "win" are the union leaders, giving themselves a 6 or 7 figure income.

I grew up in Pittsburgh while the domestic steel industry collapsed. My friends' dads worked at the mills, and I saw what happened with the layoffs, and the ultimate closure of the plants.

/rant

 

IMO, never sign on to companies with sign on bonus. If they treat their drivers well (pay and actual treatment) they would keep their seats full and not need sign on bonus.

 

Mnt Dew, even if you go with a company that offers a sign on bonus....make sure you get on a dedicated account. That's where the easy, consistent money is.

Why do companies offer sign on bonus ? The turnover rate in this rate is 100% and at some companies 100% +

 

Those huge bonuses are usually only offered to ready made teams. A proven team is a rare commodity in this business.

 

Because they are in demand and companies need them. My wife is an RN, she see ads all the time with offers of $5000 sign on bonus per year for 3 years where they will pay her 5000 extra year beyond her regular pay if she stays for three years. Sign on bonuses of 10,000 or more are not uncommon for Rn's today. Even the lowest ladder of health care, CNA's, are getting sign on bonuses of $500 or $1000 or more. It's because people in health care have to have an even cleaner record than truck drivers and they are in short supply. Trucking companies get applications every day from people with 3 speeding tickets, 2 felonies, 5 DUI's and etc, etc. There are so many people out there that have been in jail it is kinda unreal. There are currently over 2 million people in prison in the United States which is wild. People with clean records are valuable and that is why trucking companies offer bonuses, it's not because the company is bad and kind find people or anything like that.

 

need to read the fine print in those bonus packages... they do not pay it all at once, but spread it out over a year... much cheaper for the company, than raising the actual wages, and suckers people into driving for them.

 

I'll take 60 mph at 50cpm over 75mph at 35 cpm - ignore governed speed in your decision.

Keep the left door closed.

 

All mega/starters are going to be cut back between 60~66.

 

They called them "sign on bonuses" but you never get the full amount untill you put in time,usally a quater now,half in 90 days,then the rest in 6 months to a year.and if you dont make it a year they take it all back..So it's just another lie to lure you in..Ask them to pay you the full "sign on bonus" and soon as you sign on..and see how fast they laugh in your face..