Top Questions For Applicants

Will you put the info you just gave me in writing before I come to orientation.

 

What does the accessorial pay package consist of?

Paid vacation? Holidays?

Insurance coverage/employee cost?

Retirement - Pension? 401k? Company match? Profit sharing?

 

Do you pay detention, breakdown and layover pay? If so, how is it structured?

 

Are you telling me BIG lies or small lies?

 

how many cats can i have in the truck

 

When they tell you how much they are going to pay you per mile
be sure to ask is that before or after bonuses .
Recruiters have a habit of baiting a driver with a high amount and
not telling them that's what you get after you turn so many miles per month
or are safe for so many weeks etc.
Ask questions and if your wise you will pick up on any games they are playing.
Trucking companies are experts at dirty pool.

 

That's what I also ask. Couldn't care less about the other stuff. Keep it simple. If the accessorial pays are good, I don't care what the CPM is.

 

Yes like Rooster said anything they tell you make sure they are willing to put it in writing, sign it, and email or fax it to you. You would not believe the amount of BS a recruiter will tell a driver just to get them to orientation.

Also other than what is already listed in this thread ask:

How much do you pay during orientation, and how long is it?

If you are fresh from a cdl school ask how long will your training be and how much is the pay.

Will you be able to go solo right after training or will you be required to team. If required to team how long do you have to team before you can become a solo driver.

What is their pet policy. What is the weight limit on the pet, and how much is the deposit. Does the deposit need to be upfront, or can it be deducted from your settlements until its paid.

Do they have a rider policy. If so how old does a rider have to be and what is involved in getting them registered to ride with you.

What is the average miles you can expect driving for this company.

How old is the fleet and do all the trucks have APUs on them. If so is the APU battery or diesel? I prefer diesel myself.

Are you allowed to take the truck to the company maintenance shop and have them remove shelves ect. from the sleeper so you can fit mini-fridges or things that wouldn't otherwise fit in the truck's standard configuration.

Are you allowed to have power inverters in the truck, and if so is there a wattage limit. Some companies don't want them in there so its best to ask. Ever seen a truck burn down to the ground? You'll understand why some do prohibit them.

 

Don't think anybody suggested this , if they did , my mistake....but along with a good benefits package , company paid insurance ( what is my cost ) , 401-K , ( what is the match , how many years til I'm fully vested , can I carry it with me if I leave) , vacation time , sick time , personal time , But to me the most important thing isn't really how much per mile ( we all realize that's important) BUT , will the miles be paid off the speedometer/hub , or will they be paid in another fashion....That would be my main question on the mileage pay.....