Tips for sailing uncharted seas?

Just keep in mind that the vast majority of people that reported a bad trucking company at TTR didn't bother to read the green and white bible, the employee handbook or their operating contract.

It's like that stupid woman that sued McDonalds over their hot coffee.

 

if you cant find any info on here about a company or arent able to talk to any of the drivers from a company it can be a risk even if you kno exactly what your lookn for and what to ask. i think it helps to kno exactly what your lookn for though, it eliminates alot of questions.

 

yup, ive seen many drivers in orientation who didnt seem to kno much about the company they were coming to work for, i dont think drivers do much research much less know themselves and what they are looking for in a company.

 

Piss on the recruiter talk to drivers from that company

 

Something most new drivers forget to ask ahead of time is about the benefits. There are companies with great benefits at affordable prices, and there are companies with horrible benefits with very high prices. Because of the high price of health insurance today, a lot of drivers, especially those with dependents will take lower pay with a company that offers great benefits at an affordable price. Questions you should be asking are:

1. Name of the company they have insurance through
2. Cost for employee only, and additional cost for dependents
3. How high is the deductible before you are covered?
4. Is there coverage for prescription drugs?
5. Is there dental and vision coverage and how much does it cost?

Recruiters especially from mega carriers will try to assure you that their coverage is great, when it usually isn't. I remember when I was in CDL school and the recruiters would come and try to convince us to sign with them. Most didn't know what they were talking about when it came to benefits, and none knew how much it cost the employee. I had to do my own research.

 

You have to rely on your gut instincts. Me, I place a lot of priority on what their terminal and shops and trucks looks like, even from a distance and the outside looking in. All trucks seem run-down, dirty? Home terminal seems like it's a junk yard? Online presence seems shady or non-existent? Phone manners from receptionist seems unprofessional or unhelpful or rude? eMail inquiries aren't responded to?

Lot's of little things that give a "bad vibe" usually are an indication of an outfit to avoid. Talking to company drivers, if it's even possible, is no assurance of anything. You're always going to see rants from ex-drivers, and you have to regards glowing reviews and praises as highly suspect at best ... perhaps written by a "recruiter" or upper management figure trying to improve the image/vibe driver prospects might see/feel.

 

Seek, and ye will find.

 

Companies will not generally hand out phone numbers of their drivers. They typically give your number to their driver most likely to tell you what the company wants you to know. Ask him questions that help you find other drivers with the company. Hang around truck stops and ask drivers when tey are fueling if they can call you and discuss the company. The first words you say should be "I'm not asking for money,a ride or anything but info about working at ABC Trucking."

 

Would you want your company to give your phone number to random people?