I have a list of questions to ask recruiters, and I know to check out the fmcsa safer website for each company, but I'm wondering what else I can do to make a good trucking company choice when looking at smaller companies that no one talks about on the internet.
Is it common for companies to give out their drivers' phone numbers in order to ask the drivers what it's like driving there? Can you really expect an honest response from the "driver"?
I know there are some gems out there just waiting to be discovered, but on the other hand there are some companies that will inevitably end up in the "Report a BAD trucking company here" subforum of Truckers Report.
Anyone have enough experience applying and working at different trucking companies to have developed some techniques for making better decisions?
I completed a year at my first company, but want to seek out greener pastures.
Tips for sailing uncharted seas?
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by bertita1986, Apr 4, 2018.
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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.417bigK, Rollr4872, stwik and 1 other person Thank this. -
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.
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Piss on the recruiter talk to drivers from that company
Dave_in_AZ Thanks this. -
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.Rollr4872 Thanks this. -
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.LoneCowboy, mustang190, Phenomenal and 1 other person Thank this. -
Seek, and ye will find.
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Phenomenal and bertita1986 Thank this.
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Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds
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