Questions I should be asking the recruiters?

Many companies pay current drivers if they refer another driver to join the company. There is often some requirement for the new driver to stay at the company 30-90 days. Some people feel that a referral bonus causes current drivers to lie to new drivers to cause them to change companies, just for the bonus. IMO, it doesn't indicate good or bad about the company offering a bonus.

Many companies may offer sign-on bonus to the new driver, once again if the new driver stays a certain amount of time. Sign-on bonus is usually paid over time, either monthly or quarterly in installments. I don't think I've ever heard of sign-on bonus paid in a lump sum. Some drivers think paying a sign-on bonus indicates a trucking company is hiring anyone they can find, or is such a bad employer they have to pay people to walk in the door. I don't think that is accurate. Most companies pay various bonuses, like Performance (loads on-time/no missed days), Fuel (MPG target or no-idling), Retention (you haven't quit). I've heard of a Transition bonus. I'm not sure what that is. I think it's a bonus paid on your first couple of paychecks.

 

You can find out more about particular companies at this link
Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop
There are also sub-boards about specific companies at the top of the page linked above.

 

Always communicate via email. Everything will be in writing!

 

Those Dollar accounts aren't that bad. I picked up plasma at many of those places that also have dollar stores. I've never hit anything at those locations, and I remain to this day a guy that's not the best at backing up. I'm just saying.

Backing up in those situations is completely different from backing up at a truck stop or hitting a dock.

 

In my experience these recruiters don't know what the hell is up. My advice- get to a terminal, warehouse, wherever actual work is being done. Talk to whoever would be your dispatcher and get the real scoop on what's involved with the job. Get a feel for the guy, some of them are as clueless as the recruiters. Talk to drivers too.