Recruiter screwed me over

And at the same time, you do not know who you are being put into contact with.
They could be anyone. Drivers, paid roobs, other recruiters, random driver managers or a janitor.
Saying 'I want to talk to a driver on that account' is nothing more than saying 'I want to talk to anyone that will tell me what I want to hear.'.

 

I agree here. I never really think that talking to other drivers is any better than talking to a recruiter in most cases. In fact, I advise new drivers not to talk to too many drivers. Reasons being:

1. Many drivers have a negative outlook on the industry.

2. Many drivers lie/embellish just as much, if not more, than recruiters.

3. Drivers may only be out for thatlicrative recruitment bonus.

4. Most drivers don't stay at a company long enough to be able to assess a company properly.

5. Very few drivers get out and help other drivers back up at the truck stop these days. Why would they help a driver try to succeed at the company they work for?

Staying out of truck stops and not along to too many drivers was the first bit of advice I ever received once I got started and I'd say it was valuable. They say you know a truck driver is lying the minute he opens his mouth lol

 

That's why the questions you ask are NOT Is this a good place to work? Do you make enough money? This is the only industry I know of where seeking info by talking to the people doing the job is dismissed. In most other industries networking is common & necessary. It also pays to talk to drivers at other companies before you start looking for a job so you can get a feel if they are schemers, saying things for effect, etc. Often this is done by talking to drivers at your current company for a while & staying in touch when you or they move elsewhere.

 

Once upon a time, that would have worked. Tines are so different now. People don't really interact outside of social media seemingly. I've got teenagers and I ain't gotta clue how they're going to date..no joke, I heard a young boy ask a girl he was crushing on for her Snapchat.....it's the first time I've seen that live time, lol.

It's hard to trust other drivers though. They are seldom objective and honest, at least in my experience. I can make Climate Express sound like a million bucks, and get a driver amped to come here, but if he don't fit the culture, or have the right attitude his interpretation will be different than mine. Some drivers, man, I can tell them the recipe on how to succeed here, but they can't get out of their own way. Networking is good on here, its about as far as it goes. It's several drivers who are good guys and have been at certain companies and give you the low down, but most prospective drivers just want their preconceived thoughts and decisions validated. I understand what you're saying though, but I just don't know how effective it would be in today's version of trucking.

 

Recruiters are only working for a commission. They will will tell you things that will make a snake oil salesman blush and say, "####, man, you said that?!"

 

You'll be rolling soon then!