Students, New CDL A Drivers... ASK These questions! Do your research!

Welcome New Drivers. Here is a process that I've been following for the last 1-1/2 months. To many new drivers are just taking the first offer for employment and then regretting the decision. ( You will get MANY Offers) Below is just an outline that I've followed and has served me well. Hope this helps!

Make this questionnaire on a word doc and print a copy for each company.. I have about 60 questions that I ask every recruiter. (I Will post below) I interview them instead of being interviewed. I have a process for researching companies that takes a few days per company.

• I go through the companies entire site, every page.
• I then search you tube for vloggers and anything related to that company and watch them.
• I then search FB for drivers of that company and reach out to them. I'll send them something like:

Hi Fred I'm looking into joining ABC Trucking. I'm reaching out to current drivers to get their opinions (Good/Bad) I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts if you have the time.

• Then I come here and 1 other forum and research posts related to said company.
• Then I'll fill out the full Application, call the recruiter and ask them if they have about 30 minutes because i am currently researching companies trying to decide which one I'd like to work with for the long haul.

I haven't had one act negatively yet. I have a little thing that I tell them that lets them know what i'm doing. Sometimes at first they will ask you some questions to pre-qualify you (which is fine) and some will start telling you info. then I usually tell them. "So I have about 60 questions I'd like to ask you. Do you have about 20 minutes right now? OK Great! So we both know that the turn over rate in this industry is at an all time high of 80-100% What I'm doing is trying to find a company that is a good fit for me and I'm a good fit for them. I want to avoid all the job hopping that is happening. I'd like to find a company and stay with that company long term." At this point they are usually good to go and very receptive

I definitely recommend starting a spreadsheet with the companies name listed on the left and all the info important to you on the top and just fill in the info as you go. The info for each company will start to run together after several calls.

Feel free to add me here if you like. Questions are posted below!

Do you offer paid cdl training?

If yes, what is the contract length for that to be considered paid in full? What would happen if I left sooner than that?

If yes, will I be paid during the cdl schooling?

If yes can you explain all the phases, pay and timeline for the training?

If no, do you offer tuition reimbursement and how much a month?

Where is orientation held?

Is transportation covered to get to orientation?

Is the travel, meals and hotel covered during orientation?

Do I get paid during orientation?

If I get sent home at any time during the orientation or hiring process who pays for that?

Where are your terminals located near me?

Is there a sign on bonus for my experience level and if so how much is it and how is it paid out?

Are there any restrictions or certain obligations to earn the sign on bonus?

Is there an agility test requirement?

How long is the wait for a trainer after orientation?

During my time with a trainer would I be the only one running our would we run as a team?

How much experience do your trainers have?

At what point could I be a trainer?

How much more do trainers make?

After training are you forced to go team or can you run solo?

What’s the starting CPM (cents per mile?)

How is the CPM calculated? Zip to Zip, Loaded only, Loaded and empty, Shipper to receiver etc.?

Do you offer pay advances?

How often does the CPM pay increase and the average amount?

Is per diem offered and is it mandatory?

What do you offer for vacation and holiday pay?

Do you offer paid sick days?

Do you offer retention bonuses?

Do you offer breakdown pay?

Do you offer detention pay and at what point does that start?

Is there multiple stop pay?

What % is drop and hook?

Is there unload pay?

What Benefits do you offer and when do they start?

Do you require Hazmat, tanker or doubles endorsements?

Do you require TWIC or a passport?

How many miles a week can a driver average?

Do you have an idle policy?

Do your trucks have APU’S-(Electric or diesel) and inverters?

Do you reimburse for scales and tolls?

What is your home time policy?

What is the maximum amount of days in a row for home time?

Is there slip seating? (Having to use different trucks)

What is the driver turnover rate?

What is the pet and rider policy?

Is there forced dispatch?

Is there forced dispatch to NYC?

What type equipment do you offer?

What divisions do you have? (Dry van, Reefer, Flatbed, Tanker)

What do you have available in my area?

Do you have autos or standards?

What amenities do you offer in the truck? (tv, fridge, microwave)

Do the trucks have drive cams/Dash cams? Outward facing or inward or both?

What are the trucks governed at? Pedal/Cruise?

Do you have referral bonuses and how much?

What is the number 1 reason to drive for you?

Do you have a clear career path for someone looking to grow? I.E. Company driver to Owner/Operator

How long would I have to wait to become an O/O?

Do you offer lease, lease to purchase?

Is the finance done through you or a 3rd party?

 

I wouldn't say they do not need to ask these particular questions. Maybe not all and maybe some more that you posted but these particular items are what is important to me. These questions or any others that may be posted are an outline.

Training is a long term goal. It's good to know what the companies policy, timeline etc. are in order to help make a decision for long term employment.

I have been told by recruiters that their turnover rate is anywhere from 85-100% I have yet to come across 1 recruiter that has said otherwise.

Not all companies force dispatch to NYC. Others that I have talked to say yes there is. They usually give me a % or say something like 2-3 times per month.

Drive cams are very relevant. Most will not be comfortable with an inward facing cam and could possible be a deal breaker for a new hire.

You lost me on this one ---> Do you have a clear career path for someone looking to grow? I.E. Company driver to Owner/Operator - Why even ask? It is nothing to do with learning how to drive or how to be a good driver.
As someone looking to stay with and grow with a company I know I'd like to know if they offer a clear path to do so. If that is my long term goal then why would I not ask? This question or thread has nothing to do with learning how to drive.
Most companies are offering some type of O/O program at some point in your career if you choose that route.

Financing is relevant. Why would I choose a company with a horrible Lease/Purchase program or if someone had a bankruptcy maybe they couldn't get a 3rd party loan and they would need company financing.