If you’re a new trucker excited about starting a new career, then it’s about time to learn the art of the job hunt. This guide will help you wade through the nonsense and find the best factors to consider when comparing different truck driving companies.
1. Compare metrics. Compare quantifiable metrics, such as mileage pay, average miles per week, benefits, home time, equipment, pay raises, opportunities, type of freight, bonuses, etc.
2. Ignore online rants. Working truck drivers typically don’t have time to go on the internet and complain about their employers. But, you know who has plenty of time on their hands? People who were fired or quit. Although some of the opinions you find online may have a grain of truth to them, you can bet a fair amount of comments are based on a biased perspective – that of a disgruntled former employee that couldn’t hold a job.
3. Find cold, hard facts. Rather than looking on forums, blogs, social media and other rant-prone sites, search for your company in the news. Make sure they aren’t going bankrupt, breaking the law, or exploiting their drivers.
4. Talk to truckers in the real world. If you want a real opinion about a potential company, then go to a truck stop and talk to the fine folks driving their trucks. Happy drivers will have plenty of good things to say, and since a lot of people don’t enjoy their jobs, you’re sure to hear the bad and the ugly as well. Talking to real truckers face-to-face will provide much more valuable information than anything you can find online.
Once you have done your homework, you’ll be ready to start your new career in a job that you’re sure to love. Just remember that you are a rookie, and you may have to work a little harder in the beginning to prove yourself. After you’ve paid your dues, you’ll become a valuable employee that they’ll never want to let go of.