choosing a trucking companyWhen it comes time to apply for jobs after receiving your CDL, you might find yourself wondering, ‘How do I choose a trucking company?’

We can’t tell you what the right choice is – as every truck driver looks for something different in an employer – but we can tell you what things you should be considering and looking for when searching for your first truck driving job.

What to Look for in a Trucking Company

  1. Reputation 

Spend time researching what the company is known for. Compare company websites and social media platforms with one another. Read through reviews of the company but be mindful of what you’re reading and know that not all reviews are trustworthy – someone is always going to have something negative to say about a company. 

  1. Quality of equipment

As a driver, you will spend a huge majority of your time in your truck. Your comfort and safety are vital. When searching for a company, look at what type of trucks they use, how old their fleet is and what driver comfort and safety features their trucks have.

  1. Freight type and driving styles

Every driver looks for something different in a driving job and it’s important to consider what you want in yours.

Look at what type(s) of freight the company hauls. Is it mostly Van Truckload? Do they haul tanker and intermodal freight? Does the freight this company hauls correlate with the freight you’re interested in hauling?

Second, what driving style(s) does the company offer? Is it primarily over-the-road? Can you choose a regional or local option? Does what this company offers meet your lifestyle preferences?

  1. Pay

It’s important to take pay into consideration and compare different trucking companies with one another. You may find that many of the industry leaders have similar pay rates. That’s why it’s important to dig deeper and look at what benefits the employer offers.

Also, keep in mind many trucking companies reward drivers with performance pay. Find out if the company you’re considering gives out accessorial pay, stop-off pay, deadhead pay, etc. These all matter and add up in the long run.

  1. Benefits

You want comprehensive benefits that protect you now and in the future, so make sure the company you work for offers that. Check if the company offers a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental and vision coverage and paid time off.

  1. Importance of safety

Drive for a company that has a reputation for high-quality training and a commitment to safety. Take note of how long orientation is for both inexperienced and experienced drivers and how the company puts safety first.

  1. Tuition reimbursement for CDL training 

Schooling is expensive. Look for one of the many trucking companies that offers to reimburse drivers’ tuition through monthly payments.

Additionally, as an inexperienced driver, you won’t be able to just hop in a truck and start driving. Companies are going to require multiple weeks of training and orientation. You can’t afford to live with no income for that long, so look for a company that offers paid orientation and will reimburse you for travel and lodging.

Make Schneider your New Home

 New truck drivers excel at Schneider. Learn more about driver orientation, driving opportunities with Schneider and more. You’ll like what you find.

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Authored By:

The Schneider Guy