There are quite a few advantages of signing on with a small trucking company, but there can be disadvantages as well. In a small trucking company, the culture will be very different from that of a large carrier, where you may be satisfied with some level of anonymity being just a truck number.
On the other hand, if you want the small business feel and a more personal relationship between you and your boss, then a smaller trucking company is likely the place for you. It can be difficult to find open positions, but an Internet jobs board, such as CDLjobs.com, can help. Here is everything you need to know.
What It Means to Work for a Small Trucking Company
Although every company is unique, large trucking companies tend to have their operations down to a science. There are policies and procedures for everything from the hiring process to making suggestions to requesting time off. This can be a good thing if you thrive on structure, but it can also make you feel lost in the corporate machine.
In a small trucking company, everything tends to feel a bit more personal. You will probably be on a first-name basis with the owners and managers. You will likely be able to give feedback directly, and to explain your case for a raise or a vacation. If you like to feel like an integral part of the operation, a small trucking company may be for you.
The flip side is that small companies tend to hire as few employees as possible. This can make it tough to find an opening and, once you are hired, it may be difficult to take time off. You might feel the pressure that is common among small companies, where there is either too much work or not enough, and you might be called upon to perform duties outside your normal scope.
Fortunately, at most small trucking companies, you will know where you stand. If the work dries up, it is usually easy to see the writing on the wall and you will know when it is time to start looking for a new trucking job. In a large company, you may have no idea that layoffs are coming before they start.
Protecting Yourself in a Small Trucking Company Job
If you want to work for a small trucking company, it is vital to do your homework. Research each trucking company you are considering to ensure that it is legitimate and financially healthy. Set your boundaries early and stick to them rather than taking on more work than you can handle. Learning to stay healthy rather than making yourself sick with worry or depression over events beyond your control is very crucial to your success as a truck driver.
BEST Small Trucking Companies
While the decision of which carrier to choose is highly personal, here is a brief review of a few outstanding small trucking companies hiring drivers in the United States:
- Located in the heart of the Midwest, Zeitner and Sons is hiring experienced class-A CDL truck drivers for over the road and regional truck driving jobs with great home time options and pay. Consider joining one of the Midwest’s leading refrigerated truckload carriers, in business for more than thirty-five years.
- Carleton Transport is a Nebraska dry-bulk carrier hiring Class A CDL drivers for regional routes. Earn great pay and benefits with a flexible, family-owned company.
- Halvor Lines, named to the 2020 list of Best Fleets to Drive For, works with several trucking schools across the United States to help aspiring professional drivers to earn their commercial driver's license and become fleet drivers. Leading the way since 1968, growing from 35 tractors to 475, Halvor Lines continues to be family-owned and operates with a continued commitment to small company values of respect and dependability, while reinvesting in the communities where they operate.
- Headquartered west of St. Louis, MO, Climate Express is expanding their fleet to fit the demand for more freight and will get drivers home every other weekend with great paying trucking jobs.
- Double J Transport is a Wisconsin-based freight load carrier. With more than 50 years of experience, Double J has what it takes to meet all driver needs, from long-haul OTR, dedicated regional, reefer or dry vans, full truckload or LTL, and hazmat.
- With as little as six months experience, professional class-A drivers can get home every weekend with high paying truck driving jobs at Fleetmaster Express!
Our inventory of trucking companies is always growing, so please visit company profiles to research which trucking companies will best suit your individual circumstances.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are in the market for a truck driving job at a small or large company, CDLjobs.com is your one-stop resource. Simply apply today, and watch the offers roll in from trusted trucking companies around the country.
Authored By:
