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:
- Stan’s is a family-owned and operated business. Services include the transportation of refrigerated goods, dry goods, grain, and feed products milled at their state-of-the-art facility in South Dakota. Growing to a line of 60 trucks and 150 employees, Stan's trucking services operate across the lower 48 states.
- Based in Western Kentucky, Paschall Truck Lines, Inc. offers career options for Class A drivers, including Regional, Dedicated, Local, and OTR fleets. They have a long average OTR length of Haul, Over 85% Drop & Hook, and with 100% No Touch Freight, PTL drivers can pursue their dream of driving.
- TruckMovers offers independent contractors the freedom to set their schedule and choose the types of loads they deliver without the expense of owning a truck. They provide Next Day Pay, no forced dispatch, driver support, and occupational accident protection. CDL (Class B Min) Drivers transporting trucks for this innovative driveaway company must have a minimum Class B CDL.
Our inventory of trucking companies is always growing, so please visit company profiles to research which trucking companies will best suit your 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:
Kate Williams
