You’ve successfully made it through your training program and it’s time to get into your first trucking job. Like any job, you want to find the one that is perfect for you. Don’t rush the process. Thanks to the nationwide driver shortage the industry, more than ever, is in need of drivers making it ideal for those looking for new opportunities.
Values
When I was looking to land my first job as a truck driver I remember sitting down with the company owner and explaining that I had read all about the company. And I had questions about their values. I appreciated that they identified as “family-oriented” so I asked them how they carried that out in their company and how it impacts their drivers. It’s easy to talk the talk or place a value on the page, but I wanted to work for a company that truly lived out its beliefs and values. Look for a company that shares your values so that when issues arise you know what you are dealing with…and don’t be afraid to challenge them based on their values. They can serve as a sort of foundation for all interactions.
Fit
You will need to decide whether you desire life on the highway and potentially being away from home for many days or weeks on end, or if you prefer local or regional runs that will have you home at the end of each day. For many, the opportunities to be home are limited as they are a largely preferred career path for many seeking work-life balance. Explore the expectations as well. If your company uses multiple warehouses or cross-docks, be certain what your role is and how you will be compensated: will you be loading or unloading, will you use a lift truck, will you manually unload, are you compensated for the time spent completing these tasks, etc.
Compensation
Trucking is not a 9-5 job and can’t be treated as such. The vast majority of company truck drivers are paid per mile. Local and regional drivers may be paid by the hour but that is highly unlikely for OTR drivers. Being paid by the mile means that your downtime, and even detention time, may be unpaid time.
Truck Type
Consider what kind of trucking company you want to work for. If you are a new driver entering the industry, you will likely look for a traditional tractor-trailer or what’s known as a dry van. This is the tractor with a 53’ trailer and makes up the majority of trucks on the road. It is recommended that you take time to become familiar with the basics before advancing to greater challenges. In time, you can tackle new challenges including tankers, reefers, logging, and hazmat.
Sign-On Bonuses
You will see many companies that offer sign-on bonuses. Keep in mind that these are rarely, if ever, one-time lump sum payments. The common practice is to pay a monthly amount over a series of months, making a $1200 sign-on bonus a mere $100 per month over a year or roughly an additional $50 per paycheck. Granted, in light of the driver shortage that is gripping the country, many companies are offering more incentives so consider your options.
Remember, this is your career, and you are (literally) in the driver’s seat of your trucking future. Consider what’s important to you and find the company that best fits you.
