First of all, these days truck driving jobs aren’t as abundant as they used to be. Far from a news flash, the freight is slow and trucking companies don’t have the need for as many truck drivers. So, many trucking companies have changed their hiring criteria to reflect more strict hiring standards. Applicants who applied for trucking driving jobs 3 or 4 years ago did not have to meet the same hiring standards as the applicants do today. That being said, someone looking for a trucking job doesn’t need to be “perfect.” A clean driving record, a fairly innocent criminal record, and a pretty solid work history will be enough to get a job in the trucking industry.
However, certain truck driving jobs cater to certain types of truck drivers. Some truck drivers place a large emphasis on being close to home. Perhaps they have a strong family life or they have a pressing responsibility that requires them to be close to home. Other truck drivers don’t have anything keeping them close to home and they want to roll as much as possible. Some truck drivers may not be interested in working for a trucking company that hires trainees, while other truckers WANT to train new drivers. Perhaps money is the number one priority for a driver – he’s going to take the job that pays the most, no matter what type of work that trucking job requires. The bottom line is this – truck drivers have different priorities and are better suited for truck driving jobs that meet their needs.
So, here are a few different factors to consider when deciding on which trucking jobs to pursue (and, it’s important to remember that the more quality experience a truck driver has, the more options he/she will have in terms of trucking jobs.):
1. Pay – Trucking jobs are first and foremost a career. So, if you’re not making enough money to pay the bills, then what’s the point? Make sure the pay package lines up with your needs. You may find the perfect trucking job for your situation, but perhaps it doesn’t pay as much as you’d like. If this is the case, you may need to adjust your home expenses a bit. But, a truck driving job NEEDS to pay the bills, so make sure it lines up with your needs.
2. Home Time Policy – Almost every trucking survey shows that home time is a really important factor to truck drivers. And, it’s important to note that a new driver should expect to “pay the dues” when it comes to home time. Seniority matters, and those drivers who have proven themselves will get priority when it comes to home time. Different trucking companies have different home time policies – some will guarantee home time while others will not. Some trucking companies offer local trucking jobs that will get you home nightly, while others offer regional trucking jobs that will keep you within a 5 -10 state area, which makes getting home easier. And, remember, we’re talking about trucking here, so you should expect to be away from home at some point or another. If that idea makes your stomach turn, trucking isn’t for you.
3. Equipment – do you get excited about driving a brand new, chromed out truck? Well, they’re out there – somewhere…mostly available with lease/purchase programs. But, more important than the shine and smell of new interior is the mechanical shape of the truck. Trucking companies who take care of their equipment tend to take care of their drivers. So, before taking that new trucking job, make sure you check out the shape of their equipment. In fact, talk to some current drivers and ask them if the company takes care of the tractors AND the trailers.
4. Type of Freight – Some companies specialize in certain types of freight. Maybe you’ve always been interested in being a flat bed truck driver. There are trucking companies that do nothing but haul flatbed freight. Or, maybe you like the money that comes with heavy haul. There are all sorts of niches within the trucking industry, and if you find that you really enjoy certain types of trucking jobs – stick with that niche! Included in this category is length of haul. Some drivers love to hook up and roll. Typically, these truck drivers enjoy the over-the-road experience. Others don’t mind short loads as long as there is a pay off.
5. Reputation – Now, let’s be careful with this one. Some of the most solid companies out there get a bad rap. So, before making a decision, be sure to talk to several CURRENT drivers. Asking former drivers for their opinion of their old company is like asking a republican what he thinks of democrats. Word of mouth can be a great way to learn about a company, just make sure the mouth isn’t full of it. You want to work for a company that will be around for a long time, and a trucking company’s reputation can go a long way in helping you know how solid they are. You can even check the financial reports and reporting of several trucking companies with a quick search on the internet.
There are many other factors, like pet policies, location, number of terminals, driver-to-driver manager ratio, etc. But, this should be enough to get you started. If you’re interested in a trucking career, not just trucking jobs, then be sure to do your homework and be willing to pay your dues. If you do this, you’ll be on your way to great truck driving jobs!