After you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), the next step in your new career as a truck driver is to decide which trucking company to work for. However, before hopping in the cab, you should ensure that the company meets your expectations. Although interviews often feel one-sided, they are also a perfect opportunity to ask your own questions and learn more about the company you’re interviewing with. Ask potential trucking employers these 20 questions before taking a job with a new company.
Compensation and Pay
One of the main considerations for truck drivers is the salary. Before signing a contract, you must ensure that the company offers a pay package that fulfills your financial needs. This includes finding out all the details about pay rates, pay models, bonuses, and expected raises. You may end up negotiating some compensation factors, so come prepared with a list of non-negotiable items.
Five questions to ask potential trucking employers about pay packages are:
- How much do you pay?
- What pay model do you use?
- What type of benefits do you offer?
- What is your home time policy?
- Does your company offer bonuses?
Operational Details
Along with pay and benefits, another crucial component drivers need to know about a company before signing with them is their operational details. You should inquire about freight, endorsements, and routes. Knowing the specifics of these operations will help make you confident in your decision to accept or decline a position.
A few questions to ask about the operational details of a company are:
- What type of freight do you haul?
- How much of the freight is drop-and-hook?
- In what areas does the company operate?
- What kind of routes are available?
- How will you be loading and unloading freight?
Equipment
Equipment is closely tied to operational details, so you can’t consider one without the other. As a trucker, your rig will become your home away from home, so you will want to ensure that it has the basic amenities for a comfortable ride.
Questions to ask about equipment include:
- What kind of equipment do your drivers operate?
- What brands of trucks does the company use?
- What is the average age of your trucks?
- What amenities are the trucks equipped with?
- Am I responsible for truck maintenance?
Company Culture
You should also ask your recruiter a few questions to get a sense of the company culture. Companies with a strong culture can help drivers feel a sense of belonging and fulfillment. On the other hand, a high turnover rate may indicate that the company is not a good fit for you.
To learn more about the company culture, ask the following questions:
- How many drivers do you have?
- What is your passenger policy? Pet policy?
- What is your company’s turnover rate?
- What are your company’s safety standards?
- Is the company publicly or privately owned?
Choose a High-Quality Truck Driving School
Before you line up interviews with potential trucking employers, you must first earn your CDL. The Phoenix Truck Driving Institute team provides our students with a solid foundation for their trucking careers. Our program uses a multi-faceted training approach that combines classroom, range, and on-the-road driving to prepare you for your new profession. We also offer job placement assistance to help you get on the road after graduation.
Contact one of our advisors today to find out how soon you can start your career.
