After earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you can earn high pay and take advantage of competitive benefits as a truck driver. The first step as you start your career after graduation is choosing which trucking company you want to work for. There are many options out there and it can get overwhelming. Our job placement assistance team can help you narrow down your choices and find companies that are hiring new drivers. It’s a good idea to think about what is most important to you before signing on with a motor carrier.
Here are some tips for choosing which company to work for:
Type of Freight
To start out, you should determine what type of freight you are interested in. Many CDL graduates start out driving dry vans, which are generally easier to haul and have more job openings for new license holders. A refrigerated truck (reefer) driving job may also be an option. More specialized types of freight such as hazardous materials (hazmat) often require prior trucking experience, although not always.
Pay & Benefits
The most straightforward way to compare companies is the pay and benefits they offer. Keep in mind that this isn’t the full story, but it can be a good place to start. Most over-the-road (OTR) trucking jobs pay per mile so you should consider their rate and how many miles you realistically expect to get. Talking to former and current drivers may help you get an idea of this. In addition to comparing the cents-per-mile (CPM), consider any sign-on bonuses and the conditions required for these, as well as benefits offered with the position.
Home Time
OTR trucking will typically involve being on the road for multiple weeks at a time. That being said, specific home time policies vary. Ask company representatives about this as well as current and former drivers to get a complete perspective. If you are interested in getting home as frequently as possible, consider a regional or local job instead of OTR.
Truck Quality
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time behind the wheel of a semi-truck, it’s a good idea to consider the quality of this vehicle. Some companies have new fleets with high-tech equipment and others have older trucks. Look for features that improve safety and driver comfort.
Reputation and Company Culture
There are going to be mixed opinions about any trucking company, so it’s important to try to hear both sides and get as much information as possible. Talk to current drivers and former drivers as well as reading about the company online.
Get Help from our Job Placement Assistance Team
As a student at Yuma Truck Driving School, you will have access to our job placement assistance team. We can help you find trucking companies that are hiring CDL graduates and will consider the factors that are most important to you.
Start Your Trucking Career
Our program can get you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks and we cover material for three endorsements: hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples. Our instructors teach valuable skills that continue to benefit students throughout their time in the trucking industry.
