6 Things You Should Know before Choosing a Trucking Company
6 Things You Should Know before Choosing a Trucking Company
When you decided to work for yourself as an independent truck driver, you may not have realized that choosing the right carrier to lease to could make all the difference in the quality of your trucking jobs.
Choose a trucking partner and control your own destiny.
Trucking is the one of the few industries today where licensed professionals are literally in the driver’s seat when it comes to job opportunities. Because your skills are in high demand, you can pick the carrier you partner with because it meets your needs and expectations — not because it happens to provide trucking jobs.
What are your work/life priorities? What kind of working relationship do you want with a carrier? What kinds of trucking jobs are you looking for? Consider all your options and do your homework. Ask yourself what is most important when it comes to:
Payment speed and back office support
Freight flexibility and home time
Respect and company culture
There are lots of good trucking companies out there. Compare their offers to your wish list, and see who comes closest to your ideal trucking partner.
Ask some specific questions to find the company that is the right fit and offers the best trucking jobs for you.
1) What are my potential revenue possibilities?
First, delve into the basics: What are the available routes at this company? What types of freight are you most likely to be hauling? Do they pay fair percentages for the type equipment you have and the types of loads you want to carry?
What about bonuses? Ask if they offer cash bonuses for safe driving or other performance milestones. And while you’re at it, look into their pay plan. Do they offer same-day pay options, or do you have to wait weeks — or even months — to get your money?
2) How easy is it to access the trucking jobs I want?
Today’s best trucking companies support their drivers with state-of-the-art technology, including websites and mobile apps for instant access to company information, available loads, settlement statements and more. You’ll want unfettered access to freight and complete visibility into available loads through an electronic load board.
Choose a company that helps you establish your own personal relationships with agents across the country.
3) Is this company going to make it possible for me to be home as often as I need or want to be?
Ask yourself if the typical running habits at this company fit your home time requirements. Do they offer local or regional lanes if you need to be home on a regular basis? Do they have coast-to-coast routes if your lifestyle lets you stay on the road for extended periods? Do they used forced dispatch? You want the freedom to pick the loads you want to carry and the ability to control your own schedule.
What happens if you need to get home in the event of an emergency? Ask if the company has a “Take Me Home” option through its load board that notifies you as soon as freight is available to take you back where you need to be.
4) What does this company offer in terms of my current and future customer base?
Trucking is a notoriously seasonal business, which means some months may be slower than others. As an independent contractor, you want a partner that can help you keep a steady stream of trucking jobs throughout the year.
Look for a company that has long-standing customer relationships with businesses that have year-round shipping needs.
5) Where do I fit in the organization? Am I part of something bigger, or just a driver floating somewhere out on the road?
Corporate culture matters. Choose a company that clearly explains its core values. Do they recognize and reward drivers who exceed expectations? What kind of investment are they willing to make in training and other benefits? Do they respect diversity and individual contributors? You want to work for a company that cares about you, the person — not just you, the vehicle.
What are they doing to promote driver safety? Do they have a safety culture that puts the driver’s wellbeing first above all?
6) Will this company help me progress in my career? What does my future look like with this organization?
Independent drivers are the key to a successful trucking operation. You’re putting everything you have on the line to grow your business; you want your employer to do the same.
How reliable is the company you’re about to lease to? What kind of reputation do they have with agents? With customers? Can you expect to drive for them for years to come?
Will they help you learn specialized skills to keep you on a profitable career path? Ask if they have special programs for women drivers, veterans, or more experienced drivers. The best companies offer a variety of driving options and provide the support independent drivers and owner-operators need to meet the changing needs of their customers.
See if Bennett International Group is right for you.
Bennett is looking for people who have a passion for what they do, and who care about safety and professionalism.
When you decided to work for yourself as an independent truck driver, you may not have realized that choosing the right carrier to lease to could make all the difference in the quality of your trucking jobs.
