Once you graduate from L.A Truck Driving School, you’ll be on your way to a career driving for a truck line or maybe even becoming an owner-operator yourself. When you go out there and apply for your first job with a trucking company, there are several questions that truck drivers should be sure to ask your recruiter or potential employer in order to make sure the job will be a good fit for you.
Question #1: What Is The Policy For Home Time?
This is probably the most important question when interviewing for a trucking job. If your home time is important to you, you’ll want to make sure you’ll be able to get the time you need.
Question #2: What About Pay And Benefits?
Don’t allow a trucking company or recruiter to low-ball you. You can find out current driver pay rates at PayScale.com, and don’t take a job if you feel the pay isn’t fair. Similarly, it’s important to get good benefits. A trucking company should at least offer basic health insurance, but it’s good if they also provide eye, dental, and short-term disability coverage.
Question #3: Will There Be A Sleeper On My Truck?
This is for long-haul driving work, and most trucks do come with a sleeper. However, it’s never a bad idea to ask—and to also ask other important questions about your comfort, such as if there will be a way to plug things in or if you’ll have to do that at truck stops; whether you have a refrigerator, etc.
Watch the video below for more questions to ask:
Question #4: What Is The Rider And Pet Policy?
Many truck drivers want to bring along their pet or a family member for certain rides. If this is important to you, be sure to ask the trucking company or recruiter before you get hired.
Question #5: Do You Employ “Lumpers”?
This is good to know for drivers who may not be able to load or unload freight. Lumpers are for-hire loaders that can be paid to load or unload cargo, and it’s important to get this straight with the trucking company you’re considering working for.
Question #6: Will I Get Layover Pay?
“Layover” is when truck drivers have to wait between scheduled loads, and typically drivers should get layover pay when they have to wait because of situations that are beyond their control.
Question #7: Will Another Driver Replace Me?
With some truck companies, anytime a driver takes time off, another driver is given their assignments and truck while they’re gone. This is known as “slip-seating”. If you don’t like this arrangement because you prefer to handle your own assignments and truck, you’ll need to look for a truck company that has a no slip-seat policy.
Question #8: Will I Have A Driver Manager?
A driver manager is a direct supervisor who is usually assigned to new truck drivers. It’s good to have a driver manager to help you get used to the road and to help you solve problems quickly. It’s not a deal-breaker if a company doesn’t have one, but it’s great if they do.
If you’re considering getting your commercial driver’s license, L.A Truck Driving School can train you and get you “on the road” to a fulfilling trucking career. Contact us today to learn more about our Class A and Class B truck driving training programs.