Some Hints About How to Find a Good Trucking Company
As a professional Class A CDL truck driver, you have no shortage of options. With more than 500,000 trucking companies in the U.S., it can be overwhelming to find the right fit for you. There are small, family owned businesses to large, publicly traded companies and all different sized operations in between.
To help you navigate through it all, here are some hints on how to spot a good trucking company.
Hint 1: Quality Equipment
One sign of a good trucking company is the equipment it has on the road. For example, if the equipment, tractors and trailers alike, are newer and well-maintained, it shows the company values its drivers by investing in their safety through the quality equipment
Hint 2: Current drivers are friendly, professional
“The way a driver, or staff members, carry themselves says a lot. It’s not about the money, it’s about the people,” current PTI Company Driver Gene Laduke explains. Note, if you see a driver that looks unhappy, stressed, and angry, they probably are. On the flip side, if you see a driver that is happy, treats others with respect, and is helpful, there’s a good chance the company he or she works acts the same.
Hint 3: The chatter isn’t negative
In trucking, in any work industry really, the word on the street can sometimes provide some great insight into the company’s culture. If the chatter you hear from others isn’t filled with negativity, then that business is one you should keep on your consideration list.
Hint 4: Activity online
Trucking companies who are active on social media show they make it a point connect and engage with their followers. They don’t post to just post, but share and talk to everyone to build an online community where everyone is welcome and included.
Hint 5: Well-informed, genuine recruiters
“I don’t want recruiters talking to me like a used car salesman. Let me ask the questions. If it seems like I am forgetting to ask an important one, throw it in there. But don’t try to get me to just sign because it seems like it’s good. Furthermore, a good recruiter understands that changing companies is a huge choice,” Current PTI Company Driver Jesse Biggs said about the importance of this hint. Solid companies will have knowledgeable recruiters on staff who know the answers to the tough questions. Therefore, they are willing to put in the time to find the right job match for the driver they’re working with.
These are only some tips for finding a good trucking company when searching for your next ride. The main thing to keep in mind is that what works for you as a truck driver might not be important for someone else and vice versa. To conclude, everyone has their own needs and wants, which is what we’ve come to learn at PTI. We know that each driver is driven by something unique to them: Their What Drives You?™
Why do our drivers choose Paper Transport? Learn about our benefits and more here.