By: jesie,
Ohio
What are some if not many and important questions to ask recruiters when you are looking for a paid schooling first time cdl driving job. I will take any questions that may or may not be helpful would like to cover any and all basis.
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Response from Vicki:
Hello, Jesie. Thank you for asking a question about questions to ask recruiters.
We have covered questions to ask trucking company recruiters as well as what to look for in paid truck driver training schools.
We listed some tasks that will be expected of long-haul, regional and even local truck drivers in our article about becoming a truck driver. We share about what kind of transition that many truckers have to undergo when starting a truck driving job.
We caution all prospective truckers about getting a free CDL and how some sleazy operations exploit student drivers.
We’ve written about how to prepare for time with a driver trainer by being explicit about mutual expectations during the training period. We also describe what truckers need to know when they start working with their driver manager (the person who could make or break a driver’s paycheck).
There is a whole lot more to looking for a first time trucking job than just how much per mile one will be paid. Trucking will affect your life, your family and your future. In June 2016, I published a video about times when professional truck drivers must absolutely refuse to drive a truck due to truck problems and dangerous driving conditions.
You may ask what the company’s policy is regarding regular truck maintenance and if as a condition of employment truckers will ever be responsible to pay out-of-pocket for violations found on a company-owned truck during an inspection. (We heard of a situation like that once and found it to be absurd.)
You may ask about length of haul, driving lanes (routes), home time, if the company will assure the trucker of parking spaces (even paying for paid ones), how their truckers will stay comfortable in their trucks during hot weather (idling, using an APU, using a battery-powered climate control unit or suffering in a hot truck), and whether or not truckers will be offered custom employee benefits.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to consider specifics regarding female truckers, a team driving operation, and what the company will permit you to pack in their truck (assuming you’re going to be driving company-owned equipment).
These are just some ideas. If you have something specific in mind that I haven’t covered here, please comment below.
When you get on the road, Mike and I wish you safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities.
Best regards,
Vicki Simons
