Top Ten List – The Search for a Driving Job - How to Narrow Job Search to 5 carriers
Here at 18 Wheels of Justice HQ, we have discussed how to decide from your list of 5 carriers you have selected, but how do you pick 5 carriers?
Drivers and owner operators are inundated with options for employment opportunities these days. Look on any driver or operator recruiting website, how a does someone decide on which company to call. Everyone seems to offer the same things, home time, respect, sign on bonus, new equipment etc. How did you get the real facts about the company?
We are going to show you what we feel is the best way to go about your search. This can feel like a huge task and can get overwhelming quickly. We like to break it down and do it in a simple 10 Step approach.
10. Word on the Street - talk to other drivers and operators. – This is a good way to start. Drivers and owner operators who speak well about their company is a tried and true way to find out the real story. I’m more cautious about suggesting this approach these days because most companies offer a referral bonus. I think the reality is that most drivers won’t push the company they work at if they don’t really believe it is a good place to work, referral bonus or not. There are always exceptions, but people aren’t that hard to read. If he or she seems like an honest and decent person, chances are they will tell you the truth. Be sure to ask them these questions:
-Why they chose the company they are with.
-What were three of the deciding factors in their decision to work there?
-Home time, pay, the size of the company, equipment, reputation.
-Was it what the recruiter told them about the company?
-Did the recruiters’ promises hold true?
-Take notes! It easy to get the companies mixed up when you are making your decision later.
-Did talking to this guy make you want to call the company right away or were there things he said that made you hesitate?
9. Physical appearance of Equipment – As long as you’re talking to him, walk with him out to his truck.
-Is it clean?
-Well maintained? Tires tell a good story about a company.
-Was is a matched set? New tires or recaps? Plenty of tread? You can draw your own conclusions.
Trailers tell a better story about a company. Some drivers are more concerned with their tractor than other drivers, but trailers in a drop and hook operation reflect the company better...
-Is it clean? Is it beat up? How old is it? What about the tires? Again, draw your own conclusions…
8. Attitude and Appearance of the Driver – This says a lot about the company and type of driver that works there. I’m not suggesting judging other people, everybody is different. Generally speaking, a happy driver takes better care of himself and has a good attitude about things. Would you be happy to work with this driver and does he take pride in what he does and where he works?
We will post parts 7 through 4 of our countdown on Monday and the final 3 on Wednesday – Stay tuned!
Thank you for reading and be sure to check out our driver and owner operator page at 18Wheelsofjustice.com. We research carriers and present what they offer every week, to help you gain insight on what companies are offering and how they stack up. We do the research for you, you decide.
What about a career change? Have you thought about switching to pulling a reefer, van, flatbed, or tanker? How about a being a car hauler or driving for an Oil Field Services company? You ask, we deliver. 18 Wheels of Justice investigates and compares apples to apples and breaks it all down for you... Debuts next week! "Drivers: Choices within your Career - The Inside Scoop"...
Next week will be the long awaited debut of “Ask 18 Wheels of Justice” on our website. We provide opinion, answers and solutions to all things trucking. If we don't know it, we find the answer! A sincere thank you to all of you who submitted questions, please keep them coming.
© 2012 Michael H. Komadina
18 Wheels of Justice™
