The Great Sign On Bonus Hoax
One thousand, two thousand, three thousand, 4... Don't wait, just step right up to the golden door!
The good old sign on bonus... A re-engineering, re-invention, a re-wording of the classic bait and switch, ye ole switcheroo, applied to recruiting drivers. For Shame!
Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Here ye go, just sign right here and go with the flow...We have a $4000 sign on bonus, Bubba's Trucking next door will only give you Three, that's right, uh huh, you're at the right place... Join our company, we'll give you a bonus over the next 6 months, a year, you'll earn less while you work here, but don't worry 'bout that, you got a bonus! Just step on up and through the golden door.
It's nothing new. When did this madness start in our industry? In the early 1990's, I'm not sure by whom or what company, but that's when it became prevalent. And now, everybody has to do it.
Nearly every trucking company in the country offers a sign on bonus. Why? Because they have to. How much weight should you give it in your decision process? Very little. Don't fall for the hype.
The drivers and operators who watch what companies offer and do their research know this and
drivers and operators who have fallen for it once, know even better.
The lure of easy money, the temptation of a fast buck loses its appeal with the reality of: "Now, I have to actually work here?" and "My paychecks sure seem small".
How many carriers have clauses that will deduct the bonus you were paid if you don't stay the required minimum of 6 months? Or a year? I believe you would be surprised at some of these contracts, or maybe not.
Why do we have turnover? Is it the drivers fault? The company's fault? A case of not seeing the forest for the trees? If you want turnover, this is a great way to increase it.
I personally admire companies and people who try new and creative approaches to solve problems. Applying traditional product selling ideas to recruiting drivers. It was innovative and effective at grabbing attention and drivers when it first appeared years ago, but now it's just fun with numbers.
A $5000 bonus paid over a year is nothing compared with 500 less miles run every week on average. The miles you will get is always the mystery of starting any driving position.
Ask the trucking company about average miles per week! Read the fine print and do your homework and the math. Get your wife, husband, father, mother whomever to go over the details. A second opinion from someone who cares about you and your well-being has never hurt anyone.
