10 Tips To Finding A Better Trucking Job
10 Tips To Finding A Better Trucking Job
If youre looking for a career in the transportation field specifically as a truck driver then there are a number of things you should keep in mind. Truck drivers are in high demand with a lot of companies but the trick to finding a better job with better pay starts before you interview. It starts before you apply. It starts before you make a phone call.
There are a lot of openings but few companies that are willing to pay a driver the top dollar for their miles. However if youre careful and follow these steps youll be well on your way to making more money being home more often and getting better benefits for you and your family. These days its not just about your driving experience that will lead you to a better truck driving opportunity its a bigger professional picture that if you make sure to do some of these recommendations youll get the job that youve been working for for so many miles. Take a second you deserve to know:
1.Make Sure You Have A Job Now. Imagine youre the recruiter. Do you want to hire someone that doesnt have a job? Potential hires are hotter prospects when theyre currently employed. This means the new company has to make a better offer to steal you away from your current employer. Plus if you have a job now you dont have to worry about going without a paycheck.
2.Get Your Work History Together. Most employers will require all necessary info regarding your previous three 3 employers minimum. Most of them also require your previous three 3 years worth of employers. If youve had several jobs youll need to be able to provide the names of the employer and supervisors as well as the phone number and addresses for all the companies. Yes its a chore to dig up but its worth it. Also type it up or get it typed up so you have something professional to present to a new employer. This is one of the most overlooked aspects of truck driver jobs hunting.
3.Check Your DAC History. Your DAC driver history is a transportation companys way of checking your driving history before checking your MVR motor vehicle report. Its a good idea to know what the recruiters see when theyre looking up your info. Disputing your DAC can be a chore just FYI in the event something is incorrect. However you knowing whats on there also means you dont go into a conversation or interview not knowing information about yourself.
4.Check Your Personal Driving History. Thats right your personal driving history. It might show something different could be good or bad than what your DAC history or MVR shows. The best way to find all the info and find it for FREE is call your insurance company. The company that insures your personal vehicle has access to all of your info and can quickly and freely tell you all the info thats associated with you. Again you knowing all the available info prepares you for any question you might be asked.
5.Make Sure Your CDL Is Current. Too many drivers try to find a job and realize that their CDL commercial drivers license is expired. Just how in the world is a trucking company supposed to hire a driver that does NOT have a current CDL? Thats an impossible question that is asked but goes unanswered every day. This is something painfully obvious but lots of tobe drivers dont have a current CDL.
6.Get Added CDL Endorsements. Yes its some extra cost an extra test periodically but high dollar freight takes a higher level of insurance which means the driver will be held to a higher standard of knowledge. Tanker drivers make more than van drivers. HAZMAT freight drivers make more than flatbed. Double and triple endorsements mean you can haul more freight meaning you can make more /mile.
7.Dont Have Your CDL? If youre going to school or to get training to obtain your CDL you need to be aware of all of your options. Some of the big companies actually have their own school will train you a minimal expense and guarantee you a job when you graduate. However they do sometimes require you to drive for them for a certain amount of time which is fair considering they footed the several thousand dollar bill of you obtaining your CDL. You might also go to an independent school or a lot of junior colleges have CDL training programs. You might have to get a loan or pay out of pocket but youre on your own in terms of deciding you drive for in the coming months and years upon graduation.
8.Get Current on DOT and HOS Requirements Both Federal and State. The federal regulations dont always exactly line up with the state regulations. You need to know the different rules of the road and rules of cartage for the freight truck time speed of delivery with regards to the states youre traveling through because regulations can change just by crossing a state line. But if you know this info in advance youll have a more successful driving career because youll know info other drivers dont. It might seem boring to research but exceptionally helpful in a sticky situation.
9.Join Your States Trucking Association. Every state has one and the dues are usually pretty reasonable. You can stay current on regulations while also learning the whos and whats of your state with regards to trucking. Again this is info that you never know when itll help you out. Also if you get involved even a little bit youll meet a lot of people with a lot of connections to the trucking industry and that can quickly lead to better employment opportunities.
10.Be Extra Careful Driving. This is THE most obvious thing to keep in mind when trying to get a better trucking job. Think about it safe drivers with safe driving histories get the best jobs. Why? They take their time do what their asked and do it without damaging cargo equipment or the companys name. You do that and youll be the one getting the better pay better home time and bigger bonuses.
.Do Some Research. You need to know what opportunities are out there. You need to know the names of the companies that are hiring. Go to your local truck stop and find some of the digest magazines theyre covered with advertisements. But if you really want to know all the trucking jobs info quickly use the Internet. Go to a search engine and search for some companies or find a site that lists lots of companies that are hiring truck drivers. You can contact them read about them or apply with them all from the convenience of your home. Imagine if you got a list of trucking jobs offers to choose whats best versus having to call a company and settle for what they give you. Also when you interview get a haircut first shave and dress up a little. You only get one opportunity to make a first impression so be sure to make a great one.
Yes this is a bit detailed but its also truth. Pay attention to some details some small things and youll get big rewards. Ive worked in the trucking advertising industry for about 8 years and these are just some of the general helpful hints that recruiters look for that drivers dont pick up on. If youll cross all your Is and dot all your Ts youll be sure to be rewarded. Best wishes to you in you trucking career!
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Kyle Jernigan
I work for an online truck driver recruiting and advertising resource www.hiringtruckdrivers.com.
Big time Bama fan graduated in ‘03. I like turkey hunting too.