Tips For New Drivers: Choosing A Truck Driving Job

Note: We have a series you should check out after this called how to choose the right truck driving job.

So it's time to start looking again. You're either tired of the trucking company you're at, tired of sitting on the couch watching TV, or tired of whatever job you decided would be better than any truck driving job could ever be. Or maybe you're considering becoming a truck driver or you're in truck driving school and you're wondering how to choose the right truck driving job. Well here are some tips that will help you out.

What Type Of Freight To Haul

First of all, decide what type of driving you would like to do. Seems obvious, but many drivers don't think this through very well. What regions do you want to run? What type of freight do you want to haul? How often would you like to be home? If you know the exact answer to these questions then you're on the right path. Otherwise, it's hard to know where you belong if you don't know what you're looking for.

For most of us, we're pondering this question because we're considering several options. That's great. I've tried every type of trucking job on earth pretty much and each one had it's good and bad points. But I always felt it would be better to try everything at least once. After doing that, I'm glad I did. If you're considering hauling a different type of freight than you have in the past, I say go for it! I mean, we all know you can switch jobs pretty much any time you like, so why not take a shot?

What Size Company To Work For?

If you're not sure exactly what you're looking for, here's a great tip - go with a big company - 1000 trucks or more. Why? Simple. Larger companies have a larger variety of freight options available. They often have local, regional, and long-haul jobs available, along with other possibilities like flatbeds, refrigerated, and dry vans to choose from. It's also easier to change dispatchers if you're not happy with the one you have and get a shot at some better freight if things have been slow lately.

Another great tip - talk to at least three to five drivers from any company you are seriously considering. Most of the time I changed companies I have chosen to work for a particular company based on driver feedback and it never let me down. You have to choose several different drivers though. No company on Earth has ever had all of their drivers happy at the same time. Actually, even half of them at one time would be amazing! So ask around.

Finally, one last tidbit about landing the job you're looking for. Be honest (well, mostly) when being interviewed by companies. Be honest with them about your previous experience. Don't go volunteering anything that isn't necessary, but if they ask you specifics about a previous job - like "Why were you fired from Company ABC?" - be honest. These trucking companies know way more about you than you would ever believe! I mean, they have access to some serious public (and likely private and government) records and if there is anything major in your past, you can be sure they will know about it. And if they catch you in a lie, your application goes straight in the garbage.

So shop around a bit, be patient, and ask around a bit. Talk to some drivers and see if they're happy. They'll be glad to tell you how they feel about their company - believe me they will. Truckers love to give their opinions. There are tons of companies out there that you would be quite happy with. Take the time to look around and research it a little bit. You'll find a good one.

Until next time - here's more resources for ya: