How To Quit A Driving Job?

This is a question for the veteran drivers: what's the best way to leave a company on good terms? I've worked for Knight for just over 6 months, and I'm very happy with the way I've been treated, the miles, the pay, etc. As far as an OTR company, there's not much more I could ask for. But, I'm strongly considering going to work for a local FedEx contractor pulling line haul , which would get me home daily and off on the weekends and has guaranteed pay that is about the same as an average week at Knight. I'm about 99% sure I'll accept the job, but I really appreciate what Knight has done for me. For a regular job, I'd normally give 2 weeks notice; is that necessary (or even a good idea) for a driving job? Or should I just turn the keys in to dispatch on my next home time and bring candy?

First, I'll start with the six months part. If you're a new driver, who went to Knight's school, I'm sure you still have that tuition to pay off. I doubt you'll be walking away from that. The official Trucking Truth position is to stick with your company for at least a year, especially as a rookie.

Second, I've seen ads for Knight boasting they offer many different home-time programs. (I do almost a line haul job for Swift, home daily.) Did you ask about those?

I through an outside training program, so I don't owe anything. And Knight has great hometime. They're very flexible and I've never had a problem getting home when I ask, but they don't offer anything in my area for regular daily or weekly hometime.

First, I'll start with the six months part. If you're a new driver, who went to Knight's school, I'm sure you still have that tuition to pay off. I doubt you'll be walking away from that. The official Trucking Truth position is to stick with your company for at least a year, especially as a rookie.

Second, I've seen ads for Knight boasting they offer many different home-time programs. (I do almost a line haul job for Swift, home daily.) Did you ask about those?

Sean answers:

I through an outside training program, so I don't owe anything. And Knight has great hometime. They're very flexible and I've never had a problem getting home when I ask, but they don't offer anything in my area for regular daily or weekly hometime.

I'd let my DM know my next home time (a week or so out) is the end of the road. You could still be flexible. You may need to talk to a Fleet Manager or someone else. Just stay as respectful about Knight as you are here.

You are a PROFESSIONAL - so resign like one. Of course, making sure you ACTUALLY HAVE THE NEW GIG.

While we recommend staying with your first company for at least a year - it becomes REALLY CRITICAL that you stay on your new job for awhile now.

Folks are always looking for "greener pastures", and unless you are so direly unhappy with your current company - the "grass ain't always greener on the other side".

2 weeks notice would be sufficient. Do it in a free-form to your DM or in writing (email) to HR. DO keep your DM in the loop either way - but ALWAYS IN WRITING (Qualcomm or otherwise).

Keep it professional. You may need them for a future reference. Eligible for RE-HIRE - is one of the best ones in this industry. NOT ELIGIBLE, will follow you around the rest of your career (or at least 10 years).

Best of luck - KEEP US POSTED.

Rick