How To Find the Right Trucking Company to Work For

Posted in Resources by Brian · Leave a Comment 

If you’re just starting out as a truck driver, you may be concerned about finding the right trucking company to work for.  While it would be great if you could find the right job immediately, be prepared for a little bit of a search.

Obviously nationally known companies would have a certain draw.  They will likely offer better benefits than smaller companies.  These companies include, but are not limited to:

• Conway Trucking
• JR Hunt Transportation
• Roadway Express
• Yellow Freight

Employment with a larger trucking company would probably give a driver higher wages, more time at home, better health benefits, and up-to-date trucks.  All of these are great reasons to consider when searching for a trucking company to work for.  What else would interest you during your search?

Some companies pay their drivers whenever their trip is dispatched, which is better for the driver and their family. The amount a driver is paid per mile varies by company.  You may earn between $0.36 and $0.41 per mile, with drivers receiving extra pay for delivering hazardous loads.  Other companies offer pay by the hour rather than by the mile.  There may even be some companies that give signing bonuses, but it will require some research to find the company that offers these.

Besides pay, you will probably also be interested in what type of benefits a company offers.  Will they offer more than health insurance and accident insurance?  That will vary by company.  You may find one offers a 401 plan, another offers paid vacation, but not all companies will.

How the company pays you may also be a consideration when trying to find the right trucking company.  Direct deposit is available from many companies.  Others pay the driver when they pick up a load, some when it is delivered.

Knowing what you’re interested in when starting your job search is important.  Have some concrete goals, both short- and long-term, of what you would like to accomplish.  If you’re currently working for a company, think hard about changing to a different company for a few more cents per mile.  Commitment to the company is just as important as the company’s commitment to you.

Learn about each company you would like to apply to. Research their history, what they pride themselves on, and talk to some current employees if you can.  When you go for an interview, don’t just answer their questions.  You’re interviewing them, as well.  Prior research will enable you to ask intelligent questions of a prospective employer.

There are many quality companies to consider when finding the right trucking company to work for.  Take your time and do some research about each one and then make a wise decision based upon what you’ve learned.  Having learned about the company you’re interested in is better than taking someone else’s word for it.

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Why You Should Join A Trucker Association

Posted in Resources by Brian · 2 Comments 

As with any career, there are various associations that a truck driver can join.  Depending upon the association, there are various perks for being a member.  What are some trucking associations and the benefits of joining them?

Each of the 50 states has their own trucking association, some more than one, and it might be a good idea for drivers to join their state’s association.  Statewide organizations vary in membership costs, but they each do what they can to improve the industry.  They also strive to increase the profits that both independent and fleet owners make.

Besides being involved in helping truck drivers make and keep more money, the state trucking associations also work with politicians to help reform the laws and regulations that govern the industry.  Of course, the changes they hope to attain are only applicable in that state.

It is common to find the state trucking associations in the larger cities, but you can search online to find out the physical location of the one for your state.  Most have websites that will explain what they seek to address, what membership benefits you can expect, and an application with membership costs.

Benefits on a state level might include cost-savings on products that truck drivers need to have such as safety compliance and training materials, group discounts for insurance, tires, telephone service, and a chance to have your voice heard with your legislature. Of course, each state has their own membership benefits, but they should be spelled out on their website.

National trucking associations include organizations such as National Truckers Association, American Trucking Association, and Women in Trucking.  Of course, there are other national associations, but these are a few that you may have heard of.  Each one emphasizes a different aspect of the trucking industry.

National Truckers Association attempts to bring small fleet owners and companies together in a way that both benefit.  They help members receive discounts, establish boycotts, and have a voice with their national politicians.

The American Trucking Association works to change the shipping laws within the country.  The organization informs truck drivers and trucking company owners how they can join together to change the rules and regulations that affect the industry.  As members, you can expect to get discounted towing, tools to help your drivers succeed, and discounts for tolls and weigh station bypass programs.

Women in Trucking is an association that focuses on women truck drivers and the aspects of the industry that affect them. Since trucks are designed for larger men, Women in Trucking attempts to work with manufacturers to create more women-friendly cabs.  They also aid women with harassment suits.

There are so many trucking associations that a driver can join.  Each one offers different benefits for their members.  The costs vary from one association to another, but you might find that joining both a state and national association will offer you the best benefits.

Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward  to a friend button below and take a minute to leave us your feedback by hitting the comment button below.

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Careers in Gear

Posted in Resources by Brian · 1 Comment 

CareersInGear (http://www.careersingear.com) along with the Orlando Employment Guide (http://orlando.employmentguide.com) have created an event just for drivers, that can jump start your career or put life back into your battery. Join us on Saturday, August 2 ^nd from 10am-2pm at NBI in Winter Haven, FL to meet with Central Florida’s Transportation leaders as they look to usher in a new wave of drivers, dispatchers, warehouse workers, yard dogs, dock loaders, security personnel and more for their fleets, company trucks, OTR loads, refrigerated trailers, flat-bed, tanker, warehouses, offices and Owner / Operator trips. (Feel free to edit this, we have used it for SEO purposes on our site)

Location: 
NBI | Truck Driver Training School 
4950 Recker Highway 
Winter Haven, FL 33880 

If you are an Owner Operator (O/O) bring in your truck for a best in show competition where you can win the coveted Careers in Gear trophy along with other great prizes from our sponsors. 

Bring your family for a fun filled day that can change the way you drive, or at least who you drive for. This event is open to all drivers, whether you have a CDL license, are just coming out of driving school, or have 30 years of experience under your belt, the Summer Driver Job Fair will be a great opportunity to network with others in your industry, show off your truck or find a new career path. 

More information: 
For more information on this Driver Job Fair, please send an email to greg.rollett@employmentguide.com . 

*Transportation companies, it is not too late to participate!* If you would like to showcase your company and available jobs, we would love to have you aboard. Simply send us an email and we can get you ready for a great afternoon. There are also packages for additional exposure leading up to, during and after the event to keep the action high all summer long!* 

See you on August 2nd!

The Top Forums For Truckers

Posted in Resources by Brian · Leave a Comment 

Sometimes you have a question that you can’t find an answer to.  Other times you just have to vent and your family is a great place to do that.  Sometimes, however, you would like to have anonymity to do so and forums for truckers are the perfect place to go.

Forums provide a place to connect with other truck drivers, make new friends, or keep in contact with loved ones. Another benefit of forums is that they are the perfect springboard when you have questions about trucking-related topics.

You will have to register at each forum you’re interested in joining.  While you do have to provide a valid email address when you register, you do not have to use your real name.  You can give as much or as little personal information.  You can even use a nickname to protect your identity if you feel that is necessary.

If you’re new to trucking, and you’re one of the younger drivers, you may be familiar with social networking through places like MySpace or YouTube.  Did you know there’s a forum for truck drivers called MyTruckingSpace?  Go here to find a Newbie Trucker thread as well as threads for Student Truckers, Best Trucking Companies to Work For, and Family and Relationships.  It also gives you a place to discuss issues on the minds of truck drivers.

“The Trucker’s Report” offers forum opportunities to discuss Your Favorite Trucking Company as well as a place to Report A BAD Trucking Company.  They also have a thread dealing with trucking unions in case you’re interested in that topic.  Are you curious about being an Owner Operator, this is the place to ask any questions you might have.  Discuss problems you may be having with your truck, driver’s health, and spiritual journeys.  There are so many areas you can explore, be prepared to spend some time here!

Layover.com’s Trucking Community Center has both a forum and a message board.  Their threads include a “Layover’s Lounge” where you can talk about anything your heart desires, there’s a personals section, and one specifically set aside for women truck drivers.  If you’re interested in topics besides truck driving, you can find a thread for politics as well as one for NASCAR.

Some forums for truckers also have chat rooms programmed for their members.  This gives you the opportunity to have a real-time conversation with those people who understand where you’re coming from – other truck drivers.  You can also use the chat rooms as a means to communicate with your loved ones if you schedule a time that both of you will be in the room.

Healthy Trucking Info is a forum that is more focused on health issues of concern to truck drivers and their families.  They discuss almost anything to do with being healthy while you’re on the road.  They also provide recipes that your family can enjoy at home so your family can be healthy, too.

There are so many forums for truckers on the internet.  Some are focused on one aspect of trucking but most will talk about a myriad of topics.  These forums are great places to connect with those with similar interests and learn something new about the trucking industry.  You may even find new jobs while you’re there.

How To Become An Over-The-Road Trucker

Posted in Resources by Brian · Leave a Comment 

Truck driving is a vital industry.  In fact, if the trucking industry screeched to a halt, so would the economy of the United States.  Not as many people want to know how to become an over-the-road truck driver, but you may want to consider it.

The quickest way to become an over-the-road driver is to finish high school.  If you’ve already quit school, a GED is required; however, many trucking companies will only hire drivers with a high school diploma.

Keep your driving record clean.  If you have too many speeding tickets or problems with driving under the influence, you may have problems becoming a truck driver.  Check with your state to find out what their requirements are.

Learn to drive a truck by going to a truck driving school.  A truck weighs in at over 26,000 pounds.  You may also have to transport hazardous materials, so learning to drive a big rig isn’t the same as learning to drive a car.  There should be a licensed truck driver who will help you learn the truck driving ropes and help prepare you for your driving test.

After you’ve graduated from driving school, you’ll be able to apply for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).  There is a written as well as a driving test, so your best effort is needed.

Passing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) exam is also necessary.  This is the written test given by the United States Department of Transportation, after which time they’ll send you for a complete physical which will include a vision and hearing test.  If you don’t pass any of these tests, you will have to retake them in the future.  Every two years you will be required to take another physical exam in order to keep your FMCSR qualifications active.

Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to take drug tests periodically, particularly if you become employed by a trucking company.  Drugs, alcohol, and moving violations tickets are not helpful if you plan to keep driving.  It would be best to stay away from these things altogether.

Truck driving is often a lonely job.  You’re on the road for days to weeks at a time, so being able to handle alone time is important.  If you prefer to be around people and are very social, truck driving may not be the field for you.  This is something only you will be able to decide.

You can learn how to become an over-the-road truck driver if that is your desire.  Check with your state’s Department of Transportation to see if they have any unusual requirements for receiving your license.  Go to school, stay out of trouble on the road, and you could be on the way to a successful career in the trucking industry.

The Top Trucker Organizations & Resources

Posted in Resources by Brian · Leave a Comment 

Truck drivers are facing additional stresses now that diesel fuel prices are rising nearly every day.  They may need help in many ways, both professional and personal.  Thankfully, there are organizations that help truckers.

One such organization is United Truck Drivers Association (UTDA – http://utda.org ) which has their main U.S. office in Salem, Ohio and in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  This is a charitable organization where truckers and their families can turn in their time of need.  Truckers can also donate to help others in the same field.  Besides being there for those in need, UTDA also offers classes that will help the public understand truckers and how to deal safely with such large vehicles.

Women are driving trucks in larger numbers every year.  For them, there’s the organization, Women in Trucking (http://www.womenintrucking.org), which is headquartered in Plover, Wisconsin.   This organization was created to help women enter the trucking industry and to reduce the obstacles that women face.  It has been instrumental in making changes at truck stops across the country and in helping women deal with sexual harassment suits.

The National Truckers Association (http://www.nationaltruckers.com) is geared more for the small companies and small fleet owners.  Members may receive discounts from various vendors.  The association asks their members to support some companies while boycotting others.

If you would like to help encourage shipping and trucking law reforms, you may consider joining the American Trucking Association (http://www.trucking.org).  This organization also works to get rules and regulations concerning the trucking industry changed.  They also work hard to help the trucking industry’s image improve.

The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC – http://www.nastc.com) was established in 1989.  They offer a cost reduction program that has saved its members millions of dollars, and gives small trucking companies a voice in Washington.  Their headquarters are in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Each of the fifty states in the United States has a trucking association.  They are designed to help the professional truck driver and those in the transportation industry.  To find the organization in your state, go to your favorite search engine and type in “Trucking Association” and include your state.  These organizations each have their own goals and their own agenda; however they do work to better the trucking industry in one way or another.

While there may be some differences in the emphasis of these and all of the other organizations that help truckers, they all attempt to help improve the shipping and trucking industry. To benefit from any of these associations, one must be a member, but that isn’t easy to do.  There are many reasons to join a trucking organization or association, find the one that matches your interests and see how being involved can help you.

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