3 Steps to Landing Your Ideal Trucking Job
- Sharae Moore
- Jun 6, 2022
- 9 min read
You've probably come to our page because you want to find your dream trucking career. Do your homework and learn about the field before becoming a truck driver. Otherwise, you'll waste time and money on a job or career path that you're unhappy with.
Make yourself a perfect applicant before even thinking about winning your dream trucking job. Know your obligations and duties, prepare for your profession, and have the correct mindset. These topics will be discussed in today's post, "3 Steps to Landing Your Ideal Trucking Job."
What do truck drivers do?
If you're looking for a truck driver hiring near Texas, know that the average base salary for truck drivers in the state is $68,994. According to Indeed, it's $69,114 per year for the nationwide average. Truck drivers also enjoy expected benefits, such as 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, fuel card, discount, etc.
You'll work in transportation logistics, and your main responsibility will be to move goods, supplies, and other objects from point A to point B. You must also ensure that the truck (and you) are safe and arrive at the destination on time.
However, expect to spend a lot of time on the road, driving, delivering goods and items, hauling big loads, and transporting goods both within and outside of the state, and occasionally across the country.
Depending on their employment and licencing, truck drivers may be able to conduct international deliveries between the United States and Canada. Here are the steps to getting your dream trucking job in your neighbourhood.
Truck Driver Recruiting: How to Land Your Ideal Trucking Job
STEP 1: APPLY TO AS MANY CARRIERS AS POSSIBLE
You've just obtained your CDL, and now you're looking to start driving. Hold your engine, as you first need to land your ideal trucking job.
While it may seem daunting, finding a truck driving job should be easy. For one, there is a truck driver shortage, which alone makes you in demand.
California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, according to the BLS, have the most job opportunities. Check out the available and open local truck driving jobs for short- and long-haul truck driving positions.
But if you have zero experience, remember that fleet owners and trucking companies won’t just hire CDL drivers right away. So that's not a problem.
You can also use Rig on Wheels recruitment services to land your ideal trucking job. Just fill up this application form and submit it. Then, we'll connect you with the best companies hiring CDL drivers.
Nevertheless, the first step is to apply. Perhaps you applied to a carrier that piqued your curiosity, only to be rejected. Don't lose hope; you might be able to locate another carrier who is interested in you.
It's a given that you'll need to apply to a lot of carriers in order to acquire your first and ideal trucking job. That's fine, as long as you have the patience and drive to find your first trucking job. After that, you'll need to find an employer who will accept you into their fleet.
“But I have no experience.”
Yes, it might be a significant obstacle, but keep that motivation (and faith in yourself). You can find companies hiring CDL drivers, including driving for straight trucks, dump trucks, service trucks, or lumber yards with delivery trucks.
Experience driving a dump truck, delivery truck, or tractor-trailer shouldn't be your primary concern because most employers are interested instead of knowing your driving record and driving experience.
You might also be able to find trucking companies offering apprenticeship programs, that FASTPORT Executive Director Dave Harrison speaks on often. The programs can be invaluable in upping your skills and receiving a paycheck.and the support needed to begin your rewarding truck driving career.
As a new CDL holder, your pay is usually low. But persevere; the apprenticeship programme might help you develop your driving skills and gain experience. Both will come in handy as you seek jobs and possibly look for better chances if you pursue this career.
The moral of the story is to be adaptable and open-minded when looking for your first trucking job. The beginning is only a stepping stone. Remember that working in the trucking sector might make you a sought-after employee. Keep Your CDL Clean
Recruitment Agency for Truck Drivers - Pro Tips
Gain experience and seat time. Be diligent in finding carriers, not tractor-trailer carriers. They're continuously looking for new drivers, including straight trucks and dump trucks. There are also railroad companies with service trucks and county highway departments with gravel and plow trucks.
Your license makes you flexible to drive any of these trucks, which can help bolster your resume.
Trucking companies require some experience in any of these trucks. One of the best ways to gain experience is landing an over-the-road truck driving job as soon as you graduate from CDL school. OTR trucking companies are hunting for experienced and inexperienced commercial truck drivers, so gaining experience is significant.
You might also like: Male Truck Drivers Want to Keep Women Safe on the Road.
STEP 2: Ask Your Recruiter/Potential Employer A LOT of Questions
Consider certain factors before working with a carrier. After all, this has to do with job satisfaction. You won't want to end up in a job you don't enjoy, would you?
Whether you’ve chosen to work with a Truck Driver Recruiting Agency like Rig On Wheels Broker & Recruitment Services that will connect you to a trucking employer or have directly applied to the company, here are important questions.
Operation
The driver's concerns include the runs to be made, the freight to be hauled, and so on. Questions to ask include the number of miles you'll be driving and whether the carrier is local, regional, or long-haul.
Some drivers prefer frequent assistance, while others dislike being pushed to drive. Some truck drivers don't enjoy unloading, while others prefer freight that doesn't have to be touched. Truck drivers also want to know where the terminals are located so they can get a better idea of the company's effectiveness and reach.
Check out this video if you want to know more about unloading dedicated accounts with great pay. Dedicated Dollar Store Accounts _
· In which states do you operate?
· What freight is hauled?
· Where are the company terminals?
· Do you operate with forced dispatch?
· How much of the freight is drop and hook? Should drivers unload the freight?
· What runs do you have?
· What are the average load length and miles per tractor-trailer?
· How is driver mile calculated?
Equipment
Safety on the road is one of the primary concerns of truck drivers since they're driving, maneuvering, and hauling a massive vehicle. So when discussing matters with your truck driver hiring agency, you should ask about equipment.
Trucks that are newer may be easier to drive and run. Furthermore, unlike outmoded, old trucks, they are not difficult to maintain. After all, you may not want to incorporate maintenance as part of your responsibilities in addition to driving.
During your time with the carrier, the truck you'll be driving will be your second home. As a result, it's a good idea to inquire about the truck and its equipment. Check that they aren't outdated, as older models are prone to breaking down and failing, especially if they aren't properly maintained. It would be beneficial if you also inquired about sleeping facilities, for example.
· What trucks do you use?
· Are the trucks equipped with air-ride suspension?
· Should I be responsible for maintenance aside from driving duties?
· How new or old are the trucks?
· What are the amenities regarding meals and sleeping (bunks, refrigerators?
· During the home time, should I take the equipment home?
Company
Get a sense of what it will be like to work in the company besides knowing the pay, compensation, and equipment. You should be able to ask general questions about the company. Are you looking for an employee-centered and fun company that will see you as an employee and a family member?
Does the company have a culture of caring and appreciation for its people? Do they value employee wellbeing and satisfaction? Is the company concerned about giving fulfillment and a positive experience to drivers? Ask your recruitment agency for truck drivers these questions.
· How many drivers and employees does the company have?
· What is the driver retention rate of the company?
· What are the driver retention implementation strategies that the company has in place?
· How many idle or empty trucks does the company have now?
· What is the pet policy?
· What is the passenger policy?
· What’s the ratio of loan planners, drivers, and managers?
· What is the company culture? What do your drivers say about job satisfaction?
Pay and compensation
Benefits, compensation, and wage issues should be addressed from the start. This is to avoid creating false expectations, which frequently result in job discontent.
Examine the company's compensation package, which includes salary rates, promotions, bonuses, and expected hikes.
Remember that no two companies are alike when it comes to vacation time, home time, and employee perks and rewards. Before deciding to work with them, be sure you grasp all of the information.
Because you're likely to negotiate on pay and compensation, make a list of your negotiable and non-negotiable things before meeting with the recruiter or employer.
Prioritize your non-negotiable items to avoid dissatisfaction in the end. It would be better to get the agreed items in writing.
· What is the maximum pay rate for truck drivers?
· What is the company’s home time policy?
· What are the benefits and bonuses you offer?
· How does the fleet/carrier company handle raises? Can I expect a raise? How and when?
· Do you offer new driver sign-on bonuses?
· Do you offer pensions to drivers?
· Do you offer full health insurance benefits?
· Do you provide healthcare coverage for the driver's family?
· Will the cost of living in my area affect how much pay I will receive?
· What raises may I receive over time?
· Is there a bonus limit to receive and earn annually?
STEP 3: DEVELOP PHYSICAL AND MENTAL RESILIENCE
Let's admit it. Truck driving is a challenging and demanding job, both mentally and physically. This is not a job for the faint-hearted.
You need inner strength or resilience to become an effective and happy truck driver!
Resilient people have a positive attitude on life and can cope well with stress. They know how to operate under pressure and deal with challenging conditions. They also don't quickly give up and don't show many negative feelings throughout challenging circumstances.
As a truck driver, resilience can help you recover from all of the difficult things you'll encounter on the road, such as loneliness, stress, and boredom. You may also experience continual anxiety when you are away from home for lengthy periods of time, such as hours, days, or weeks.
Pay close attention to your health
Physically healthy people are 3.5 times more likely to be resilient and can quickly recover from physical stressors. So pay attention to your wellbeing and focus on eating healthily, exercising regularly, and staying hydrated.
It would help if you also built the habit of practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing. This will train your mind to stay calm and relaxed during stressful situations, like heavy traffic or long drives.
Make it a habit to practice relaxing whenever you can. Incorporate activities like doing activities you enjoy and spending time with your loved ones.
Learn how to reframe any threat as a challenge. What does the situation mean, and what do you need to overcome it? Know that a challenge is an opportunity to grow – improving your driving skills, managing stress better, and developing a positive mental outlook – all are important to becoming an effective driver.
Develop a strong mindset
Your attitudes, beliefs, and mindset influence your mental resilience. To land your ideal trucking job, develop an ideal mindset that fits the trucking industry – some people call strong mindset grit, and others call it perseverance.
A strong mindset isn’t just your ability to keep going. Your true mental strength is a product of resiliency, focus, and AWARENESS (Mind your mindset!).
Possessing a strong mindset as a truck driver will take you miles and miles of job satisfaction down the road.
Focus on what you can control rather than what you can't, such as traffic. It will assist you in realising that the difficulty is only temporary and that you will conquer it. It will help you avoid making rash and impulsive decisions while driving.
Set clear and attainable objectives. If truck driving is your passion (you earned a CDL licence, trained, and accumulated experience...) and you want to make it a job, set out your objectives and intents on paper.
This can help you create goals for the job and understand what to expect.
When your mind is strong, you can handle the ups and downs you'll meet along the way and won't easily give up on the slightest issues.
You need to develop a strong mind to become an ideal truck driver for your perfect truck driving job.
Set your goals and expectations from the beginning and develop a resilient, mentally strong mindset so that you can focus on the JOB and everything that comes with it – GOOD AND BAD.
Summing Up
Applying for and working in a truck driving job requires more than just acquiring a CDL license and training. It would help if you had the right attitude to land your ideal trucking job near you, whether for a small carrier, a mega fleet, or a dump truck company.
You also need to apply to A LOT of carriers and ask A LOT of questions from your driver recruitment agency. Finally, and most importantly, possess the right mindset regardless if you're still in the application stage or already on the road with your truck.
You'll encounter many challenges - homesickness, boredom, and loneliness, not to mention stress and anxiety. You might also have to skip meals or sleep inadequately in certain situations.
Thus, you don’t only need to be physically strong but also mentally resilient to handle stress well, know how to laugh, and keep perspective even in the most challenging situations.
Are you looking for your next ideal truck? Call Rig on Wheels for local, regional, dedicated, or OTR CDL Class A truck driving jobs at 281-968-3100 today!
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If you work in the trucking industry and want to share your experience, email me at recruiting@rigonwheels.com
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Very well written article🙏🙌