Thinking About a New Job

Starting a New Trucking Job

Today, most people don’t work at the same place for decades at a time. Though some choose this option because of certain benefits, others prefer to see different things, and to have different experiences. Some choose trucking as a field to enter when they’ve been working in another field for years. They often feel called to the lifestyle, or think that they will be able to do something important by becoming a driver.

Others in the trucking industry enjoy changing carriers or companies after a few years. This allows them to get new perspectives, enjoy better working conditions, and often receive better pay. But when choosing to start a new job or change carriers, truckers should take a few steps to make sure that they are making the right decision.

First, they should find out the length of the company’s orientation and whether or not they pay during orientation. Most companies will pay during orientation, but you will also need to find out how that payment is processed. For instance, are you paid by the mile or by some other method? Truckers should also ask their would-be employers about pay once they are employed, including asking them how they figure the amount of miles driven and how they handle truckers driving back with no load. You’ll also need to know how much you’re expected to work, which translates into how much you’re expected to earn, each week.

Although payment is one of the most important topics that truckers can address when they are changing jobs, they also need to learn about other working conditions that might affect their decision about changing jobs. For instance, truckers will want to make note of policies regarding insurance, workmen’s compensation, vacation time, and requirements for termination.

Finally, determining what you’ll actually be doing while on the job is important. Some trucking companies advertise conditions that sound great, but really aren’t when truckers get the big picture. You’ll want to find out what kind of truck you’ll be driving, the route you’ll normally take, do you need to buy a used truck, and whether or not you’ll have to share your truck with another driver. Other information, like the kind of sleepers and the distance of the company from your home, will be important to your comfort.

Once you’ve considered all of these questions, and many more, you’ll be ready to make your decision about changing jobs. Although if you haven’t been working for a while or have been working in a job that you dislike, you’ll be ready to try new things, being sure that your new situation is what you want is an important part of your job satisfaction.