Did you know that there are about 1.5 million trucking companies in the United States alone? So choosing which one to work for can feel like a daunting task. The good news is that there’s a company out there for everyone. Choosing the best trucking company for you is largely a matter of figuring out what you’re looking for, and then finding a company that suits your individual priorities.
Self-Funded or Company-Funded CDL Training
Before you can start working as a truck driver, you’ll need to earn your CDL. So one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to pay for your own CDL training or sign on with a company that will pay for your training. Be aware that in exchange for covering your training, most companies lock you into a year-long contract with limited wages throughout your training period. Although self-funding your training will cost you more upfront, you’ll probably end up making more in your first year. However, if you don’t have the funds to pay for training yourself, choosing a company that will cover it can be a great way to get into the industry.
Big Companies vs. Small Companies
Truck carriers come in a wide range of sizes, and they can create significantly different driver experiences. Big carriers typically run a lot of different freight lanes, meaning you’ll have variety available to you. They also have a lot of equipment, so you don’t risk missing a job because your truck needs to be repaired. At a large trucking company, you can expect stability and convenience, such as access to company repair accounts and comfortable driver lounges. However, you’re more likely to be anonymous among a large pool of drivers. If you prefer to get to know your coworkers, you may like a small trucking company. With a smaller carrier, you’ll have the chance to get to know other drivers, management, and probably even the owner. This can be a plus for drivers who like to have a professional network. It can also make it easier for you to get professional recognition and advancement opportunities.
OTR vs. Regional vs. Local
When you’re looking for your first trucking job, you’ll have to think about what kind of routes you want to run: over-the-road (OTR), regional, or local. OTR driving will take you across the country. Drives might take as long as one week to three months, so you’ll be spending a lot of time on the road. OTR trucking is great for drivers who want to travel and see the country. It’s also typically the highest-paid kind of trucking. For those who want to spend more time with their families, regional or local trucking jobs might be the better choice. Regional driving keeps you within a particular area, such as the Pacific Northwest. You might be on the road for a few days or a week at a time, with opportunities to stop at home. Regional truck driving usually involves quick turnarounds, so your schedule might feel pretty hectic. Local drivers, on the other hand, can usually come home every night. However, local driving positions are usually the lowest paid. Many truck drivers choose to drive OTR for a period and then transition to regional or local driving. Some large companies offer all three kinds of routes, making it possible to switch without changing employers.
The Equipment
Your experience as a truck driver is going to be highly dependent on the equipment you drive. If a company has a nice, new fleet, you could be driving comfortably and efficiently. If you’re driving old trucks, you could be spending a lot of your time doing maintenance on the side of the road. When choosing a carrier, try to scope out how new and well-maintained their fleet it. You can get this information from reviews, photos, a site visit, or even from asking the recruiter.