Where To Start
What To Look For
What would you like to haul? There are companies to start you out in almost everything. I have to admit I do not know of any companies hiring with out experience for hauling cars, or heavy machinery (over sized loads, etc.). You may have to get some experience, and wait on those if that is your goal.
Many companies offer tanker, dry van, reefer, doubles, and flatbed experience. You have to weigh the pros, and cons, of the loads for your career path.
Check out my article Choosing A Company To Work For to get more on this specific topic, and also to understand the quality of work you are looking for. Whether this be type of loads, home time, where you will travel for work, etc.
Where To Look
Check your local job sites: Indeed, Monster, Zip Recruiter are a few.
You can also check classifieds sites like Craigslist, and KSL if you are in Utah (Utah’s version of Craigslist)
What Are Your Choices
These are some Mega carriers that you can look into. Don’t feel like a mega carrier is your only option. Some smaller companies may offer to pay your schooling in exchange for a promise to work for them.
I by no means support any of these companies, nor do I have any outward opinions on their training. Please do your research on all your options, and make the best selection for you. Keep in mind that what works for someone else, may not meet all of your needs.Â
Don’t go with a particular company just because your friend did, unless you plan on driving with them. Look out for yourself, and make your own path.
This is not a complete list of all your options, just some that I know about. Remember to do some digging to find more on your local job listing sites.Â
How To Research Your Choices
Every time you look into a company you should have a list of prepared questions that you are aiming to have answered. Most of the time you can call a recruiting line, and they can spout a lot of information at you. Make sure they hit each one of your points.Â
Take notes, and keep them together to compare later.
Questions to ask your prospective employers:
- Am I within your hiring regions?
- What positions do you have available for my region?
- What do you pay for each position (cpm, hourly, daily, etc.) and how often (weekly or bi-weekly)?
- Do you run teams or solo?
- What are your home time allowances and stipulations?
- How many certificate hours are awarded for your CDL school (this could affect your ability to be hired with other companies in the future, you want 140+ hours generally)
- Benefits: 401K, healthcare, life insurance, etc.
- What are the contract requirements for putting me through CDL school?
- What is your flexibility if I want to move to a different position (lets say you are new, and they only have over the road. In the future you might want to move into a local position near your home)
- Do you have a rider policy? (If you want to be able to take someone with you, such as your child, spouse, or friend)
- Do you have a pet policy?
With all of these options placed before you, do not get overwhelmed. Decision paralysis can set in here.
Your first company will not make or break you. It is just a stepping stone to propel you into the industry. After you gain experience you will be amazed at all the options that are open to you.Â
Trucking has so much variety, and can add a lot of value to your life if you find the path that best suits you.Â
What Happens After CDL School?
When all is said and done and you have graduated from their company sponsored program, what can you expect?
A few things you might want to ask:
- Will I receive my own truck after CDL school, or will I need training?
- Is there a training period required after graduation?
- How long is the training period?
- Is there a test at the end of training to receive my own truck?
- Will I be able to pick my trainer?
- Can I ask for a male or female trainer?
- How much experience do you require your trainers to have?
Can you pay off your contract early?
Just keep your eyes open and be aware of the situation you are putting yourself in. Nothing is going to be easy, but you will find that understanding your situation better will only be beneficial for you.
Good luck!
Shelby Â
