If you are searching for a great CDL truck driving job, you will want to look for a company that offers you the flexibility that fits well with your lifestyle. Consider these 4 main factors: Time on the road versus time at home, relationships with dispatchers who appreciate you, the importance of safety to the company, and how well they handle personal emergencies. This may mean the difference between choosing a large or small trucking company. Some smaller companies are owned and operated by former drivers who are familiar with the challenges of the job and may be able to run things with more flexibility. Larger companies may have to follow strict rules and regulations limiting their ability to be flexible at times when you need it most.
Evaluate a company in these 4 areas when searching for a CDL truck driving job:
1. Time Home vs. Time on the Road - If weekend time with family and friends is important to you, you need to find a job that allows you to work during the week and gets you home on weekends. Many trucking companies require you to be on the road for several weeks at a time without being home at all. Think of how this works with your family and lifestyle. However, there are companies that value your time and want you to be able to spend time with loved ones on a regular and consistent basis. Ask prospective employers about their policies regarding weekends, time on and off the road, and consider how well that fits your needs and expectations.
2. Expert Dispatchers - You will also want to explore how the trucking company dispatchers work with their drivers. Do they tell you where you need to go or ask you? Are they willing to listen to you and be adaptable or do they run the shop like a dictatorship? Are they grateful for your work ethic and appreciate you? Having a good relationship with your dispatchers is vital to your job satisfaction as you deal with them on a daily basis. Make sure they are available when you need them.
3. Safety First – Drivers may find themselves in an emergency situation on the road. The way a company handles that situation can vary. A good trucking company will have several resources for you in case of an emergency such as an emergency kit, a procedure book, as well as basic communication devices. You should be able to get in contact with someone at the company at all times - so make sure there is someone available by phone 24/7. The way a company responds to your emergency makes all the difference. Be sure to know the plan ahead of time – will they come get you if necessary? Will they pay for your hotel and/or bus/plane fare?
4. Personal Emergencies and Time Off – There are times when personal emergencies happen. Think about how a manager or owner will respond if you have an emergency and don’t have any accrued time off. Will they let you take the time without pay? Will they allow you to go into the negative with your paid time off hours? Are they able to look at your situation and handle it on a case-by-case basis? A smaller company owned and managed by former drivers may be more understanding, willing and able to work with you than a large company that has to abide by company rules and regulations.
If flexibility is important for you in your CDL trucking job, be sure to explore everything a trucking company can offer you as an employee. Asking the right questions can help you determine exactly how flexible they are.
At Carleton Transport, our goal is to create calm for drivers in the chaos of the trucking industry through flexibility. If you’re interested in hearing more, call 402-332-0260 to speak with our recruiter. Or, visit our website at carletontransport.com/driving-jobs today.
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