Choosing a trucking company is one of the most important decisions you will make as a truck driver. It can be the difference between a rewarding career and endless job-hopping.
There are a variety of factors to consider. The first step is determining what type of freight you want to haul and how often you want to be home.
Reputation
A great trucking company should have a solid reputation in the industry. If a company is renowned for providing high-quality services, it can attract and retain drivers and keep customers happy.
The company should also have a business plan in place. This will force them to think through the business in detail and create a blueprint for success. It’s also an essential document for obtaining financing.
Look for a company that has years of experience in the industry. It should also have extensive route coverage and expertise in different types of cargo. This is important because additional freight requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
Look for trucking companies in Chicago that offer affordable, upfront costs and monthly payments in their lease program. This way, you can test the waters of truck ownership while still making a decent living as an independent driver. Then, at the end of your lease period, you can either pay off the remaining balance and become a full-time truck owner or return your vehicle. The best option depends on your individual needs and the type of trucking you want to do.
Equipment
The equipment a trucking company has can make or break their business. The trucks and trailers they own and lease should be up-to-date and well-maintained. Ask them about their equipment to find out how old it is and whether they can transport heavy and oversized loads.
You’ll also want to learn about their lanes and decide if you’re happy to run these routes. Signing up with a carrier only makes sense if you like their lanes and are interested in their freight markets.
An excellent way to determine if a trucking company is right for you is to talk to their current drivers. Please find out how long they’ve been with the company and ask them about their experiences. Find out if they often have payroll issues, how difficult dispatch is to deal with, and how well their equipment is maintained. You can ask them about their rates and see how they compare to other trucking companies. Then you’ll know if their offers are competitive and worth your time.
Pay
The truck driving industry can be lucrative, but only if you work for the right company. While finding a trucking company that offers competitive pay is essential, you should also consider the company culture and whether or not they value your work-life balance.
It’s essential to check the company’s route map to see if you’re comfortable with the routes they offer. It’s also important to know how they typically pay drivers, including if it’s by the hour or per mile driven. Some companies may also have guaranteed weekly pay to attract new drivers.
If you’re looking to start your own trucking business, investing in a good load board like DAT One is essential to help you find paying loads quickly and easily. Using a factoring company that offers working capital to truckers is also a good idea so you have funds on hand to cover expenses. It’s a great way to test the business model before investing in your fleet. Then, you can focus on what matters — your career as a professional driver.
Home Time
Truck driving can be a long haul, especially for over-the-road (OTR) drivers. Companies should be upfront about the home time they offer before they accept a position. Local and regional jobs will have you home every night or at least each week, while OTR positions will take longer to get you back to your bricks-and-mortar home. How much time you spend at home will depend on your load type, location, and if it’s a team job.
Some truckers are okay with missing out on family events and holidays, but others find that being away from their loved ones takes its toll. A company should offer a variety of ways for its drivers to earn and accrue home time so that they can choose the option that works best for them and their families. For example, at Melton, we allow our team drivers to start their day at their home or a hotel nearby to avoid wasted miles and potential frustration. Check out our home time policy to learn more.
Safety
When choosing a trucking company to work with, ensure they have insurance coverage that protects your equipment in case of damage or accidents. It’s also important to ask about their safety procedures and training programs. A quality trucking company will prioritize safety and compliance. This is especially crucial for large freight transportation projects that require specialized equipment or machinery.
Trucking companies should implement comprehensive training and education programs for drivers to improve driving techniques and learn new safety protocols and regulations. This will ensure safer driving conditions on the road, which in turn will help reduce risky and costly incidents.
Safety measures directly affect driver retention and indirectly influence a business’s profitability by reducing insurance premiums and the overall cost of operations. This is why it is essential to find a partner with an experienced trucking insurance provider who understands the industry and its specific needs. They can help you customize your policy to suit your requirements and protect your business with a competitive price. For example, they can provide commercial auto liability insurance, physical damage insurance, general liability insurance, or motor truck cargo insurance to cover your specific risks.