Talking To The Random Trucker

So, on this forum, those of us researching the career, are often told to ask a Trucker from the company we are interested in about said company. Awesome advice. Except for one thing...how? And, not the literal how, but more like how do you want to be approached.

I live of HWY 69 in OK. I have a Love's about 8 miles north and a Pilot about 18 miles south. In between is a Walmart with a McDonalds that sees a lot of Truckers. I have plenty of resources I could pull from, just not sure on the approach, LOL.

" Oh...hey there, I see you drive for Prime. I'm interested in driving, what are they like?" "Uh.. Sorry Pal, I'm just here to take a dump!"

Or even better they start to walk some other way when they see me approach.

Seriously though, I've been wondering for a while what was the proper approach.

Cash works!

By that I mean, find that guy or gal who doesn't look like they are on a mission (too eat, shower, toilet) and offer then a cup of coffee for a minute of their time to ask a few questions about there company.

I figured the cup of coffee wouldn't be bad. I was just thinking if it was me I'd be looking as if I'd hurt you if you talk to me! SO I wasn't interested in that happening to me!

I think, just like in any group of random people, you're going to have some mixed nuts. Some people will be gruff and borderline hostile, others will be warm and friendly and even eager to discuss their experiences. You just have to be willing to accept rejection.

I've had several people come up to me while I'm fueling and ask me questions or tell me anecdotes. That seems to be a good time to hang around someone for a few minutes and chat with them.

The thing about most truckers are that they are big talkers lol... Once you get him/her to talk they won't stop lol.. Just say something like hi I'm thinking about getting my cdl and I'm interested in working for prime can you tell me about it.. After that intro ask questions...

Not really worried about the rejection, I've been married 24 years, I hear No alot

It's more of a courtesy question. I'd rather not come across as a nuisance.

The two best approaches I can think of are either to approach them at the fuel island while they're fueling or stand outside the entrance to the truck stop and catch them quick while they're on their way inside.

And you certainly don't need a pitch of any sort. Truckers ask each other all the time how they like the company they're working for. So that's all you have to do is say, "Hey, I see you work for Prime. I was thinking about going to work there. How do you like it?"

Simple as that.

Now some drivers are going to be in a hurry or they're just grumpy for whatever reason. No matter. Wait for the next one. You'll find plenty of drivers willing to talk.

The one thing you do not want to do is go into the parking lot and knock on doors. Drivers do not appreciate that. But if they're fueling or on their way inside that's a great time to catch em. You only need about 90 seconds to find out what they think of the company. It won't be hard to pull off.

One thing that might help also is to have a preference in mind that you'd like to ask about. Like maybe you want to get home every weekend or maybe you only want to run east of the Mississippi. Whatever it may be it's good to have a specific or two to ask them.

"Hey, I was thinking about going to work for Werner because I need to get home on weekends to see my family. Do you think they'd be a good fit for me?"....that kinda thing.

Wow, yeah I didn't even consider knocking at doors, nor would I. never thought of the fuel island...

I'll have to give these a try. I've been fortunate in that I work at a warehouse and have received lot's of info from the 7 regular drivers I see. Sadly, only one started with one of the companies I have considered, and none currently drive for any.

Thank you for asking this question Magoo. I have been wondering the same. However, I would like to ask as a female can I do this without being confused with a professional 'lady'?