Hiring Competition / Costs Of Medical Insurance

After the downturn of the oil drilling industry I was thrusted into the trucking industry and was not an easy changeover. Switching careers at 61 y/o was definitely no easy task. Not just in salary but the challenge from management to driving was rough. What I found really surprising was the cost of medical insurance for myself and Wife. We’re talking to the tune of hugging $200.00 per week... So now after hearing how companies are trying to woo experienced drivers I’m still hearing thru the truckstop grapevine that drivers are still paying ridiculous rates. For me, I drive for Tyson who is not primarily a trucking company but a food service company with a trucking division. Ur their medical insurance for double coverage runs nearly 75% less expensive so when searching for prospective company do consider the cost of medical coverage if you are going to cover additional dependents...

Yes the cost of medical insurance was one of the many things I considered when choosing my company. Luckily mine isn''t nowhere near that expensive. $200 a week sounds unreal. Also I am the only one on my plan so that has a lot to do with it. So you drive for Tyson correct and this is the cost of your insurance for you and your wife?

This bring up a question I never even thought to ask the recruiter (though, I'm about to as soon as I get done typing this.)

I'm covered under my wife's (kick-ass) insurance now. Will I have to have own with a company (any company) if I get hired on or does that work like most anywhere else where I won't need the extra coverage?

Have to ask because trucking is its own world with its own rules.

Jeremy, you'll have to ask your recruiter. Currently, I work for a DoD contractor and my wife is a nurse at a local hospital. While there is no federal law stating we must have separate insurance plans, it is up to each employer to determine how they want to handle it.

For years, my employer stated "if your spouse (significant other, etc) has access to insurance then they must get their own coverage." This ended up costing us big time as she paid for a solo plan at her company and I paid for a family plan for me and the kids at my company.

Just last year, my company finally changed and took that restriction away and I was able to put her on my plan. Saved on premiums and deductibles. In short, you'll need to ask. And I'm glad this came up so I can add it to my list of questions for when I talk to a recruiter.

Jeremy, you'll have to ask your recruiter. Currently, I work for a DoD contractor and my wife is a nurse at a local hospital. While there is no federal law stating we must have separate insurance plans, it is up to each employer to determine how they want to handle it.

Yes, sir! I already sent him a message. Waiting to see what he says. It would be nice to save a few bucks, but whatever will be, will be. I was just curious in general, as if there might be some sort of industry standard or something. But your words cleared that up for me. So, now we'll just see what the company says. Thanks for the insight!

Jeremy if you don't mind share the answer. I plan on just using my retired military plan. No need for 2 plans...

Thanks

From my own research, I have found very few trucking companies require you to get on their insurance plan. There's just way too many people in this industry that have retired from somewhere else and already have insurance they are happy with.

Jeremy if you don't mind share the answer. I plan on just using my retired military plan. No need for 2 plans...

Thanks

Yes, sir! (Wait... That might actually be offensive to you, considering your name on here. My apologies, if so!)

So, my recruiter from CRST just got back to me and said (if I'm hired in after training) there is no company requirement for me to have separate insurance. I can stay on my wife's plan without problem.

Hopefully that works out for you, as well!

Nice crst, huh. I was just looking at there website. Question, I see a lot of mention to team driving. Are they all teams? I look forward (hopefully) to a training blog hehe

Sir, is just fine but chris is equally good Thnx

Yes, sir. As far as I know it's all team driving. And I plan to contribute in the diary section here. Seems like the least I can do, try to share some info for the next newbie same as people have shared for me!

About 10 days or so until I head over there to Iowa. Then it's sort of a waiting game. If I pass the physical, then I have to pass their records department, etc., and if I pass that, then I have to pass the Driving exam, etc., etc.

I'm blessed to get the opportunity. And I'm already giving 110% to every effort, so what will be, will be. (And hopefully what will be is a long, detailed training diary!!!)