Questions To Ask

I'm closing in on my two week notice to my current employer. what questions do i ask the recruiter. I've read Brett's take and not knowing anything about this industry or how it operates, leaves me at a loss, ie flip flopping looking for advice. (Brett don't take that the wrong way) I currently work PT as security for a distribution center and have spoken with many drivers, most whom have given advise once in, and surprising to me the younger ones are more (for a lack of a better saying) negative about this whole truck drive experience. I'm looking forward to this, and with a excellent work background, a desire to achieve this goal I still feel a little reluctant when it comes to speaking with a recruiter. A LITTLE HELP

Michael. Use the search bar at the top of any website page. Type in 'questions to ask a recruiter.' You'll get plenty of info and advice.

No need to be reticent in asking recruiters questions. Yes, they have a sales job. Yes, sometimes they selectively omit certain details. I've had it happen when I was going through the process. I knew the questions to ask, and when pressed, I got my answers. I've also had very good experiences with recruiters. As long as you know what questions to ask, you'll be good. As with anything else in this industry, nobody is going to hold your hand. You've got to do your own research. Start with that search bar at the top of the website.

And don't worry about what another driver says. You can get some accurate info from drivers, if you ask enough of them to get a good 'average.' But keep in mind drivers can be notorious complainers. It's the culture of the industry, sad to say. Everybody isn't like that - you don't have to be like that. Trucking is a great career for anybody wiling to work. Do your research about what trucking's like, and you won't have many surprises about what to expect. Lots of folks get into trucking and develop poor attitudes because: they didn't know what they were getting into, they bought into all the negative hearsay circulated on some internet forums, and possibly they're chronically constipated.

Go into trucking with some research and a positive attitude, and you'll be just fine. As long as you think it will be something you'll enjoy.

Michael B; what's your objective? Money? Adventure? Steady income? Variety of experiences? Start there. You won't get rich. The romantic ideas of being a trucker will quickly go out the window once you realize you gotta comply w/hours of service matters, make performance goals, you gotta wait three hours for an unload 'cause nobody called the Consignee to tell them the load would be three days late and you're the relay driver AND you made it earlier than your ETA.

Recruiters understand you are exploring all companies. They're going to promote their strengths. You need to take info from each one and compare. Some will offer higher cents per mile, but digging a little may bear out the higher cents per mile is because the average miles per week is much less. Some dedicated routes pay well because you're paid for each stop and trailer. On the other hand, you're working more manual labor. Some companies are refrigerated and they may not have a high cents per mile, but their runs may be longer on average.

Different people will like different companies or types of business. YOU have to do your research, which includes calling lots of recruiters, and decide which company, type of business and classification (i.e. dedicated, OTR , regional , Bulk, Intermodal , etc) fits YOUR objectives.

Good luck!