Most people go to truck driving school because they want to get a good job and earn a better living. For this reason, truck driver training can be a great choice for many people. That’s also why job placement assistance is such a big part of CDL training at SAGE. Not all schools provide comprehensive trucking job employment assistance, but we view it as a critical part of the services we provide.
Deciding which trucking companies to drive for is an important decision. But there is also another aspect of the job search. Choosing the wrong company can cost you more money than you think. That’s because there is a financial cost to the driver who changes jobs. For those who change jobs frequently, the cost is even higher.
While you are in school, ask a lot of questions about different trucking companies. We’ve talked about these kinds of questions in other Blog posts. We recommend you do this so you make the most educated decision about a job.
Studies have shown that changing jobs will cost a driver a significant sum of money when they change from one carrier to another. In fact, over a 30 year career, the average driver can lose over $100,000 in wages and benefits if they change jobs frequently.
Here are some of the costs that a driver will incur by changing jobs:
1.Immediate loss of income. Even if there is just a short break between one job and another job, there is a loss of income to the driver. Over the long-term, these gaps in income add up and place a financial burden on the driver.
2.Health/medical insurance loss. If you have health insurance through your employer, coverage is usually lost if you leave your job. This may mean that your level of coverage could be reduced, or that you lose coverage altogether. And it also means you will have to wait until the waiting period at your new company expires. This may mean going without coverage for medical needs and incurring unpaid medical bills.
3.Losing bonus payments. Many companies provide various bonuses for either signing on or meeting certain benchmarks in driving operations (safety, fuel mileage, on-time, etc.). Leave a company, and any bonuses you would have earned may be lost.
4.401(k) loss. Most companies offer a 401(k) retirement fund that includes a company match to the amount the driver saves. But these plans have “vesting” rules that determine when and how much of the investment the employee can keep. Sometimes vesting will occur over a period of years, so if you leave before being fully vested, you can lose much of the money you would be entitled to. In addition, your new company will have waiting period rules, which restricts your participation in the 401(k) until you have been with the company for the required period of time (for example, 3 to 6 months).
5.Loss of cash flow. Losing income is one thing. But a related problem is loss of family cash flow. You count on cash coming into your household on a regular basis to pay your regular bills. Having a break in the cash flow may mean some bills have to go unpaid, and a driver can quickly get behind since income may have stopped, but your regular bills have not.
6.Driver reputation. Keep in mind that every time you change jobs, it could hurt your reputation. Many companies are wary about hiring drivers that are “job hoppers.” That’s because they assume that if you changed jobs 4 times in the last 6 years, you will probably do it again. In other words, companies are reluctant to hire and invest in a driver who has demonstrated very little loyalty to other employers.
The bottom line is that it may seem like changing jobs because you don’t like your dispatcher, or you think a half cent per mile more is worth it. It might be if the differences are significant. But keep in mind that often the benefits of changing trucking companies makes sense, but there are numerous hard and soft costs to changing jobs in trucking. Often the one hurt by the job change is the driver, so take the time to think about how to find the best trucking companies that you can stick with for the long haul.
What specific questions should I ask trucking companies during my job search to ensure I make the right choice?
When evaluating trucking companies, ask the following key questions:
- What is the average pay per mile and the typical number of miles driven per week?
- Are there guaranteed pay programs or minimum weekly earnings?
- What types of routes are available (local, regional, OTR), and what are the home time policies?
- What benefits are offered, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off?
- What is the company’s policy on driver support and communication, such as dispatcher availability and load planning?
- Are there any sign-on bonuses, and what are the conditions for earning and retaining them?
- What kind of equipment does the company provide, and how frequently is it maintained or updated?
- What are the company’s policies on safety, compliance, and driver training programs?
- How does the company handle freight downtime, and is layover/detention pay provided?
- What is the company’s turnover rate, and what do current or former drivers say about their experience?
Are there any strategies or resources available to help drivers compare trucking companies effectively before making a decision?
Yes, several strategies and resources can help drivers compare companies effectively:
- Online Reviews: Use websites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, and trucking forums like TruckersReport to read driver reviews.
- Company Websites: Research each company’s career section to review their benefits, pay structure, and policies.
- Networking: Speak with current or former drivers to get honest feedback about their experiences with different carriers.
- CDL School Job Placement Services: Utilize career counselors at CDL training schools who often have insights into reputable companies.
- Industry Reports: Check industry publications and rankings, such as the ATA (American Trucking Associations) or Transport Topics, which may highlight top employers.
- Social Media Groups: Join trucking-related groups on Facebook or Reddit to engage with drivers discussing job experiences.
- Compare Contracts: If possible, review employment contracts from multiple companies to compare terms, including benefits, pay rates, and potential penalties for early termination.
What are some red flags to watch out for when considering a trucking company to avoid having to change jobs later?
Be on the lookout for the following red flags that could indicate potential issues with a trucking company:
- High Turnover Rates: If a company has a revolving door of drivers, it may indicate poor management or working conditions.
- Unclear or Changing Pay Structure: Companies that frequently adjust pay rates or have vague compensation details may not be reliable.
- Excessive Unpaid Wait Times: If drivers complain about long detention times without pay, it could impact your earnings.
- Equipment Maintenance Issues: Frequent breakdowns or older fleets can lead to lost driving time and frustration.
- Poor Communication from Dispatch: A lack of responsiveness or difficulty reaching dispatchers may lead to frustration on the road.
- Hidden Fees or Deductions: Some companies may charge for things like training, uniforms, or equipment that could reduce your take-home pay.
- Negative Driver Feedback: Consistent complaints about pay disputes, home time issues, or lack of support should be taken seriously.
- Pressure to Violate Hours-of-Service Rules: If a company pushes drivers to exceed legal driving limits, it can be a safety and legal concern.
- Delays in Reimbursement: Slow reimbursement for fuel, lodging, or toll expenses can indicate financial instability.
- Vague Training Promises: If a company offers “free training” but requires long-term commitments or has unclear terms, proceed with caution.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the data available as of its writing and is meant to inform and guide prospective CDL trainees. For the most current information and specifics about CDL training programs, please contact SAGE Truck Driving Schools directly.
