Experts Guide to Selecting a Good Trucking Employer

We all know that earning a commercial driver’s license is not easy. But once you have it, it opens up avenues to build a career as a truck driver . 

After earning your license, one of the most difficult decisions is picking an employer. Most beginners often accept offers from the first employer that reaches out to them. However, you need to do your homework and look at pay and benefits, reputation, and rest and recuperation time between long hauls. 

We break down each element for you to know exactly what matters when looking for the best trucking employer for yourself. 

Find Out the Pay, Incentives, and Benefits for Drivers 

The trucking industry continues to grow , and with that comes decent pay and benefits for truck drivers. These are usually the first things drivers consider. Salary usually varies from province to province and is based on years of experience, but the benefits should be the same. 

The annual salary for commercial drivers ranges from $35,000 to $53,000, with the average being around $40,000. Remember that sometimes beginners aren’t given many miles at the start. If that’s the case, be sure to ask the employer when you can expect your work to increase and if the pay will increase accordingly. 

Also, see what the market value is for a beginner in your region. Search online and ask people you know in the industry for their input. This way, you have an idea of what to expect, so you can negotiate and limit the chances of agreeing to a low offer. 

Find Out if You Get Breaks Between Long Haul Journeys

Long haul journeys can last for days. You want to ensure your employer gives you enough time to rest during such trips. Otherwise, you can endanger yourself and others while on the road. Ask the company how many hours of break time is given on long haul journeys. Ideally, you want to get anywhere from 7-8 hours of sleep per day to stay alert while driving. 

Have a Clean Driving Record 

It’s not just drivers who have a clean driving record; companies do too. While you can’t always hold a company responsible for a driver’s mistake, it’s up to the company to try and ensure that drivers only take out trucks that are safe for the road. 

Companies need to inspect their vehicles to ensure everything functions properly. This limits the chances of any unforeseen incidents happening. 

Make sure to ask about the company’s driving record. It will help you understand how much they care about their trucks and drivers. 

Stay Fit and Healthy

Your health is important, especially if you want a long career as a commercial truck driver. The job shouldn’t push you to your limits. There should be enough time for you to rest and recuperate after a trip. It’s also important to generally stay fit and lead a healthy lifestyle so that your body can function well while on the road. 

Get Proper Certification and Be Employed by the Best Trucking Companies in Canada!

Proper training is the first thing good trucking companies look for in drivers. While vetting each company is essential, you need to have a certified license and the training to back it up.

If you are looking for an advanced, certified course in transport driving, contact Professional Transport Driver Training School. We have trained countless commercial drivers for over 30 years and have program funding available for eligible individuals. Call our Winnipeg office at ( 204-925-1580 ), our Brandon office at ( 204-729-0240 ), or inquire online about our courses.