As an operator, deciding which trucking company you want to work with is an important step in your career. You need to find a company that will provide the resources and support that you need to be successful for many years to come. So, how should you get started? Learn how to compare trucking companies, and you’ll be able to make your choice with confidence.
Comparing Trucking Companies
Whether you’ve just secured a class-A CDL or you have decades of experience under your belt, you know that finding a position at the right company is essential to building the career you want. Pick the right company, and you can make your job exactly what you want it to be. Pick the wrong company, and you might end up dealing with a company that does not care about you and treats you accordingly. So, how do veteran operators decide who they’ll be trucking with? When you’re learning how to compare trucking companies, there are a few tips that you’ll want to remember.
Talk to Other Truckers
The most important step you can take when comparing trucking companies may seem obvious, but it’s true. In order to really understand what it’s like to work for a trucking company, you will get the best information by talking to current and former drivers. Work experiences can vary wildly across the trucking industry, and your fellow truckers will be the first ones to tell you which companies have given them the best experience — or warn you to stay away from the companies that take advantage of their employees. Getting their first-hand stories can save you a lot of grief and help you make the most informed decision possible.
Do Your Research
As you talk to other truck drivers, you’ll also want to do your own research on the companies you’re interested in. Resources like Google and companies’ websites can provide helpful context for driver comments and help you make an informed choice. In order to make sure you’re choosing a company that will help your career grow, be sure to pay attention to these differences and how they can affect the work you will be doing:
- Company size will make a difference in your experience as an employee. Larger companies will have more money for perks, assistance, and repairs. However, there’s also a greater chance that they’ll be more focused on their corporate mission than supporting you as a driver. Smaller companies may ask more from their drivers, but they are also more likely to be driver-focused. Consider how much support you’ll need and what kind of company can provide it.
- Types of deliveries will also affect your workday. For example, a company that mostly does long-haul deliveries will have you out on the road for days at a time, but you’ll make more money. Line-haul drives are shorter, but sometimes less profitable. Consider what will work best for you.
- Business practices are also important to pay attention to if you want to ensure you’re working with a reputable company. Are they fully licensed? Do they keep their equipment in good repair? Do they offer programs that support drivers in meeting their career goals, like lease-to-purchase programs? Take a careful look at what’s being offered to drivers before you sign a contract.
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Learning how to compare trucking companies is a vital part of any truck driver’s professional development. If you’re looking for a company that will always put a driver’s development first, we hope you’ll take a closer look at BLC Transportation.
Are you looking for a driver-oriented trucking company? At BLC Transportation, we would be delighted to help you get your career rolling. We have opportunities for both company drivers and lease-purchase drivers. With our lease-purchase program, you can make 90 percent of the line haul while driving new trucks that provide comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Plus, we offer bonuses and incentives, a health insurance subsidy, a friendly passenger/pet policy, assistance with registering for an LLC, and more. Join our team today!