One of the few uncomfortable tasks when searching for a trucking job is asking questions. You’re stepping into a career that offers independence, steady demand, and the thrill of the open road. And doing so with confidence makes a big difference to your success and mental health.
Here are some questions to ask potential employers at your first trucking job:
Questions about work life
What does the typical day or week look like for drivers?
Expect them to answer about your day-to-day expectations, routes, and workloads. Some logistics companies only deal with local hauls, while others focus on long-haul trips. Make sure your goals align with that of the company you’re talking to.
What kind of freight will I be hauling?
Hauling refrigerated goods differs from flatbeds or tankers and includes some added responsibilities like maintaining refrigerator temperature and time management. Same goes for hazardous materials like medical use products.
What is the average distance per trip?
As a new driver, you might feel more comfortable driving short distances. If they’re hiring for cross-country trips, you might be paired with a more experienced driver to show you routes and support your learning journey. Ask them how they onboard new truckers.
Are there specific regions or routes drivers are assigned to?
Regular routes are predictable and as a new driver, you may want to stick to those until you’re confident in exploring others. If you’re on a temporary visa or work permit, you may need additional visa and permissions to travel into the US.
Questions about compensation and benefits
How is pay calculated – by mileage, load, or hourly?
Trucking companies offer two kinds of pay structures – by the mile/kilometre or salary. Newer drivers get $0.45 to $0.55 per mile/kilometre, whereas experienced drivers can receive up to $0.75 or higher for specialised goods. Hourly rates start at $23 in Ontario for newer drivers with an average of $27.39 nation-wide. Beyond that ask about bonuses, overtime, or pay raises after a probation period.
Are there any guarantees for minimum weekly pay?
If you’re new to the industry, downtime between assignments might catch you off guard. It’s one of the things that a new driver should prepare for. Most companies won’t guarantee a fixed wage, but your focus should be to get as much experience as you can. And then, move on to better companies.
What benefits are included?
Ask about health insurance, dental, vision, retirement plans, and paid time off. Benefits vary greatly across companies and increase over time.
Are there bonuses or incentives?
Companies often reward drivers for safety, fuel efficiency, or completing a certain number of miles. Some also offer a signing bonus, which can alleviate essential costs associated with getting ready for your new job.
Questions about trucks
What kind of trucks will I drive?
If you’ve received training on automatic transmissions, then you can only drive those. Make sure your employer knows that. Long-distance trips must have a truck with a sleeper cabin. If not, then you will struggle finding a bed in remote locations.
How often are the trucks serviced?
Trucks should be inspected and serviced every time you return from a long-haul trip. Typically, commercial trucks get basic servicing done at 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres, preventative maintenance at 30,000, and oil change at 10,000 to 25,000 depending on the age and type of truck.
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