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Rookie Drivers
Are you a new driver looking for an opportunity to break into the transportation industry, or are you someone
who is considering a career in the rewarding industry of transportation? If either of these apply to you,
then you have come to the right place. It doesn't have to be a difficult, frustrating journey from the training
truck to feeling confident in your ability to move any load. However, there are a lot of elements that you
have to consider when not only choosing which school you will enlist to provide your "basic" training,
but which companies you will seek out to begin your career as a professional truck driver.
Is this industry right for you and your family?
Getting an AZ license is the beginning of an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career. However, in order
to be successful, you must do your research and carefully and honestly assess your expectations and goals.
Below you will find some questions that any candidate entering the industry should ask. Remember that for
most people, running long haul is a very substantial change in lifestyle. Make sure that those people important
to you support you in your choices.
Is this business for me?
Most new drivers begin their careers working for a long haul carrier. That means that you will be away from
home for extended periods of time and will spend a substantial portion of your time in the United States.
Here are some important first questions for you to answer:
- Am I willing to be away from home for anywhere from one week to three weeks at a time?
- If so, does my family have any concerns about my being away, and if so what are they?
- Do I legally qualify to enter the United States as a commercial motor vehicle operator? In order to qualify
you must be a minimum of 21 years of age, have no criminal record, and be able to pass a drug test.
- How much money do I need to make? How much money can I expect to make? Remember that for most companies,
newly licensed drivers must go through a company approved training program and will need to accumulate
experience before seeing their rates increase.
- Am I independent? Most companies run a "single" operation, which means that you will be operating on
your own. If you are not confident in your abilities, or if you are an individual that prefers to have
company, you need to find a company that offers team runs.
- Do I work well with other people? Remember that even if you are running single, you are a very visible
representative of the company. Not only will you be dealing with dispatchers, maintenance and safety staff,
you will also be dealing with shippers and receivers. Every carrier expects every driver to act in a courteous
and professional manner, every time, no exceptions.
- Can you handle paperwork? There will be lots of it!
Where should I go to gather information?
JOB FAIRS
A number of driving schools are actively involved in sponsoring job fairs designed to inform potential candidates
about the industry. Call driving schools in your area and ask them if they ever organize job fairs, and if
so when will they have the next one.
Various carriers will attend job fairs and will have information with them regarding their specific companies.
They will also have recruiters available to answer your questions. This is a great chance to pick up lots
of information to take home and review.
TRUCK SHOWS
Truck shows are a great public relations event for the industry. Most carriers are looking for qualified
drivers and this is an opportunity for them to strut their stuff, show off their equipment, and mingle with
the crowds. If you see someone you like, ask questions! That's what they are there for!
DRIVERS
You may have a friend, relative or neighbour that is already involved in the trucking industry. Do any of
them drive? If so, here is your chance! Ask them if they will answer some questions for you, and then be
prepared with a list. Ask them what they like about the business and what they don't like. What kind of driving
do they do? How did they get started? What do they like and not like about the company they work for? Experienced
drivers are a great source of information. If you are serious about getting into the industry ask the questions
and get the answers.
DRIVING SCHOOLS
Most driving schools have a positive working relationship with some major trucking companies. Don't forget
that the driving school's job is to help you get your license so a company will hire you. Carriers need good
drivers and are interested in working with the schools to help them develop a base of new drivers to train.
Talk to your driving school about this. Ask them which companies come to their school to recruit. What kind
of work do those carriers do? Do they send representatives to the school to answer questions? Is there a
variety of work available? Does the school offer placement counselling? Remember that only you can decide
what the best option is for you. You must be honest about your expectations and convey this information to
those people trying to help you.
What questions should I ask potential employers?
As a newly licensed driver there are many questions that you should be asking. There are a number of companies
that are prepared to hire and train new drivers. For a company, one of the biggest single factors in hiring
a new driver is your attitude. Do you want to work? Do you want to learn? Are you committed to this industry?
Do you want to be a safe and professional driver? If so, there are opportunities for you. So, when you find
the companies that hire new drivers, here are some important questions that you need to get answers to.
- Does your company have a training program, and how is it structured?
Some companies will take a new driver and run them in a team operation with an experienced driver. This is not a true
training program.
- Will I be paid for training?
Some companies do and some do not.
- Will I be running single or team?
- Is your work local, regional, or long haul?
- How often should I expect to be home?
- What type of equipment do you have? What type of equipment can I expect to use?
- Is the equipment assigned to me?
If it is not, you may be driving a different tractor each time you report for dispatch.
- How will I be paid? Mileage, hourly, drops, and how are these calculated? How frequently will I be paid?
Is there a hold back?
- Do you have satellite dispatch?
- Do you have forced dispatch?
As you do your research and get information, you may have other questions that you would like answered.
It is your responsibility as a new driver to get the answers that you need in order to make an informed choice.
Remember that not every carrier is right for every driver, just as the trucking industry is not right for
everyone. But by making sure that you get all of the information that you need, and by involving people close
to you in the decision making process, you will find that the chances of success in this industry are very
high.
What do I need to bring to a job interview?
Candidates are often employed based upon a number of factors. One of the biggest single factors a potential
employer looks at is your level or preparation for a job interview. Whether you are a newly licensed driver,
or a driver with 25 years of experience, there are certain items that every potential employer will expect
you to have with you. Make sure you have the original copies of documents, and politely request that your
documents be photocopied, with the originals returned to you.
You should be prepared to bring the following items to an interview:
- Driver's license, including the temporary permit (if applicable)
- Current abstract
- Current CVOR driver's abstract
- Criminal Record Search
- Medical
- 10 complete years of work history including company name, address and telephone number
(This includes all employment, even non-transportation related.)
Additional Items could include the following:
- Letters of reference from previous employers
- Birth certificate or Social Insurance card
- Resume
- A list of questions that you have for the interviewer (remember you are also deciding if you want to
work for this employer)
Most employers will ask that you complete an application form prior to granting an interview. Make sure
that you complete the application form including signing and dating all applicable forms. Any work history
from your resume must be transferred on to the application form and any gaps in your work history must be
accounted for.
Remember to do your homework, research potential employers and be prepared!
Are you ready to get started? Click here!
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