One of our new military wrapped trucks has elicited some great responses on the road by fellow drivers. Enjoy the qoute from our November Driver of the Month-Paul Crecelius:
"Everyone I see on the road waves. People slow up and read the side of the truck and shout their support. Paul said he was in traffic and he noticed a bus load of of soldiers on the side of the road. They all lined up and saluted as our truck went by. He has been shocked by the response of the motoring public and veterans everywhere."
It has been a great year in trucking. We are poised to have a fantastic 2015. It will take a collective effort from all our Truckload employees to continue to grow and prosper.
Happy New Year!
Most trucking companies pay professional drivers a per mile rate that escalates with experience. Some companies also will honor verifiable driving experience with previous employers. Additionally, pay for certain events, like making additional pickups or deliveries or assisting with the loading or unloading of freight at a customer stop, are often a part of the overall pay plan. Ask questions about the entire pay plan, not just the mileage rate. 
Most trucking companies pay drivers on "shortest" or "HHG" (Household Goods) miles and not based on practical routes for semi trucks. The difference in shortest vs. practical can be up to 5% depending on the region and the specific route. The two major software vendors for trucking and shipping companies have a shortest and practical version and you will want to know which version a company uses for driver pay.
Most companies have a defined home time policy. The policy defines a general expectation about how many days a driver is expected to stay out on the truck working before being routed back to the house to take time off and how long that time off should be.
With the evolving regulation in regard to toxic emissions, truck and engine manufacturers have had their hands full trying to keep up. Companies that are staying in front of the regulations demonstrate a desire to comply as well as the financial and strategic wherewithal to stay ahead of the game. Newer trucks are typically more reliable (less driver downtime) and have the latest and greatest driver comfort features.
If the 
Truck drivers know and talk to other truck drivers. You see them on the road, at customers, or at truck stops. Talk to a fellow driver and see what they have to say about their current or past employers. You can also check out what the truck drivers are saying online either on message boards or other social media outlets. These websites typically have reviews from other truck drivers. 
Most companies offer benefits beyond pay as part of the total compensation package. Is there a retirement plan like a 401k. Will the company match the contributions you make to your 401k, and if so how much? What is the company's policy in regard to vacation? Does the company offer an affordable and comprehensive health and dental plan?
What is the trucking company's stance on allowing riders? Do they have a specific policy? Does the policy state that drivers must go through an authorization process before a rider is permitted? Are there times of the year (mild weather) that the company allows riders to accompany their professional drivers out on the road?
The customers a trucking company hauls for can have a large impact to the driver. It is important that a trucking company aligns themselves with a customer portfolio that provides freight year round, so that drivers are not sitting without loads during non-peak times of the year. Make sure you ask if the carrier deals directly with shippers or through brokers. If the carrier has a direct relationship with shippers, the freight is typically going to be based on a solid contract with a year around commitment. Adding a middle-man as a broker can mean a less stable freight base. Freight quality is another big factor when choosing a trucking company. Drop and hook loads take less of the driver's time at a dock so more time can be spent on the road getting miles, in turn earning higher pay. Live loading and unloading is inevitable and every trucking company is going to have it. But trucking companies with a higher ratio of drop and hook customers give drivers more time to make a living on the road versus sitting at a dock.
wreath.jpg)
