HOW TO RESEARCH A TRUCKING COMPANY BEFORE YOU ACCEPT AN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCHING A COMPANY BEFORE ACCEPTING THEIR JOB PROPOSAL
Researching a trucking company before accepting a truck driver job is an important step to ensure that the company is reputable, safe, and reliable.
As a truck driver recruiting agency we’ve heard a lot of stories and a lot of those were horrific. Companies leaving their drivers stranded, undercutting their earnings with fake load confirmations, taking the truck back few weeks before it’s been paid off; just to name a few…
Doing research on a company you plan to join can make a crucial difference to your future. To ensure you don’t get ripped off and have your intelligence insulted by scammers we’ve made this post.
Here are some steps you can take to research a trucking company:
Check the Company’s Safety Record & Safety Rating
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains a Safety Measurement System (SMS) database that allows you to search for safety records of trucking companies. You can find this database on the FMCSA website. Check the company’s safety record to see if it has any safety violations or accidents.
You can also check the company’s safety ratings. The FMCSA assigns safety ratings to trucking companies based on their safety performance. A “satisfactory” rating indicates that the company meets the safety standards, while an “unsatisfactory” rating means that the company has serious safety violations.
Read Online Reviews
Look for online reviews of the trucking company. Check out websites like TruckersReport, GoogleMyBusiness listing and GlassDoor to see what current and former employees have to say about the company. You can also check social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter for reviews and comments.
Look for Certifications & Awards
Look for certifications and awards that the trucking company has received. For example, a company that has received a safety certification from the National Safety Council may be a good choice.
Awards from industry organizations and companies can also indicate that the company is reputable and well-regarded.
Employee Turnover
Check the company’s employee turnover rate. High turnover can be a red flag that the company has a poor working environment or doesn’t treat its employees well.
Ask the company for a couple of numbers to get the references. Call their drivers and see how they feel about the company.
Look At Their Equipment
Check the condition of the company’s trucks and equipment. Ask for photos of the equipment from the recruiter or safety, or look for it on the company’s website or social media pages. If possible, ask current or former employees about the condition of the equipment.
Benefits & Compensation
Look into the benefits and compensation packages that the company offers to its employees. Consider factors like pay rates, health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. This all goes to show how the company takes care of its own.
THE BOTTOM LINE!
The first two suggestions are a must, but consider doing full research on a company if you are looking for a long-term job. You want to make sure that the company will treat you fair and square.
Happy Job Hunting!
