Thinking of signing on with a new trucking company?  Before you sign anything educate yourself, remember the interview process isn’t just for the company’s benefit, this is also your opportunity to get to know them.  Establishing relationships in any industry is important; this is especially true in commercial trucking.  Even before you interview learn as much about the company as you can, find out what they do, what they make, and what kind of services they provide.  Then ask questions about the actual job requirements, benefits, type of work that you will be expected to do. Be prepared to take notes!  Your personal list of interview questions may grow or shrink as you determine your own requirements.

Here’s an example list of questions that a  driver will want to ask recruiters before deciding to accept the job.  It is comprehensive enough to give you a good idea of how the company operates.  It’s also a good idea to include the contact person’s full name, company’s name, phone number, and date on your checklist for future reference.

GENERAL

1.Will I be a:  Company  Driver / Contract driver / Owner Operator ?
2.As an employee, how is my pay figured?  Hourly  _________
By the mile Rate_______
What are the rates during training?

3.If paid by the mile, how is mileage calculated?

Hub miles
Computer program Ex: PC Miler etc

4.Does the company hold back the first paycheck?
No / Yes: One week / Two weeks

5. Do you pay by direct  deposit?
Yes / No

6.What benefits does the company offer?

>  Paid vacation?   After how long ______  How much time_______

> Sick days?  After how long ______  How many sick days________

> Health/dental care: No/ Yes
Is family included?  No / Yes

> Safety awards

> Retirement plans

> Rider policy: No / Yes
What are the age requirements? _______
Is it limited to family members only? No / Yes

> Safety bonuses No / Yes:

6.What is the company policy on fueling? Driver choice of supplier / Company choice of supplier / Fuel Card supplied / Driver pays & company reimburses

7.Do you have forced dispatch? If I’m having issues with a dispatcher what procedures are in place for me to get assistance?

8.What regions does the company expect you to run?

9.Does the company offer dedicated runs?
No / Yes
How do I get one?

10.  Are you on paper logs or Elogs ?
If using Elogs do you provide proper training?  No / Yes

11.  What is the company policy on check calls ? Are you required to check in at certain times?  If they haven’t heard from you what is their policy?

12.  Does the company allow pets in the truck?  No / Yes
Are damage deposits required?
How much?_________
What is the deposit return policy?

13.  Does company provide cell phones or cell phone allowance ? Do you give my number out ?

14.  Does the company pay for:

>     Layovers

>       Detention time

>      Canceled loads

>       Motel/Food if broke down

>      Multiple drops and picks

>      Tolls/Bridge fees etc. Do you provide a company card or cash float ?

>     Truck washes

>       Trailer wash-outs

>       Scale tickets

15.  How many miles per week can I expect to run?

16.  How many days/weeks will a driver be kept out?

17.  What is the policy on home time?

LOADS

18.  Is the driver responsible for loading and unloading? No / Yes

19.  If not, how is the lumper issue handled? Company contract with lumpers / Advances for lumpers (deduct from paycheck) / Reimbursement for lumper with receipts

20.  If driver unloads, how is payment made? Flat rate or Hourly ?

TRUCK

21.  What kind of truck will I be driving?
Year                   Make                          Model

22.  Can driver take the truck home?
No / Yes

23.  What kind of transmission? Standard  or Automatic  ?

24.  What kind of engine?

25.  What kind of sleeper?

26.  Can I put my own chrome and lights on the truck?
No / Yes

27.  Are power inverters allowed ? Does the company install ? What wattage is allowed?

28.  CB equipped? No / Yes

29.  Satellite Radio / Internet ? No / Yes

30.  Refrigerator? No / Yes

31.  Qualcom? No / Yes

32.  How often does company purchase new equipment?

33 .  Can I purchase my truck through the company? No / Yes
Lease/purchase plan? No / Yes
Success rate on lease/purchase?

TRAINING

34.   Does the company provide training?
No / Yes

35.  Is training paid by company? No / Yes

36.  If company paid, is there a penalty if I leave the company before a specified period of time? No / Yes
How is it calculated?

37 .  What are trainer requirements?

38 .  Does the trainer receive extra pay?
No / Yes

39 .  As a trainer, will I be able to refuse to train a potential driver?
No / Yes

40.  Is trainer responsible for actions of trainees?
No / Yes

41 .  What is the length of training period?

42.  Will I be assigned solo after the training period? No / Yes

43.  Are female trainers provided for female trainees upon request?
No / Yes

44.  Is transportation provided to orientation? No / Yes

45.  Motel/Food paid by company during orientation ?
No / Yes

46 .  If I am disqualified or if I choose not to sign on, does the company pay for my transportation back home? No / Yes

47. Do you provide out of province / state medical insurance?  No / Yes
Does it start immediately?  No / Yes

48. Do you provide short & long term disability benefits?

49. If I experience issues with my trainer what procedures are in place ? Who do I call ?

50. Do you have your own customers or do you rely on load brokers ?