That is a question that plagues so many on a daily bases, have I chosen the right company? Here is how I like to break it down from a driver’s point of view:
1. Am I treated with respect?
So often I hear driver’s tell me that the dispatchers call me by my driver number or “Boss”,
“Brother” or “Chief” all words that should infuriate you. The dispatchers work with you daily and they do not know your name?
Drivers tell me that dispatchers are cold, they are not personable. It’s simply, “Here is your next assignment, have a good day.”
2. Do you receive any benefits?
If you are an employee of the company, does the company offer any benefits to you and if so are they useful? Too often companies will lure a driver in tell them they have benefits only to find out they are very limited. (Do your research and find out exactly what the company offers for benefits up front)
If you are an owner operator does the company offer an alternative to W.S.I.B. if I choose such as N.A.L. an excellent alternative to W.S.I.B.?
Does the company have an E.A.P. (Employee Assistance Program)?
What does the short term and long term disability programs look like?
3. Ask to see their Safety Records
A good company should be proud of their safety record. Ask to see their C.V.O.R. and know what their rating is at. Ask how many safety meetings do they do each year and if they send out any safety talks?
4. Here are some things that the Top 20 Fleets have in common
– 9 out of 20 have their own app
– 80 % of the top 20 conduct at least one survey a year
– Conference call once a month at a specific time for one hour and it is strictly a Q & A for the driver
– Most have a driver committee
– When a driver comes on board he/she is given a company email address
– Paid orientation
– Active social media accounts (facebook, twitter, blog
– Intranet site for drivers to visit
Does your company do all or at least some of the items listed above?
5. Most people who work for a company are looking for the following:
– Stable income
– Maximum efficiencies from the company
– Continuous improvements
– Team Relationships
– Drivers want to feel like they are part of a team
– Changing the culture starts at the top
It is difficult at times to know if the company I am applying to is the company that does everything they say but do your due diligence and look into the company. Talk to other drivers and find out what they have heard. Look at the condition of their owned equipment, the trailers are they well maintained and do they have a maintenance program in place? These are all questions you need to ask yourself to ensure you are about to work for the right company.
I leave you with two final thoughts
Remember a company has two customers, the ones who we move freight for, the drivers are our customers as well, so treat them both with respect
Finally, always shoot for the moon in anything you do in life and if you fall, you land among the Stars!
Be Great! Be Safe!