Starting your truck driving career is a big, exciting step, but it can be difficult finding the right company to work for.
Not only does being a truck driver mean experiencing the freedom of the open road, but it also allows you to make a difference. Without truck drivers, companies couldn’t keep their factories running, businesses wouldn’t be able to keep their shelves stocked, and customers wouldn’t receive the goods they need.
You’ll have relatively stable employment opportunities, as there is always demand for truck drivers — truck drivers move around 72.6% of the United States’ freight by weight. What’s more, you can expect to make a decent living, too. Generally, truck drivers make anywhere from roughly $40,000 to $80,000 and up.
However, you can’t work with just any company. To start your career on the right foot, you’ll want to find and work for the best truck driving company. Opting for reputable trucking companies prioritizing safety, competitive compensation, and growth opportunities is key to ensuring job satisfaction and long-term success.
Ready to learn how to identify the best truck driving companies for new drivers, how to apply for positions you’re interested in, and more? Read on!
An introduction to choosing the best trucking company
Working for a company that provides sufficient support, training, benefits, work-life balance, and equipment is vital for any truck driver, especially new ones. After all, if you choose the wrong trucking company to start your career at, you might end up discouraged, underpaid, or in unsafe situations.
Working for the wrong trucking company could quickly end your career. That’s why you must thoroughly research and evaluate potential employers to ensure they align with your career goals, values, and lifestyle preferences.
Carefully think about your goals and priorities. Would you prefer more time at home? What is the minimum amount of money you’d like to make? What types of freight are you willing to haul? Do you want to drive shorter, more local routes? Are you ready to take cross-country trips?
There are so many trucking companies out there that it can be challenging to choose. However, thinking about the trucking lifestyle you want can help you narrow down your options.
Safety and training programs
Each year, there are millions of traffic crashes in the U.S. alone, so safety needs to be one of your top priorities when choosing the best truck driving companies for new drivers.
To better understand a company’s safety, you can look them up by their DOT number using the Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System. Not only can this tell you the company’s safety rating, but it can also provide insights into its operating status, previous crashes, and inspection failures. The SAFER System can also let you know how many trucks and drivers a company has and what types of freight they haul so you can gauge if they’re a good match.
You can also research a company’s safety records using the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration portal. Avoid those that have multiple compliance regulations if you want to work for a company that truly cares about its drivers’ safety.
Also, check if companies offer training programs that can help drivers like you get to the next level. For example, will they pay for your commercial driver’s license (CDL) training? CDL training programs take several weeks and can cost several thousands of dollars. What about training for special equipment or hazardous materials?
Mentorship and support initiatives
In any field, having a mentor and support systems at your disposal can make a major difference — and trucking is no different. Mentors can provide invaluable guidance, sharing practical advice based on their experience, industry best practices, and more.
Some companies may have a well-established mentorship program, so you can talk to drivers who have been through the program and understand what they gained from it. Others are just getting their mentorship program off the ground, meaning you might have to forge your own path forward. However, the fact that a company has a mentorship program in the first place is a sign they want their employees to succeed and are willing to invest time and resources into their professional development.
In a similar vein, support initiatives can provide drivers with resources and assistance to navigate certain challenges. For example, there are some that aim to offer drivers advancement opportunities or the ability to specialize in a specific niche, such as hazardous material delivery.
Evaluation criteria for trucking companies
When assessing company fit, you’ll want to:
- Research the company’s reputation: Industry awards and positive feedback indicate a favorable workplace, while negative comments may signify issues. Remember to consider a range of opinions and sources, from enthusiastic endorsements to lukewarm feedback and criticism. Gather insights from drivers directly or browse online reviews to make an informed decision.
- Talk to drivers: Current and former drivers can offer valuable insights. They’ve walked in your shoes and can offer firsthand experiences about working at specific companies. Try finding drivers’ contact information online, attending networking events, or heading to the closest truck stop to strike up a conversation. Plenty of people will be happy to answer questions or share their contact information.
- Scour social media: You might also want to check out social media platforms, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X, to gain a better understanding of how customers and drivers feel about the company.
- Talk to recruiters: Speaking to a recruiter can give you information directly from the source in a one-on-one conversation. Whether you chat over the phone or a social media platform, you can dive deeper than a mere internet search will allow.
- Consider compensation and benefits: The pay structure in trucking may differ from what you’re used to, as most OTR trucking jobs pay by the mile. Consider their rate and realistically think about how many miles you’ll get. Think about sign-on bonuses, annual bonuses, and layover pay, and don’t forget to dive into the health, life insurance, retirement, dental, vision, and time off benefits.
- Think about home time and work-life balance: You’ll want to know what level of work-life balance a company offers. The best truck driving companies for new drivers should provide a reasonable amount of home time, allowing you to develop a healthy work-life balance as you enter the industry.
- Review available equipment: If you only have access to outdated vehicles and equipment that needs maintenance, you can’t do your job properly. You’ll likely experience compromised safety and frequent breakdowns. Newer trucks and trailers with regular maintenance schedules can boost job performance, safety, and satisfaction.
- Inquire about available technology: It’s also a good idea to ask about the company’s technology. What do they use to communicate, navigate, and manage loads?
Navigating the application process
Once you’ve put together your list of the best truck driving companies for new drivers, it’s time to apply. However, that’s easier said than done. The application process can be long and confusing, especially if you’ve never applied to a truck driving position before.
To apply, you’ll want to:
- Find trucking companies hiring new drivers: Search online job boards, company websites, and industry-specific platforms to identify trucking companies seeking new drivers. Also, consider networking with current or former truck drivers, industry professionals, or local trucking associations for insider recommendations.
- Review the job requirements: The last thing you want to do is waste your or a company’s time by applying for a job you aren’t qualified for, so carefully read the job requirements. Generally, you’ll need:
- A driver’s license and a clean driving record: The best truck driving companies for new drivers don’t want to hire people who don’t have any experience driving or have proven to be unsafe drivers.
- A Commercial Driver’s License: Getting a CDL is no easy feat—and requirements vary by state. However, you’ll usually need to pass a written test, perform a pre-trip inspection, and complete a driving skills test to prove you have the knowledge and ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.
- To meet specific medical and physical requirements: You’ll need at least 20/40 visual acuity, either naturally or with glasses or contact lenses, as well as at least 70” peripheral vision in both eyes. You’ll also need to pass a hearing test. If you have epilepsy, red/green color blindness, a hand or finger disorder that prevents you from grasping things, or certain mental conditions, you may be unable to earn your CDL and drive for a trucking company.
- Craft and submit your application: While plenty of companies are searching for drivers, that doesn’t mean you can phone it in when it comes to your application. Put in the time and effort to write an application highlighting everything you offer. Provide an overview of your education and professional background. Pay careful attention to detail, and tailor your application to demonstrate how your skills, experience, and qualifications align with the company’s needs.
- Ace the interview: Most of the best trucking companies for new drivers will want to interview you. After all, you’re new to the industry! Doing some research and preparation before the interview can go a long way—and don’t forget that interviews go both ways! The truck driving company is looking for a safe, reliable driver who will deliver loads on time while adhering to all safety regulations and company policies, but you deserve to find a company that respects your contributions, provides a supportive work environment, and meshes with your personal and professional goals.
Utilizing the DAT Load Board
After you’ve got a few years under your belt as a driver for one of the best trucking companies for new drivers, you may decide it’s time to go independent and strike out on your own as an owner-operator. Being an owner-operator is a big responsibility, but you’ll also have more control over your schedule, routes, and earnings potential.
As an owner-operator, you’ll need to find your own loads. However, getting loads as an owner-operator isn’t necessarily easy. It can eat up hours of your day. That’s where the DAT load board can come in handy.
With the help of the DAT load board, its hundreds of millions of loads, and powerful filtering capabilities, you can quickly find loads that match your needs. Not only does this freight-finding tool automatically refresh, ensuring you’re looking at the latest loads, but it also provides you with the latest market data. As a result, you can avoid being underpaid and enter negotiations with confidence.
Additional resources for new drivers
The right resources can ease you into being a truck driver. For example, online communities can provide support, guidance, and camaraderie. You can chat with new drivers like you or connect with more experienced drivers to learn some tips and tricks that only come with years of driving trucks. You may even find a mentor to help you advance your career.
Likewise, forums will allow you to ask questions and receive answers from experienced drivers. You can also read about other peoples’ experiences, find equipment reviews, route recommendations, job opportunities, and more.
Navigating your path to success starts with finding the best truck driving companies for new drivers
Truck driving can be an incredible career that offers autonomy and high earning potential. Finding the best truck driving companies for new drivers will take time and effort, but it will be worth it for your long-term success and satisfaction in the industry.
Not only should you try to find a company that offers sufficient training and equipment to start your career off on the right foot, but you’ll also want one that offers a healthy work-life balance, mentorship opportunities, and fantastic benefits so you can stay happy for years to come.
Find loads quickly with the DAT load board!
New and experienced truckers alike deserve the best load board—and that’s the DAT load board. With over 400 million loads and trucks posted each year and easy-to-use features, the DAT load board makes finding loads that meet your needs faster and easier than ever.
