uncle samIf you made it past my Become a Successful Truck Driver post and still want to drive or you want to change companies, what’s the best way to find your next trucking job?

It depends on the job you want, if you just want a driving job, bumping docks as fast as you can you can get the free recruiter mags at truck stops, call the companies direct or fill out an application at an online recruiting site.

Look for the Best Job for You

If you want the best job for you, then you’ve got to go looking for it. This is true when looking for any job. The best jobs don’t advertise. Huge job search sites like Monster may be good for a start and I’ve seen a few driving jobs that are put out by private non-trucking companies for drivers that might be okay.

You can’t fill out a hundred applications and send them out, online or otherwise because they will ALL call you back. Give you the “Pre-Approved” speech and want to be the first to send you a bus ticket to their orientation before you can say, “hello”. And that’s not even mentioning that in order to process you’re application you have to give them your SSN#, Drivers License number, birth date and the entire work history that you’re going to fill out again at whatever company you end up at and of course, their site is extremely secure and there’s no chance of your information being lost or misused.

Network your friends and family

The best job I’ve had came from hearing from a friend that a company was looking for drivers. They were a major company, but the job was at a small division within that company at the local office, not the corporate office, that wasn’t advertised.

First Impressions Count

The best way to find a job is to set your own goals and find a company that fits how you want to drive. Then pound the pavement or get on the phone. If you want home time, you should find a company that at least has a terminal near where you live. Walk in the office and look at people face to face. Check out the office, the people behind the desks, the drivers walking in the door and pay attention to how drivers are treated. Is the first word out of their people behind the desk, “What’s your truck number?” Is that okay with you? Some don’t want to be treated like a number, some people don’t mind.

Look at the trucks in the yard, you might be driving one. Find the worst one on the lot, that’s yours. Depending on the company, sometimes new guys get the newer trucks to get them to sign on, pissing off all the other drivers. Some companies give newer trucks by seniority in the company.

Invest time in your decision

This is your career, spend a little time and effort in finding a trucking job that fits you. Most people spend more time deciding what buffet to eat at than finding the right trucking job. If you think all trucking jobs are the same you’re trying to fit into a trucking job or company like a pair of jeans you just picked off the shelf without looking at the size, then try and squeeze into and are unhappy wearing a job that doesn’t fit.

Sticking with the silly jean scenario, spend some time looking at the different styles, sizes, colors, you might even see a pair of khakis you like. Try them without buying, spend some time to find something that fits. You’ll be a lot happier with your choice if you invest some time into it.