Gaining experience with your CDL is part of the process for anyone who is in the trucking industry. Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for many drivers. Once you have the necessary experience to keep moving forward in your field, you can begin the journey of becoming an owner-operator.
Owner-operators offer themselves yet another way to continue thriving in the industry, but once you begin sifting through truck driving companies, you may be left with a lot of questions on which one is going to be best for your situation. Asking four important questions can help you pick the right one that will allow you to continue succeeding.
How often will you get to visit home? Finding the right balance between your work and home life is crucial not only to your financial success, but also for maintaining healthy relationships with the people you love in your life.
Do you get to choose your own runs? Finding out where you’ll be transporting loads is necessary, because you’ll want to be able to create your own schedule. Knowing how far you’ll be driving can help determine that for you. If the company offers local and long-distance runs, you can decide based on your schedule which you’ll have time for.
What is the pay rate? Knowing how much you are going to get paid can sometimes make or break your decision. Often times, companies raise rates based on experience, but it can vary within each company. Most trucking companies can give you a breakdown of what you’re paid for and how they determine the rates.
What else do they offer their owner-operators? Getting the most out of the company is only going to benefit you and your future, whether that future is with the company or not. From company events to safety classes, you’ll want to keep learning and educating yourself so that you know all there is to know about your career and the industry.
