Miscellaneous questions you can ask as a new driver

[SevenOfNine]

What are your Main traffic lanes?OR Irregular Route?
Many companies run the same interstates back & forth--more of certain areas than others--it’s typically easier to get home if you live on a main traffic lane. Some companies are "Irregular Route" and means what it implies - they run all sorts of different routes all the time.

What regions will you expect me to run?
As a new person, even though the carrier may be a 48 state carrier, they may insist you start out running the east coast - or some other region.

Do you have any dedicated runs?
A dedicated run is one that basically stays the same - loads the same place and delivers the same place and does so on nearly the same schedule most of the time. They're very nice if you want to know which day you'll be home and exactly where you're going on the next trip. There are usually a lot of drivers "lined up" for these type of runs.

Do you have: Forced dispatch? Regional? Assigned?
Forced = you must take the load given to you; Regional = dispatchers for certain areas; Assigned = always work with the same dispatcher.

Do you have 24 hour dispatch?
Being able to get in touch with someone at all times is preferable than waiting ‘til morning! Tires rarely blow during business hours.

Do you have Satellites/Qualcomm?
These "tracking" systems can be very nice--you can type in load info rather than play "find the phone" game, you can often get directions right there in the truck and can often forego check-in calls because the satellite tracks you.

What is your % of no-touch freight?
"No-touch" freight is as the name implies! You, as the driver, do not have to touch a thing on the trailer, other than opening the doors. The receiver is entirely responsible for unloading.


What is your % of drop & hook?
"Drop and Hook" means you "Drop" the empty trailer at a shipper and "Hook" a trailer that has already been loaded. The only downtime involved is the time it takes to "Drop & Hook". The higher % the better -- the less time you’re sitting at a dock, the more time you can be turning the wheels.

What is the average length of haul?
Shorter trips are more time-consuming; you spend as much time loading & unloading but don’t get the miles out of it. On the other hand, it may be easier to get home under some short loads. A few companies even pay higher mileage for short loads. Regardless, they are more work and they will wear you out faster.

Do you have designated fuel stops/closed fuel network?
A designated fuel or closed fuel network means that you'll have certain places you have to buy fuel. Though it is more convenient to be able to buy fuel anywhere you want to, most companies use a network because buying in volume earns them discounts.

Can I have a pet in the truck?
You'd be surprised what animals people keep in a truck!
Damage deposit required? How much?
This is a normal requirement - animals can cause a lot of damage to a sleeper.