Beyond the CPM: Finding the Right Trucking Company for You

When it comes to finding jobs in the trucking industry, lucrative opportunities are easy to come by, but the importance of standard is what makes the difference. Developing relationships between driver and management that are both approachable and professional should be a top priority, even in the interview process. Here at PTP, we urge drivers to look beyond just compensation and consider the full driver experience.

What to Expect in Typical Trucking Interviews 

In a typical interview process for a trucking position, the questions tend to be very surface level, downplaying the importance of the driver and driver expectations. When reviewing the most common top 5 interview questions asked, driver-manager relationship doesn’t reach the level that it should from an initial interview. Instead, an applicant will most likely be asked questions based on previous driving experience, asked to breakdown experience and explain generic problem-solving situations. 

Additional questions will most likely cover the way a driver plans his or her route, or suggestions about the way the company recommends its drivers plan driving routes for each fleet. Although these are valid questions when interviewing and onboarding a driver, many trucking companies won’t include the driver’s expectations as a part of the standard interview or make developing that meaningful relationship with the driver a priority. 

We can’t forget home time and what it means for an OTR trucking position. Interviewees are encouraged to openly define their home time needs and clearly understand the home time goals of the company. Ask questions in terms of weeks, months, vacation (if offered) and how home time is achieved with regard to the earnings goals of the driver. 

PTP Trucking Interviews 

At PTP, we urge drivers to consider the benefits of joining a company that values not only driving experience, but also the driver/company relationship while offering a comparable pay scale to other national fleets. In fact, the average PTP driver earns 6.89% more than the national average. 

PTP also recognizes the benefits of home time for its drivers and the importance of accessible driver management while driving. During our interview process, we focus on developing an approachable relationship between driver and driver management, prioritizing the development of the working relationship. Known for our driver-manager relationship, our drivers have reported that the accessibility of driver managers is one of the main advantages of working for the company. We also make it a point to ensure that our drivers are constantly in a working environment we would want to be in ourselves. 

With many trucking opportunities available, finding one that will not only satisfy your needs financially but also as a valued employee should be important. PTP prioritizes the needs of its drivers by keeping them happy while they’re out on the road, and encouraging rest when they’re home. But again, the right fit is not only based upon CPM and potential bonuses, it’s based on relationships.

Click here for more information about our employment opportunities and driver FAQs, and apply to #drivePTP here.