Key Takeaways:
Heavy haul drivers don’t change carriers lightly, and for good reason. It’s a specialized field that demands experience, professionalism, and a lot of planning.
Whether you're looking for better home time, higher earnings, or more respect on the job, one thing's for sure: your next move matters. A lot.
Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) has been in the heavy haul business for decades, which means we know a thing or two about the hiring process. That includes the questions drivers ask (or don’t ask) during the transition that can make or break their success in their new position.
So, before you make the leap, let us share our firsthand insights about changing carriers to help you go about it the smart way.
The seven steps we outline below are designed to lead drivers through the process of leaving one carrier for another with clarity and confidence. Let’s get started.
Sure, you’re unhappy at your current carrier. But can you pinpoint exactly why?
The answer to that question is absolutely critical to finding a better fit — and preventing you from winding up in the exact same position a year from now.
So, what is it that’s making you want to part ways with your current carrier? While it may be tempting to say, “I want better pay,” or “I want more home time,” and leave it at that, resist the urge to stop there.
Dig deeper into how you feel now, and how you want to feel in your new position. Ask yourself:
Recruiters can’t help you find the right fit unless you know what you’re looking for. Whether it's more advanced freight types, better equipment, or just getting home before your kid’s next birthday, clarity is your best tool.
When you’ve made the decision that your carrier isn’t right for you, finding a new position can feel urgent — like, really urgent.
But before you jump ship, remember: it’s better to find the right fit than a fast fit.
You're hauling millions of dollars’ worth of equipment day in and day out. You don’t sign on with just anyone — no matter how motivated you may be to exit your current carrier ASAP. So don’t be afraid to do some digital detective work on the carriers you’re considering:
Want to make the smoothest possible transition to your new gig? Get your paperwork and documentation in order before you apply. That may include:
And here’s a pro tip: Know what’s on your Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) and Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) reports.
Many drivers don’t check them before starting their job search — and that can lead to unpleasant surprises during the interview process.
Yes, you have to be honest with yourself about what you need in your next job — and you need to be just as honest when talking to recruiters. That includes your priorities, your experience, and your safety record.
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: don’t lie to your recruiter. It’s as much as waste of your time as it is theirs.
Job interviews are a two-way street; you're evaluating the carrier just as much as they're evaluating you. Being upfront from the start saves time for everyone and helps you avoid landing in the wrong role.
If it’s not the right fit, better to find out now than after you’ve signed on.
In heavy haul, it's not enough to say, “Yeah, I’ve hauled that.” You need to explain how you hauled it safely and successfully.
In general, heavy haul recruiters want to hear specifics about:
Give examples whenever possible. “I hauled a 130,000-pound turbine blade from Kansas to California with a 13-axle setup, working with state DOTs for permits and escorts” goes a lot further than “I’ve done heavy haul.”
Bonus points if you’ve got a strong safety record and long tenure at past companies. Those two things tell a carrier more about the value you’ll bring to their company than any resume line could.
In heavy haul, pay is rarely straightforward. You’d be hard-pressed to find two unrelated carriers handling driver pay the exact same way.
That’s why it’s important to ask about how a carrier pays and what their drivers are earning on average.
Think about it this way: If a carrier is telling you their heavy haul drivers make a certain percentage, you don’t really know what that means without also knowing their drivers’ average annual earnings.
So, don’t for vague answers about pay and pay structure. Ask strategic, specific questions like:
Also consider:
The answers to these questions will help you compare apples to apples — because 38% of an unknown number won’t help you determine whether a position will pay the bills.
It’s time for a dose of tough love: While it might feel gratifying in the moment, the truth is that abandoning a truck, ghosting mid-load, or damaging company property can hurt you more than your carrier.
For example, if you’re a lease driver and you abandon your truck, you may:
Not to mention the damage the word-of-mouth may do to your reputation in the industry. Heavy haul is a small world. Do yourself a favor and go out on good terms by:
If your new carrier is reputable, they'll wait a few weeks for you to wrap up your current commitments and start your new position baggage-free.
As an experienced heavy haul driver, you know this life isn’t for everyone. It’s demanding, inconsistent at times, and not exactly an “home every weekend” type of job. But it’s also one of the most respected niches in trucking, and can be hugely fulfilling, lucrative work — if you’re with the right carrier.
Ultimately, before you make the decision to look for a new carrier (and undertake the 7 steps outlined in this article), you need to ask yourself three critical questions:
If the answer to all three is an enthusiastic “Yes,” congratulations! It sounds like you’re ready to take the next step toward a truck driving job that checks all your boxes.
As you prepare to depart your current carrier, be sure to take a moment to read through our list of 6 Things You Must Do When Leaving Your Truck Driving Job.
It breaks down everything you’ll need to consider before handing over your keys or delivering that last load, so you can feel confident that you’ve left in good standing with your reputation intact.