%20Logo.svg)
So you’re done with Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) driver orientation…what’s next for you?
If you’re a newer driver and haven’t worked with a ton of companies, you might be a little worried about your next step.
Do you just…go? Are there other tasks you need to take care of first? And what about your first few months with the company? How can you succeed then?
As a former truck driver myself (and current driver recruiter for ATS), I know each driver orientation you attend for different companies can vary. Having as much information as possible and knowing your next step (ahead of time) is what truly sets you up for success.
This article will not only help you understand what happens when you’re done with ATS driver orientation, but it’ll also help you understand exactly what you need to do to start out your ATS career on the right foot.
Become a Certified ATS Driver
Once you’ve completed the orientation requirements — listened to presentations, taken and passed a road test, passed a drug test and received an updated medical card — you’ll become a certified ATS driver.
Now that you’re an official member of the ATS team, there are a few things you need to do before you can receive your first load offer.
First, you need to get your permit book and driver badge. The permit book contains all the helpful permitting information you need to drive on different roads in the U.S.
Your driver badge is important; it’ll help you get in and out of ATS facilities. For instance, you won’t be able to go into the truck yard or get into the driver’s lounge without a badge.
This is something you don’t want to lose!
Load Your Truck
Your next step is to head back to the hotel and get all your stuff together before checking out of the hotel.
We recommend only bringing two weeks' worth of essentials to orientation, so ideally you won’t have too much stuff to load into your truck. Our goal is to get you routed home right away, where you can pick up the rest of your gear.
Get Your First Load Offer
Once you’re loaded into the truck and settled in, it’s time to log into your communication device. Here at ATS, we utilize the OmniOne program on tablets. Once you log in, your driver manager will be notified that you’re active.
Once you’re active, your driver manager will send company drivers a load. An independent contractor might get a load option. Remember, company drivers are on forced dispatch, while independent contractors have more control over what they haul and will get load offers.
At this time, you’ll typically see your sign-on bonus come through. Company drivers will also receive orientation completion pay. They’ll be processed through contractor services.
How to Succeed as an ATS Driver: 5 Tips
Now that you’re on your way to pick up your first load and then head home to pick up the rest of your stuff, you might be wondering how you can find success at ATS. After all, every company is different and it can be an adjustment starting somewhere new.
These tips will set you on the right path.
1. Build a Strong Relationship with Your Driver Manager
You’ll meet with operations and meet your driver manager during orientation. Trust takes time to build, so start building your relationship immediately. No doubt you’ll encounter problems on the road; you want to feel comfortable coming to your driver manager for support.
You also want to feel comfortable enough to resolve issues with your driver manager should you have them. If they’re doing something that bothers you, tell them. Little issues can turn into big issues if they aren’t dealt with.
As a former driver myself, my best piece of advice to you is to be honest with your driver manager and build trust with them. Their sole purpose is to make you successful as a driver and keep you happy; you have to trust them to do their job.
They know the ins and outs of the company, from pay to freight lanes. They know everything you don’t know yet. Use their wealth of knowledge about the company to your advantage.
They’re your biggest supporter and can help you achieve your goals. Think of your driver manager as your personal cheerleader.
Related: Learn more strategies to effectively communicate with your driver manager.
2. Ask Tons of Questions
You’re at a new company hauling new freight, driving new freight lanes, dealing with new customers and more. Take the time to ask questions. Be sure you understand what’s needed and required of you before you leave orientation — and don’t be afraid to ask for more training should you need it.
Then, when you’re on the road, keep the questions rolling as they come up.
When you receive load offers, take the time to ask for further details. Don’t just skim the load offer and go.
Ask about arrival time, operating and receiving hours, which entrance you should use, if you can offload early, if the customer has any special notes, etc. Until you get used to these new customers and freight lanes, you should make a habit of asking a lot of questions.
You’re also new to the company and can’t be expected to know everything about the job right away. Especially if you’re in a new division — for instance, you’ve never done flatbed before — ask questions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your driver manager or your recruiter.
If you’re unsure how to secure a load, the safety team is happy to help. Send them a picture and they’ll provide feedback. They can tell you if your load looks secure or if you need to make adjustments. They can talk you through the whole process. In fact, drivers new to the flatbed program at ATS will be required to participate in a picture program for a set period. Drivers send photos of their securements for safety approval.
You have the support of ATS. Lean on us.
3. Start Trip Planning
Maybe you’ve been in the industry for years and you already know how to trip plan and don’t think you need to do it. Or, you knew your routes so well in the past that you didn’t have to trip plan.
However, you haven’t worked at ATS before, remember? You’re running new routes in different areas. The most successful drivers are the ones who understand trip planning and take the time to do it every day.
You might be running in areas you’ve never been. Trip planning is helpful because instead of flying blind, you’ll have a concrete plan for the day. You’ll know where you can stop for fuel, where you can take your break and where you can park for the night. This will not only save you frustration, but it’ll also make you more efficient.
Related: These tips will help you become a trip planning pro.
4. Pay Attention to the Details
Again, you’re at a new company. You may have 10 years of experience, but you don’t have 10 years of experience at ATS. Having strong attention to detail in your first few months at ATS is the key to success.
Take the time to learn your new routes and new customers. Take the time to understand when you need to turn in load paperwork so you get paid on time.
Don’t get complacent. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you can miss something.
5. Be Patient and Find Your Groove
It takes some time to get used to a new company. Be patient! You might not be a top earner right away. You might not know everything in the first two months.
Give it some time to learn everything and find success with ATS. Success won’t happen overnight.
Keep On Trucking
Once you’ve finished orientation, you’ll become a certified driver and receive a permit book and a driver badge. From there, you’ll load up your truck and soon be on your way to pick up your first load!
While you’re adjusting to ATS, be sure to communicate with your driver manager, ask a lot of questions, trip plan, pay attention to details and be patient. It takes time to get into your groove at a new company.
Now that you’ve become a certified driver at ATS, you probably want to work toward being the most efficient driver you can be. Check out these tips to keep you moving so you can meet your financial goals.