ATS Driver Orientation: What to Expect

Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) driver orientation lasts three days for dry van drivers and four days for flatbed drivers. During orientation, you'll complete paperwork, review safety procedures, take required tests, and meet the people who will support you on the road. ATS also arranges your travel and lodging so you can focus on getting ready for your new role.

Starting with a new trucking company is a big step. Before orientation, you have plenty to think about, from giving notice at your current carrier to gathering paperwork and making travel plans.

At ATS, we hold in-person orientation every week. You'll get to meet the people you'll work with, including your Driver Manager (DM), our safety team, and other ATS staff. We want you to arrive feeling prepared and leave feeling confident about what's ahead.

Here's what you can expect from ATS driver orientation, including where you'll go, what to bring, what you'll learn, and what happens next.

Key Points to Consider with ATS Driver Orientation

• Orientation lasts three days for dry van drivers and four days for flatbed drivers.
• ATS covers travel, lodging, and meals during your stay.
• Training includes safety, compliance, and hands-on equipment sessions.
• You'll meet your Driver Manager (DM) before heading out on your first load.
• You must complete the required tests and checks before you're approved to drive for ATS.

Location of ATS Orientation

ATS holds driver orientation at two locations: St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Porter, Indiana. All contractors attend orientation at our headquarters in St. Cloud, while company drivers attend orientation in Porter.

Your driver consultant will confirm your orientation location, schedule, and travel details before you leave.

Travel and Lodging Details

Once you've committed to an orientation date, ATS will begin arranging your travel and accommodations.

Orientation begins on Monday, so we ask that you arrive by Sunday afternoon. This gives you time to settle in and rest before your first day.

Depending on where you're traveling from, ATS will arrange a flight or rental car. We'll try to accommodate your travel preference whenever possible. Your driver consultant will confirm your reservations, including rental car pickup and drop-off times, hotel check-in details, and transportation from the airport.

What About Hotels, Meals, and Family?

ATS will book a nearby hotel room for you, with shuttle service to orientation. You'll have your own room rather than sharing with another driver. If you're bringing a pet, let your driver consultant know ahead of time. ATS can arrange a pet-friendly hotel, although you'll be responsible for any pet deposits.

ATS is a family-owned company, so we understand the importance of family. You may bring your spouse or partner to orientation. They can stay at the hotel or join your orientation class. ATS will cover their accommodations and meals. Just let us know about any food allergies before you arrive.

If you have questions or run into travel delays, an on-call driver consultant will be available to help. They can assist with reservations, fuel and toll funds, and transportation arrangements.

For more information about flights, rental cars, and hotel accommodations, read our guide to traveling to ATS driver orientation.

How to Prepare for ATS Orientation

Once you confirm your orientation date, your driver consultant will send you a welcome packet and checklist.

Review these materials carefully. They explain what you need to complete before orientation and which documents you should bring.

Your ATS Orientation Preparation Checklist

Before leaving for orientation:

• Review your welcome packet and confirm your travel details.
• Complete your FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse consent.
• Give proper notice to your current carrier.
• Return your current truck to an authorized location.
• Gather the required paperwork for your driver program.
• Pack essential clothing and personal items.
• Check the weather at your orientation location.

Taking care of these steps ahead of time will help you avoid delays when you arrive.

Consent to the FMCSA Drug Screening

Before orientation, you'll need to provide consent for a full query through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Your driver consultant will send you a link so you can complete this step before traveling.

Put in Notice at Your Current Carrier

Once you've committed to attending ATS orientation, give your current carrier proper notice. Two weeks is usually enough, but make sure you have time to finish your responsibilities and return your truck.

Your truck must be returned to an authorized location. If it isn't, you may need to reschedule orientation.

If you're traveling directly from your previous carrier to ATS, make time to clean out your truck and pack what you'll need before returning it.

Bring the Proper Paperwork

The documents you'll need depend on whether you're joining ATS as a company driver or independent contractor.

All drivers will also complete a welcome packet when they arrive at the hotel.

Before attending orientation, you'll need to confirm that you returned your previous truck to an authorized location. Your driver consultant will also confirm whether another driver referred you to ATS.

Lease Drivers

If you're an independent contractor leasing a truck, bring:

• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) or passport, along with the required identity documents
• Account information for direct deposit
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers for three emergency contacts
• Your 10-year work history
• Medical card and physical copies of the required medical documents

Company Drivers

Company drivers should bring:

• Medical card and required medical documents
• Social Security card, birth certificate, and passport
• TWIC
• Account information for direct deposit
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers for three emergency contacts
• Your 10-year work history
• Spouse and family information for benefits paperwork
• Signed smoking and pet policy forms

You only need to provide three years of work history before attending orientation, but you'll need your full 10-year history once you arrive.

Some drivers choose to complete their physical and drug testing before traveling. ATS can also arrange required testing during orientation.

Your driver consultant will confirm which documents apply to you.

Complete Any Required Health Screening

Review your welcome packet for current health screening requirements before traveling.

If you're sick or have symptoms that may affect your ability to attend, contact your driver consultant before leaving. They can help you determine the next steps.

Pack the Essentials

We recommend packing enough clothes for about two weeks, with no more than two bags.

Even though orientation lasts only a few days, you may head out on the road shortly afterward. Packing for that possibility can make the transition easier. Check the weather before leaving and bring clothing that's appropriate for the season and your training activities.

Not sure what to wear? Our ATS orientation dress code guide can help you pack.

What Will Be Covered at ATS Orientation?

ATS orientation includes paperwork, safety training, equipment instruction, and required assessments. You'll also meet several ATS teams who will help you understand company expectations and prepare for your first load.

We don't want to rush you through the process. Our goal is to give you the information and support you need to feel confident when you get on the road.

Does Attending ATS Orientation Mean I'm Hired?

Not yet. Being invited to ATS orientation does not mean you're officially hired or approved as an independent contractor.

You must complete the required paperwork, training, tests, and background checks before ATS can certify you to drive.

Road Test

On your first day, you'll rotate through several activities, including a road test in a truck simulator, training videos, and assessments. Topics include:

• Safety and injury prevention
• Claims procedures
• The ATS driver app
• Other important driving and company expectations

These activities help our team assess your readiness and prepare you for driving with ATS.

Truck Selection

If you're an independent contractor leasing a truck, you'll meet with the leasing team to review available equipment. You'll have an opportunity to inspect trucks and make a selection based on availability and your preferences.

You'll also meet with the leasing department and contractor services to review and sign your lease and operating contract.

Safety and Securement Training

Safety is a major part of ATS orientation. Our safety team will review company expectations, Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, and safe driving practices.

Dry van and flatbed drivers complete training that applies to their freight and equipment.

Flatbed drivers receive hands-on instruction in our securement bay and are tested on securing different types of loads. This includes proper use of chains, straps, and other securement equipment.

Dry van drivers review the securement practices that apply to their freight and complete a written test.

If you're joining ATS as a flatbed driver, learn more about what to expect from ATS securement training.

You can also explore our dry van driving opportunities to learn more about that career path.

Hours of Service

Our team will review Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and ATS expectations for logging your driving and on-duty time.

You'll learn what you need to know to maintain accurate logs and stay compliant while on the road.

Permits

You'll meet with our permit department to learn about the permits that may be required for the freight you haul and the areas where you operate.

Finances

If you're an independent contractor leasing a truck, you'll meet with a member of our finance team.

This is an opportunity to ask questions about managing your business finances and learn about available financial services.

Work Verification

ATS will review your 10-year work history along with your application.

Your experience must meet our qualification standards. If ATS cannot verify enough qualifying work experience, you may not be approved to drive.

Physical and Drug Test

You must meet the applicable medical and drug testing requirements before driving for ATS.

If you don't bring the required medical card and physical paperwork, you may need to complete a DOT physical during orientation.

You'll also need to pass the required drug test.

Criminal Background Check

ATS completes criminal background checks as part of its driver qualification process. Your driver consultant can explain our background guidelines before orientation so you can determine whether you meet the requirements.

If your background check shows that you don't meet ATS qualifications, you won't be approved to drive.

Certification

After you've completed the presentations, required training, tests, and background checks, ATS can certify you to drive. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with your Driver Manager and prepare for the next stage of your journey.

Want to know what happens after orientation? Read I'm Done with ATS Orientation...Now What? to learn how you'll prepare for your first load.

Secure Your Orientation Spot Today

Now that you know what to expect from ATS orientation, it's time to get ready!

ATS will handle your travel arrangements, but it's important to arrive on time, review your welcome packet, and bring the required paperwork.

If anything is unclear, reach out to your driver consultant before leaving. We're here to help you prepare.

You can also review the five background checks ATS completes before working with drivers to better understand the qualification process.

When you're ready, contact your driver consultant to confirm your orientation spot.

We look forward to welcoming you to ATS!