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.
